I live in Orlando, Florida and our quilt pickings are rather slim. For me, it depends on what I want to quilt and for whom. Will it get lots of wear (grandkids) or be a treasure? I often buy from Luann Rubin on line cause she has such a selection. Locally, I buy from the quilt shops, which are few, and expensive, if I want really quality fabric. I buy a lot of fabric at Walmart's cause it's cheap. I seldom buy fabric for a sprecial project. I tend to buy fabric when I see it and have a good idea as to the use. I've been sewing for years and by now have a pretty good idea as to quality and hand. I've gotten some really good buys at Walmart.
Unfortunately, many of our quilt shops are closing now. Even Walmart has taken fabric out of most of their stores. We also do a lot of fabric exchange in our guild.