I try to only buy fabric to go with a pattern. That way I get only correct amount neede for that pattern. And then I put pattern with fabric in a plastic box and try to mark pattern or paper which fabric is to be used where. It is very easy to get confused and forget which pattern or where the fabric is to be used. I try not to buy fabric for which I do not know which patterns since I can not afford to have too big of a stash. That said- I do have fabric with pattern for about 10 quilts for myself! New pattern means new fabric!