I used to get 2 yards of fabric for an unspecific project, and usually regretted not getting more. Now my rule of thumb is: If I like it - 3yds minimal, If I love it - 5 yds, and if it is something that I will use often, like blenders or solids( white or black), then I get the bolt. Yes, this does appear to be extravagant, but, there is nothing worse than running out of a particular fabric when you are almost done a quilt, only to find out the LQS has none left.