I also did the Quilt Minnesota shop hop. I looked at projects I wanted to make and made a plan. I also did purchase some random pieces I did not plan on, but that was only because I had not seen that material anywhere else. I mainly plan so I can make my budget really stretch. I do love this shop hop. My SIL is from MN so she planned a path for us to follow and that helped a lot. We finished two sections and I stayed within my self imposed allotment (smile). I do love that organized MN shop hop.