I am a scrap quilter. When somethjng cotton showsup at the thrift shop, i buy it guilt free if i like it.
Next, jo ann fabrics has half price in the "red tag fabrics" on occasion. Quilting fabric for $2 a yard, makes great quilt backings. The leftovers from that go into binding and also more scraps!
Finally, i do buy fabrics that l love. 1/2 yard or 1 yard. I have been trying to get my husband to buy fat quarters instead of roses, but he just wont cooperate.