Julie, when I plan to shop a clearance, I gather up all the patterns that I need fabric for and make a list of the colors and amounts that I'm going to need for each pattern. I look for those first. Then if I see some things that I'd just like to have for a future project yet unplanned I decide if it's fabric that I would use as a main fabric for the quilt or if I would more likely use it as a filler and then buy accordingly to my best guess of how much I might need. Sometimes I'm just needing backings to finish off some tops I've already completed so I might just shop for those. It really just depends on your fabric needs at the moment. If you're just stash building, well I'd still consider how it might be used and then purchase an amount that would be useful in a future project. For stash building, just buy what you love and a few fabrics that will accent or contrast with the main piece. There really aren't any rules, lol, I just buy what speaks to me if I'm just shopping for the sake of shopping. Don't forget to get some thread to go with the projects your considering. CT has great threads, I love the cotton threads and huge variety of colors available. CT also has free shipping with a $50 purchase. Have fun!!