If the fabric is "OMG I HAVE TO HAVE THAT FABRIC!" then I will buy a MINIMUM of 3 yards but usually 4 yds. Here are my thoughts on buying this kind of fabric:
1. If you use it for a focus fabric you have plenty of it. Will have some left over to use for accent in another quilt.
2. If you use it for a border fabric you have plenty of it. Will have some left over to use for accent in another quilt.
3. If you use it for accent fabric you have plenty of it. Will have some left over to use as focus fabric in another quilt.
4. If you use it as a focus and border fabric you have plenty of it. Will have a quilt you love so much you will keep it for yourself. Will have enough left over to use for accent in another quilt.
Do you see a commonality here?