Fabric for backings is a good idea. I used to buy fabric when I liked it, but with no pattern in mind. It always seemed to me that when I wanted to use it it was too small, or not right. It seemed when I finally had a good pattern to use it in it had gone out of fashion (remember all those cute little calicos?) I have a ton of scraps, so I don't whan to add to that. Now I just buy what I need for a pattern. I still end up with scraps! I am trying to clean up my sewing room, cutting the scraps into usable sizes, and I am amazed at what I have found hiding here and there.