i buy whole bolts of certain fabrics too...usually the first thing that i make from a whole bolt is a quilt or a garment..it takes at least three to four yards to make a really nice garment..then of course you might use some to make a matching accessory too..then of course there are quilt bindings, sashings, borders and so forth. i had seven pieces of fabrics that i saved from leftover bolts used on other projects and made seven gorgeous sunbonnets. one thing i buy usually two or three bolts of at the same time is muslin or good kona natural/white when these go on sale..it makes for a tremendous bargain and although it might sit on the shelf for a little while, it wont go to waste either and is always handy. years ago in the pioneer days fabric was purchased by the bolt because you never knew when fabric would be available to purchase.