Buy what you can afford, but if you purchase locally, feel the fabric. There are many online places that have sales and free shipping. Get on some email lists. I like thousands of bolts, fabric.com, connecting threads, Favorite Fabrics and Equilters are a few that I use. I also buy from Joanns, Hancock's, Hobby Lobby and even Walmart. I use coupons, watch for sales and once in awhile I have paid $12.99 a yard for an entire quilt. It is sitting in my stash and I pet it every once in awhile. LOL. I have a couple projects to finish before I break into that gorgeous fabric. Good luck, you 'll do fine.