I usually buy at least 2 yds. If it's on sale and I love it, I will sometimes buy 4 yds. I'm ashamed to say I have way toooooooo much in my stash but can't seem to part with any of it. I might just need that one fabric to go with something!!! LOL. I, too, am an "older" person on a fixed income to only buy on sale. I like fabric.com, thousandsofbolts and connecting threads also as they have some good bargains. Happy Quilting !!