If I find a good, good sale (like, at Hobby Lobby, sometimes they will have fabric for $2.00 a yard that started out at 6-7 or more per yard..........if I like it, I usually get whatever is left on the bolt.........the larger amounts are really good to have for the quilt backing...........
Recently, at Wally World, I found some for $1.50 a yard, that had been 6.00 a yard..........and some of it was cute, kid type prints (I do a lOT for Project LINUS)..........so I got all that was left on those bolts..........if I like it, I like it and get all I can..........if i dont really like it, I leave it in the store.
Fortunately, I dont get into the stores to shop very often, so my budget can stand a jolt every once in awhile. I think you need to figure out about how much you can spend each month, then look for bargains that you really like.......and go get some!