Many creative people here and many ways of doing things! I've discovered scrappy quilting and cut my leftovers into 1.5", 2", 2.5", and 3.5" strips and squares a la Bonnie Hunter. I find I'm sewing MORE by having the pieces ready to roll. I buy fabric in smaller pieces (usually 1/3 yard) for strips when I feel the urge to buy fabric - gets me lots of options and usually easier on the budget. If I need larger pieces for a pattern, I hit the stash or buy what I need, especially borders and backgrounds. There's definitely no right or wrong way...just keep it fun. :-)