I agree with just about all the comments here so far. Be very, very careful - it CAN be addicitive. It is rare that I leave a quilt store without purchasing something - even though I have gotten MUCH better - three times recently - no purchase!! :). Fat quarters are nice to have as fillers. 1 - 1 1/2 yards should be the minimum when the fabric just HAS to be purchased - there will be those times. I have had so much fabric donated to me and purchased that I was able to make four quilts without purchasing an inch of fabric - and I could probably do that again two more times at least - may be a bit sad... Now that I am not working I plan on asking for gift certificates for quilt stores/JoAnn's for any and all occassions. Why not? It will keep me from spending other times and still have a nice gift.