I used to buy what I liked,usually a yd or 2.That's how I ended up with a whole lot of different types & is also how I have used stash for well over a year.
Recently bought 4yds of basic white to use in a quilt.Fabric in LQS is around $11.50 a yd.Too rich for me.....but it saves me money,cause I stay out of them & do my shopping on line.