I tend to buy bolts of fabrics in solid and tone on tone. I also bargain shop to get the best deal however if I really like something such as batiks I'll buy it no matter what the price is if it appeals to me. Because I am a free spirited designer I seldom buy less than five yards of anyone type.
I do not use patterns and create what I see in my mind as I use the fabric. So I am the type that stitches, than slashes, and may stitch it all back up and may even slash it again to get the effect I see in my mind.
I waste nothing so even the smallest scraps, threads and such are saved to incorporate in a piece later on.