For me, when I am able to drive to the nearest fabric store, I usually buy at least 3 or 4 yards if something catches my eye. I don't usually buy for a project, I buy if I find something I really love. When I was working, if I had a really bad day at work I would treat myself to a couple yards of fabric. Looking at all the pretty patterns would lift my spirits. I fugured, hey it's sure cheaper than going to a bar to drink. Now that I am disabled and in severe chronic pain, I sure am glad that I have that stash. Even though it hurts to sew, it's something I do to lift my spirits. Since I've become disabled, the pain has taken so much of the things that I used to enjoy away from me. Sewing is something I can still do, just much more slowly than I used to.