If you are lucky enough to have several LQSs in your area, get to know what styles of fabric they specialize in. Some shops have a lot of civil war and 30's fabrics; others, tons of batiks and Asian prints; still others, modern fabrics. I have also found that sometimes, especially if you are using solids, you have to go to several shops to find enough varying shades of certain colors. The LQS employees can be very helpful. I find that they will often find the perfect fabric that I would have overlooked because it didn't appeal to me. I have also learned that if you can't seem to find what you are happy with, just leave and try another shop or another day.