When I first started quilting, I was a very OCD person about colors and fabrics. Then I started making family reunion quilts where fabrics were sent to me, which I had to use in the quilt. I would cut just a few strips, then cut more as they are needed. It was once suggested that I put the strips/pieces into a brown paper bag and unless it matched the previous fabric, you had to use it; but I've never progressed that far.