One year a friend got me a couple jelly rolls and fat quarters in colors I don't like! Mainly orange items. This may seem odd but sometimes you just need a bit of a certain color and I do not want to buy orange! This gave me a variety of tones and patterns without having to buy 1/4 yards of things I don't like. (She also included a nice bottle of wine.) I have found myself on several occasions going into the orange stash for a bit for appliques and highlights. And every time I think of her.