I have never bought at garage sales or thrift shops because I managed a LQS and I was working so had $$ to pay full price minus my discount. After working 10 yrs there I acquired quite a large stash of quality fabric. So now that I am retired and $$ is not as abundant as it was before I only buy when I don't have a particular color to finish a project that was started from my stash. When I have to match something I go to the LQS and have to pay full price for what I need. Paid $21.50 for 2 yds of a green Elizabeth Studio collection, and that was with my friends discount. Now I am waiting for that friend to get 2 yds of Moda Marbles to finish a quilt that I started 10 yrs ago, so will have to pay full price.
I now buy from Fabric.com and other internet sites, especially for wide backs to finish quilts that I have make from my stash. I don't go to LQS anymore..don't need to.