I buy for specific projects but sometimes those projects get put aside or I change my mind and use something else or I have more leftover than I thought so a stash gets built. The only fabric I've bought with no project in mind specifically are some bolts I bought from a quilt store that were on clearance. I did only buy the ones I thought would make good backings. Oh, and today I picked up some muslin from Joann since it was 60% off for backs of pillows.