I'd have to say both--I sometimes buy fabric with a specific pattern in mind, it gets setback for whatever reason and by the time I get around to it I don't like the fabric, pattern or both. so then I steer in another direction,using a different pattern or even using the fabrics for other stuff. I also have gone as far as cutting out the fabrics for a specific quilt and just. not. liking. it. When that happens I try to use the fabric either in different blocks, pattern or just pull the offending fabric out and revise the whole plan. I have a friend that financially is strapped for new fabric purchases but works on lots of 6" blocks so can use small fabric contributions--I would throw the fabric I don't like into the bag I save for her.