I used to buy fabric because I liked it, with no plan involved. But now I have a huge stash that seems difficult to use, so I gave some to my mom, some to friends, some to local charities. Now when I know I'm buying, I put the patterns I want to make the most (usually 8 or 10 patterns) in a small 3 ring binder and take it to the store with me. That way I can refer to the pattern's fabric requirements and look at the picture(s), which helps me envision the quilt with the fabrics I'm picking out.