I had been buying a metre here and there and the occasional FQ (but consider these to be an expensive way to buy fabric really) but in recent months I decided this was not the way to go for me personally as I may not be able to match up what I have in stash for something I would like to make so have now started buying with a project a mind. Buy the amount of fabric needed or thought to be needed and put it altogether with a note saying what I have in mind for the fabric and where the pattern is kept (if I intend using a pattern)Using this method I also buy about 1/4 to 1/2 metre more than I need of the fabric for those just in case moments. Am sure to build up my stash this way. Seems to be working for me.

Maybe1day

Start by looking for sales, yard sales, thrift stores, etc.
I buy what hits me at the time I am looking at it. If it is
something that I really like I get a 1 or 2 yards. I have fat
quarters, pkgs of precut squares, different sizes.

I rarely bought fabric "just because I like it", but always for a specific project. Then a year ago I inherited a stash and now people give me fabric all of the time!! Now I have a huge stash!! Someone told me that if you like it, buy a yard, love it, 1 1/2, can't live without it, 3 yards. YOu will find that if you just buy fat quarters, you will find that you may not find it again if you want more than that.

Haha I have a beginner's book written by Carol Doak where she says something along those very same lines. It's great advise!

My problem is that if it's on sale, and I mean getting nice quilt quality fabric for $3 or $4 a yard, then I buy what's left on the bolt and usually get 2 or 3 yards. I have a pretty substantial stash of stuff along with scraps from other jobs.

My story is you can never have enough fabric and I'm sticking to it!

I can't go buy a beep-load of fabric, so I usually buy an extra half yard of everything I buy. If I find something that calls my name, I will buy up to 10 yards, depending on price.
Example- I found a dark tonal burgundy for $1 per yard, I know I will use a lot of it, so I bought 10 yards. It has gone into 4 quilts already, and I still have over five yards left. I also hunt at garage sales, rummage sales, etc. (Before you do this, make sure you can 'feel' the cotton content, and do a burn test before using.)

I always buy at least 3 yds of the same fabric. Try to build your stash with colors you like or would like to use in a quilt. You could look at quilt books and get an idea of home much is needed according to size.

If you keep buying as needed, you will soon have a stash from the left overs...and then you could add something to it...and then that would look nice with that...and then...

I go strolling through the fabric and if I find a bolt with just a little bit left on it and I like it I buy it. If you are recognized as a frequent shopper ( store name coupons or they just see you there drooling often :lol: ) they will measure it and you get the fabric that is more than a yard for 1/2 price because it is the end of bolt. Sometimes the quilt shops will have an "end of bolt" sale and you can get it for around 1/2 price if you take whatever is left on the bolt. I still make sure I like it, then when I rediscover it in my stash I'm like a kid in a candy store and my quilting imagination can't wait to work it into a pattern.