I do both. Sometimes, the pattern comes first, but more often than not, I find a fabric that I love and then look for a pattern.

I don't have much of a stash (I know - hard to fathom!) and most of it is remnants from the bins at Hancocks, Joann Fabrics, or Hobby Lobby. I love the scrappy look and have found lots of scraps at one flea market I go to. I only buy specifically for a project if I get a request or there is a baby coming. otherwise I mainly quilt for my own pleasure.

I do both. Sometimes when I buy on whim of just liking it and may even have someone in mind, it doesn't actually materialize. So I am trying to keep from buying "just because..." I have bought the material that a pattern recommended to make a specific quilt. It was perfect for that person, but there was an abundance of leftovers so now I am designing one using the left overs with a few extra pieces and a backing. Then I am getting 2 for nearly the price of one;o) Well at least that's rational b/c I spent a bundle for the 1st one...

I just buy what I like, I do try to also buy one or two co-ordinating fabrics to go with it. My stash will cover any others I need to use with the new fabric.

I usually never have a plan when I buy fabric. Usually I buy because I love the fabric or the price was to good to pass up. Rarely but it does happen, I am looking for a specific material to finish off a quilt I am working on. It is all fun!

I don't usually have anything in mind when i find something i really like or the price is right i just buy it. I do have more fabric than i can ever use but keep getting those deals.....I had a coffee mug that said "The one who dies with the most fabric wins" My dh said you don't have to live by those rules do you????? He just dosen't know what it is all about..............

I don't buy like I used to, retired now, but if I really really like it I buy it. If it looks like a good border print I buy at least 3 yards.

Yes.

That's my answer. Yes.

I rarely buy fabric with a plan on what I'm making with it.

I have a very healthy stash...lol...so, I am trying to just buy if I need it to fit in with a project...but, I have to admit if there were a show for "fabric hoarders", I think the producers would be at my door asap!!...

I really try to buy with a plan, but alas, I am a true 'fabraholic' and I can barely fit into my sewing room anymore. I'm REALLY going to try to do better this year!

Over the years I have accummulated a healthy "stash". I don't impulse buy as much as I use to and I have turned to more speciality quilts rather than scrappy quilts. I find that by purchasing kits I cut out my tendency to overbuy fabric which made the quilt more expensive than it needed to be. Some quilt designers are way over the top however with their pattern costs and kits and I stay away from them. However, I find that I have way more fabric than my remaining years could use and I need to decide what to do with it, as I am the only quilter in our rather large family.

I usually have a 'to do' list of 3-5 quilt patterns I want to make. I check to see what I have in my stash, and what I need. Then when I see fabric on sale I know what I need for any of my 'to do' quilts.
I keep these stacks separate, along with the pattern, so I know when I have enough fabric for the quilt.
Solids and tone-on-tone fabrics are probably what I stock up on when it's on sale whether I need it or not.

I sometimes have a plan but a lot of times - no plan. Just love the fabric and will figure something out later.

I usually buy fabric with a pattern in mind but have been known to change patterns after buying the material.

I do both. I have a good stash and plenty of scraps to keep me busy for some time, but if I am in a store and a fabric speaks to my heart, I will buy a couple of yards because I know I will use it. This is especially true if it is on sale. I seldom by a $12 a yard fabric that speaks to me because my debit card is yelling much louder, "What are you thinking?". On the other hand if that $12 a yard fabric is the perfect piece for a work in progress, then I will measure twice and buy only what is needed and round the yardage up to the next quarter yard so I have some scraps for my scrap bags. (This doesn't happen often because I seldom go into shops that sell those high priced fabrics.)

Interesting question. I had not given much thought to my shopping "philosophy" until now.

That's the story of my life.....I just buy it if it speaks to me. I tell people that the new fabric is to keep the old fabric company.

Lynn

I usually buy with a plan in mind. I can't afford to buy randomly and don't have the space to store it. On a rare occasion, I will buy without a plan. If I see a great bargain at a garage sale however, I will buy it without a plan.

I buy without a plan, just general idea. I also buy at least 2 1/2 yards if it's something that will work for borders.

I buy what I think will look good when I get a plan. :-) I just love fabric and like to see it on my shelf.

I do both but with today's prices I'm more restrained :)

I usually buy for a project. However, I love MICE so I was at a LQS near my sister and saw some adorable mouse fabric. I bought 3 yards on the spot with no plan, but it is there in my stash waiting for inspiration.

I sometimes collect for a special quilt that isn't fully designed yet. I am currently working on rocks and wood for a quilt that is still not clear on my design board (or my brain whichever) but I know I'll need these fabrics.

I find some of the other answers are interesting!!!

I do both. Some I buy for a specific project, but most of it I buy because I love it or it's a super good price.

I am with you on this one for the most part... most of the time I don't have a plan... usually its just because I like it and know eventually I will find a home for it...Unless I do have a project started and have to find more to go with it ... then I usually find more for the stash at the same time...
I have EQ7 and use scan material when working on a project but never thought of just putting my stash in so is always available... new on my to do list... I like this idea

Just got my package of a 4 pack of Charms and Jelly roll of "Coming Home by Deb Strain for MODA, it was on sale from Today's Quilting in Plainsboro, NJ.... Great price and I loved the fabric as soon as I saw it... Haven't a Clue as to what pattern I will use but didn't want to miss out... this is the first time I have bought fabric on line...

That just about says it for me too. :-) I am going to try and control myself for a while this year. I have a fairly large stash and really need to use up LOTS of it.

I use to buy if I liked it usually about 3 yards as I figure I could always find a pattern to use it in. Now with over 20 totes full of material I decided I better start to use before I go to the great beyond. I have put some in the garage sale and people are happy to pay the price which is about 1/2 of what I paid for. I have 3 quilts in the works right now and have plans for 4 more that I have material that will work

I am a scrappy quilter and I buy only quilt shop quality - that has cut down on lots of disappointments in the quality of my fabrics. I've found great deals online and some wonderful places to buy my fabrics, so it doesn't have to be so expensive. I buy notions at JoAnn's and I'm amazed at what their fabric is priced at. 40% off is still on just one piece of fabric. Two years ago one of my fav quilt shops started selling scraps - they have a HUGE online store, and these scraps are fabrics that were cut and not sold, end of bolts, etc. I bought over 30 yds three different times - gave my scrap containers a boost. I try and cut a 1 1/2", 2", 2 1/2" strips - these containers are bursting. I'm now putting them into lights & med darks containers. I'm also in a swap group and we swap 2 1/2" strips of certain colors. Jamuary is browns. I am doing purple string blocks and one of our swaps was purples and I hit it hard, but I had over 100 different purples. I also got into that million pillowcase challenge. My only problem is I love these darn things so much and I'm now machine embroidering the cuffs. Good Excuse for buying lots of 2 yd lengths.
Judi

I have a list of quilts for family members. There is not too many places where I live to get fabric. I either buy online or wait till my DH and I travel. I have some fabric for some I thought about. I have a general idea what I want to do, so make sure I have enough fabric should I change my mind. I also managed to get this fabric before the prices started getting too steep. So, I would have to say, some planned, some not

I like having the fabric lines together because I am not very artistic. I don't have to like running around the store trying to figure out which yellow goes with the line I am purchasing. I like it is already picked out for me!

How else would I have gotten this stash in my sewing room? I do both buy without ideas and when needed for a project. I always buy more than I need.....

A bit of both. I always seem to find a pattern or a plan soon after buying unplanned fabrics. Other times I line up some frabrics from the stash and just buy a bit (ha-ha) to add - to the new projects as well as the stash.

You made me think about the large prints. I always wondered what on earth people used them for. Well My teacher at our quilt class for seniors makes quilts and she uses what ever and sometimes it is large prints. She will use them in different patters and my goodness does it look beautiful. I would never think to do that. But she says that when you are cutting it up into strips it doesn't matter how large the print is, you need to look at the colors. Just a thought for anyone else who like me walks away from those large prints. LOL.

I use to buy what ever I wanted when I was working and now that I am retired......I can't afford to do that. So I use my stash and I have to save up the money to buy the backing or batting.

I use to buy if I liked it. Now I am trying to use up my stash and only buy for whatever project I am working on if needed. It really is getting too expensive to just buy because I like it. If however I hit a really good sale like $1 a yard I buy for backs. :-) Whether I need one or not

both, but I am still building my stash. (as good of an excuse as any..giggle)

I actually do both! I buy fabric for a pattern. I buy fabric that I love. Since it is out only a short time if you love it buy it now! I also buy fabric for a UFO that needs just the right fabric. I also buy fabric for a furture pattern to design with it. That is the hardest way for me since then I have to design a pattern to fit the fabric. Thanks for a great question. Luann

I am still buying if it's a good deal and if I think I will use it I too have a hefty stash so trying to cut back.

Sometimes I walk by a fabric and it calls my name. I have no clue what to make with it, but I don't care, I have to buy it. I got 2 of Sharon Yenter books and loved them. Walked by some fabric at Hobby Lobby and knew immediately I had to buy them for one of the Yenter quilts. Went to a LQS last week and saw a panel that I loved, bought it too. Found some fabric at Joann's and loved it, so did DH, bought it too. I know I can't make all what I want, but I sure do enjoy having it around. My goal this year is to make many many quilts and purses.

Does the sun ever shine on the equator? Of course I buy fabric just because...(fill in any excuse). Just can't pass up good colors, quality, and prices. :-D

I used to buy on impulse a lot more than I do now, trying to live on Social Security doesn't leave much for fabric. When I buy fabric now, it is for specific projects or if I see a fabric on sale that I absolutely have to have I buy a yard or two ad add it to my stash, which I have been using mostly for the last 2 years. When we moved and I tried to condense my stash I found fabric I had forgotten I had, now I keep my fabric in clear plastic totes, with labels hopefully, so I can see what I have at a glance.

Buying fabric without a plan is why my stash is horrendously large and doesn't really go together. Sigh. It will force me into imagination to use all this stuff. I love, love, love novelty fabric.