You're supposed to have a plan? :(

I've appreciated the observations/advice from a couple of you saying you'd focus on blenders/backgrounds. I don't necessarily always have a choice of what I purchase (thrifting is alive and well in my world), and those seem to be among the rarest of thrift store finds. I am thinking that when I next go to the LQS, I will be focusing my attention (with some difficulty, I'm sure) on the less eye-catching fabrics that will work well with whatever treasures I'm able to find in my thrift adventures. Is it just me, though, or are they the least likely to be on sale (and in stock) at any given time?

I should also confess that I have found I am more likely to plan my quilts around what I actually have (with judicious additions if absolutely necessary) rather than to go into a store with a pattern or list in hand. To me, that's part of the fun and challenge of quilting. :-)

Pre Covid-19, when I'd go to a fabric store, very rarely would I have any kind of a plan. I was more of a "buy it now and figure out later what to make with it". After having to stay home/out of fabric stores, I'm a bit more organized. Now however, I usually have some kind of a plan, or at least, a rough idea of why I'm therehttps://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/biggrin.png

I will usually buy a yard and plan a quilt around it. Enjoy Paducah. A fun place to go.

I like scrappy quilts. I used to buy 1/2 yards but now I buy 1/3 yards unless it is a fabric I really like. I have a huge stash and I just don’t need 1/2 yards anymore.

I usually buy the minimum unless it is at a store I particularly want to support. Online I usually have to buy 1/2 yard unless shopping through ETsy where many vendors have 1/4 yard minimums.

Hancocks has great batik remnants. And you can always use neutrals and wide backing. But do get at least one fabric you fall in live with.

I have started using my cell phone to take pictures, front and back, of a few patterns - that way if I find something that catches my eye I pull up the pictures and have the fabric requirements right there

Seajay

It is not like garment yardage where you know how many yards for a dress, skirt or pants. I think you should pick out three or four patterns you have been wanting to try and take those measurements with you. That way you won't have to little or excess for at least one project.