Hi, Easy Peezy!
My first project is going to be an extra large tote bag for groceries, etc.How do I figure out how much material I need?
Shayvian

I gave up on making tops, but I can't resist the fabric section! However, the prices usually send me away empty handed! I do have an amazing stash tho.... all of it is 100% cotton. I let my friends and coworkers know that I collect. They give me old shirts and dresses, etc. I also buy them cheap (a stain on the front doesn't scare me away!) for $.25-$1 (a dollar if it's really nice!!!)
I cut the buttons/zippers off and save them too. I cut the cloth along the seam and then roll it all up together. I discard the cuffs, the collars and the shoulder part that is at least 2 layers of fabric! It doesn't take up as much room with that stuff gone. I estimate I get 2 yards of perfectly good fabric this way.

Most of my stash is stuff that my grandmother gave me out of the overflow of her stash. I either buy for a specific project or buy small amounts of fabric I like (I've been doing a lot of scrappy), generally fq or just small bits of yardage. I also have a relatively small stash and don't have the budget (or the need) to be bringing home bolts or great lengths of yardage (though I certainly see plenty of fabrics that provide the temptation! :) )

I like to buy yardage.

All of the above also. I do go to thrift Shops and buy Cotton Pillowcases, Mens Shirts, Ladies Cotton Skirts/Blouses in good condition. Cut them up and more stash added for minimum cash. I check the Yard Sales too, and have found nice Plastic cutting rulers, templates and fabric.

I've been building mine for retirement, while I can afford to purchase..... still small compared to the ones I've seen posted. I open my computer every 2 days at 7a.m. to the board and buy here!!!!! Of course I'll grab something while I'm out too. So far I've purchased fat quarters, squares and yards. Any material I think would make a nice backing or a good stack n wack I buy a min of 7 yards.

Many of the stores give 10% off if you buy EOB. Ask about that if find a fabric that you like and looks like it is close to the end.
If you like a fabric, buy it.

This was how my mother always purchased her fabric. She had a huge stack. I inheritated 10 big plastic storage bins of fa bric.

I buy end of bolt and good sales. I like to check out the 40% off section at our local quilt shop. Fat quaters when they're on sale.

You have to remember...When you see some of the stashes here that most of them have been quilting for years. I haven't been quilting but have sewn for so many years I hardly remember but I'm one of the material horders. LOL Don't have a clue as to what I have.