When you are shopping and see a piece of fabric that you just have to have, what is the yardage you buy? Do you buy companion pieces to go with it, or do that at a later date? I am now finding that I don't have enough of something to make a quilt and of course bought the piece a long time ago. I usually buy one yard pieces and now am thnking I should up that to two yards. Any thoughts?

Thanks for any imput and........Happy Mother's Day to all!!!

If it's something that I absolutely love....I will buy at least 4 or 5 yards of it. If I am buying to make a certain quilt, I usually buy a yard more than what the directions call for. Especially if I am doing a fat quarter quilt, I will double the amount in case I like how it comes out, that way I can make another.
I have bought fabric that I liked, got home and decided I wanted more, only to go back to the store to see that they are sold out and aren't getting anymore.
Hence, why I buy MUCH more than I actually need.
If it's a GREAT sale that is going on, I will buy the bolt, of course, that is IF I can afford it. Since I am not working right now, I am given an allotment each month for fabric buying. Most of the time I will go over, but we won't tell hubby ;)
I will buy companion pieces if I like them, but most of the time I don't. Just depends on the mood I'm in, I guess......

I do the same thing. If it's something I really like, I will usually buy whatever is left on the bolt. They LOVE me at JoAnns, cause I do that a lot.

Thanks so much all for your replies. Guess I will just start buying more at a time!

Generally I will buy a yard or yard and a 1/2. Occasionally 2 yards.
Rarely do I buy more than that unless I plan on using it for the backing
or if I absolutely know what I'm going to use it for. I think I would do better if I bought a yard and 1/2 of most since I've run out more than a couple times. :oops:

I normally buy 4-10 yards depending on the availability. Plus I never pay more than 1.00 a yard at Walmart. They have great fabrics for 1.00 a yard here in VA.

I purchase either whatever is left or I purchase by the bolt from a supplier that I have for wholesale. For me, I sell some of my work and people are always looking at what I have as well as people who do get something from me or see something I have made for our family will want the same fabric in thoer item, so to make sure that I will not be stuck iwth not being able to get anymore of the same fabric I just purcahse by the bolt to ensure that I have enough for a few projects.

I started out like most people, purchasing 1 or 2 yards at a time but as time went on and I become more addicted I just decided to get the entire bolt!

Wow! I only get 1/2 yard and I have leftovers when I'm done my project. For a backing I tend to buy more than I think I'll need just in case but I had a lot of leftover yardage this last project and I'm running out of storage space. I mostly make wall hangings though. No king size quilts for me!

I usually just buy 1/2 meters or fat 1/4s, price being the limiting factor here. Most of my quilts are are scrap or semi scrap, I'll use colour families or themes to co-ordinate a quilt. Then maybe buy a bigger piece I need to finish off ie. sashings, binding etc. You don't see so many fully co-ordinated quilts over here, You don't see so many charity or everyday quilts made either, which is a shame but understandable. You do see quite a bit of scrap and minature work. I like doing minatures or small quilts because it allows me to try a pattern or style I like without having to invest hundreds in fabric

Lucky you. I'm glad my local Walmart still sells fabric but all the fabric that they have for $1/yd says "fabric of unknown origin" The fabric that they sell for $2/yd is pretty good and their top of the line fabric is $3.97/yd. Great prices but usually they can't get the same fabric again so you have to buy as much as you could possibly use. The only bolt I've bought is muslin with a 50% off coupon from JoAnn's