Porcelina, I would be interested in what pattern you are using. I have had my 17 black and white FQ for a year and can't find a pattern I like. And welcome from WA.. I have learned so much here. Have fun.

If you find a print you want, you can also ask the LQS if they will cut a FQ for you from the bolt. That way you do not have to buy a packet for just a few prints, and you will get what you want. Most shops will do that for you.

All our LQS's will gladly cut FQ's for customers, or at least the ones I have been to.

The reasom for FQ's on the pattern may be the sizes of the different pieces you will need. A 1/4 yd of fabric is only 9" wide by the length of the fabric. Therefore if a particular piece was more than 8 1/2" in both directions you might not have enough fabric. I tend to allow extra 'wiggle room' for cutting my fabric.

If you can get by with half the number of different prints, go with half yard cuts. If you take a half yard cut and cut it at the fold, you get two fat quarters. Like others have said, every shop I've been to will cut fat quarters. But around here fat quarters are $3.50 each and yardage is about $10 so it's a lot higher to get fat quarters cut.

Thanks for all the information - I am also a newbie to quilting and this was very helpful:)