michelleoc -- If a pattern says 1/4yd, I do a half. I rarely buy fat quarters. My minimum size is 1/2 yard, and I rarely buy that. If I thing I will use the fabric for borders I will buy 3-4 yards since I don't like to piece my borders. If I love fabric and it will work for a lot of different quilts, I get 6 yards (I once bought 8 yards of a deep royal blue that found its way into a number of quilts but now I am down to scraps and can't find anything close. Have the same problem with a vivid red and a green). I am doing I spy quilts for my grandsons. I though to do the sashing and borders in different colors to give myself a break -- well 3 of 4 want the same red fabric and I only have enough for 1 or maybe 2. Sigh -- so annoying. Like the idea of taking a picture of the end of the bolt, it will help if I have to try to match the fabric online.