Lately I've been on a layer cake, jelly roll, charm packs etc kick.
Having said this- I've had a stash for many years so I can pull out just about anything if I need to.
But there is something so charming about those pre-cuts. I am going to do a D9P and everything is ready to go! So if you're not in the mood to cut it works out.

I have a huge stash & very little of it coordinates. If I were to start over again my advice to myself would be to not build a stash but to find the pattern first then go searching for fabric. I believe in the long run, whether it be precuts or yardage or both you will have built a stash from the leftovers & will have spent less money. There are tons of free patterns on the internet, just google it or search thru the links on this forum. Have fun!

If I see fabric I like, and know it will blend with some that I already have,but no pattern idea for it, I buy one yard. If I really like it, and kinda sorta have an idea what I can use it for, I buy 2 yards. If I REALLY love it, and have to have it, I buy 3 yards!
But fat quarters and half yard pieces are a good start to building your stash!

I too am a somewhat new quilter and am still learning. But this I do know and you will have to find this out for yourself, it's better to buy the yardage than the precut material. You are often paying for that extra work; something I don't like to do, and receiving fabric thats already precut for you- which you could enjoy doing yourself. Take your time and create a pattern as I have done many times over. Use your imagination! Create new ideas!!! :idea:

If you are drawn to precuts, go ahead and buy some - a variety is fine, but also buy a few bigger cuts from the pattern line - for borders, background fabric, binding, etc. It's hard to find a matching fabric later on, especially if you are looking on-line - the colors on the computer screen are NOT always what you see when you open the package.

I dont buy precuts,too exspensive.I by yardage usually or fat quarters. 20 fq will make a turning 20 quilt which is a fairly large one. cant do that with any of the pre cuts.

I bought some Bali Pops but only because they were 50% off and only the one package that I really liked. Now I'll use it for border or background to my applique!

I usually buy yardage. 2-4 yds at a time depending on yardage.

Whenever I see a fabric that I think I might use but don't have a pattern or current idea for --BUT-- I have to have it!--I buy 3 yards . My thinking on that is I can use half lengthwise for borders and the other half for that quilt or even a different one.

Also, try this link. Great patterns and more.

http://www.cozyquilt.com/