purplefiend

I don't usually buy solid color fabrics(I think they stand out too much), except for muslin in either bleached or unbleached. I prefer tone on tones and I love novelty prints. A good fabric stash has different sizes of prints and you need light,medium and dark fabrics.

madamekelly

Try some of the ideas here. Works for most of us. Good luck!
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-96244-1.htm

Farm Quilter

I am always on the lookout for tone on tone material that reads as solid but isn't, like Moda Marbles and other blenders. Be careful not to get a stash filled only with small prints, as your tastes change as your quilting matures and you don't want a stash of material you don't like! Also remember that most quilts include large, medium and small prints - the variety adds interest to your quilt.

judy_68

I just buy what looks good in the moment

ConnieF

I buy a lot of fabs I like and not hardly ever a solid color I prefer the ones that read as a solid it really small print.
I buy things that go together so I can use as a project. And sometime have to add to it later.
I hardly ever buy less than a yard and most of the time 3 to 5.5 yards if I think it might be a good backing.
I always look for fabs with gold in them to use for piping and glitz.

Wunder-Mar

I would check out fat quarter bundles in either Connecting Threads or Keepsake Quilting or Clotilde - after buying a few bundles, you'll have a good idea how combinations might go together.

Marvel

I usually check out my favorite colors first. Its always nice to have some panels or novelty prints for childrens quilts. Figure what you use the most of and I'd go for that. Marvel

Julie in NM

Hmmm...building a shash. Everyone says to but a different cut. You need FOCUS fab and then stuff to go with it. That's what make the quilt and builds the stash. My stash is a mess. Focus fab and nothing to go with it and fab that doens't go with anything. Don't buy fb just because it's one sale. Buy because you like it and will use it, some day.

Eisgoow

You are right, if you buy several of the different shades in one line then it can be added in and makes it easier.

skeet

ladies what are blenders? still learning the quilting language.