I've pretty much stopped buying just one fabric at a time unless it's a tone on tone or solid that I know I'll use. I tend to find a fabric set (usually on sale) and then find a pattern to go with it. I'll buy the entire fabric needed for that specific project, even though I may not get to it for a year or so. At least I have it all when I do start. I usually ma Queen/King size quilts, so 3 1/2 yards for the outer border is necessary. I'll get 3/4 yard for smaller borders, and about 1/2 yard for binding. The fabric needed for the inner part of the quilt depends on the pattern.