I do the same as smickchick when buying fabric. I usually buy 1/2 yard as 1/4 yard doesn't give me much leeway with just 8". I shop the sale racks/rooms at quilt shops a lot and there is usually a 1 yard minimum so if that's the case it's 1 yard cut. I don't ever seem to be in a bind when it comes to making things so that works for me.