I buy what I like. Some shops have really good end of bolt prices, $5/yd. I rarely buy precuts though. I can cut them myself and save the money for more fabric! If I like it, I buy it. If I don't then I usually regret it later. So to save time, energy and regret, I just buy larger quantities of fabrics I like. If I must have it and don't have a lot of money at that time, I'll buy 1/4 yard of it and keep the receipt with it, so I know where to get more, should I need it later! Welcome to quilting! Where do you live? There are wonderful things called 'Shop hops.' Your area may have them too!