There is a difference between going into your local quilt shop and asking for the length of fabric you need after you see it in person on display and buying fabric on eBay.  The biggest difference is that you can find nearly any fabric that you would ever want on eBay, much more than any local store....and it is open 24/7!

Fabric is sold in many different lengths on eBay so it is important that you read the auction description, including the shipping price before you commit to purchase.  Sellers sell anything from fat quarters (see my guide to fat quarters) to 15 yard lengths, so don't ever assume that the length you are purchasing is a yard.  Look for an indication that the seller cuts his/her lengths to order to prevent buying a quantity of fabric that arrives in 5 one yard lengths rather than in one five yard length! 

If you need an exact match for fabric, I always recommend that you purchase a small quantity as a sample.  Ask the seller what is the smallest quantity he/she will sell and order that; then you have something in hand to make an exact match.  The variation in color monitors makes some fabrics read a different color on your computer than they are in real life, so it is always good to ask questions before you click on the bid or buy button.

An easy foolproof way to coordinate a quilt or sewing project is to buy your focus fabric...the important fabric that you will build the project around...on eBay.  Once you receive it, you can easily coordinate supporting fabrics for your project at your local quilt shop.  That way you get the benefit of the world's largest fabric selection on eBay while making sure that everything coordinates for your project.

Have fun shopping on eBay, the world's largest quilt shop!