Different Spotlight stores have different ranges. I have two within reach of this place, one is completely useless, and the other one takes my breath away every time.
I also buy fabrics from a bridal store in Hawthorn, they have a big remnants bin where everything is sold at 75% off. I've made quite a few things from that.
Sometimes I buy the pattern first, fabric second, but it's usually the other way round, because I pick up fabric at garage sales, op shops reverse garbage etc, then go and think aboout what I can do with it. I also draft a lot of patterns myself, usually after a fabric scavenge.
I have more project ideas than I could ever complete in my lifetime.