I would use yardage. I did a bargello quilt (still haven't quilted it though), and had to pick out 18 fabrics, 9 of each color family. I just went to a big quilt shop and spent about two hours pulling out fabric, lining them up on the floor and debating which colors went best. They didn't bat an eye at me...I think quilt shop employees are used to having quilters spend a long time picking out fabric.