I buy the fabrics I love ... those things that catch my eye with no idea of a project for it. Those are the ones that end up in my stash. I do buy pre-cuts occasionally, but they rarely end up in my stash. And I apparently have this thing for fat quarters - I have tons of them. They are absolutely wonderful for a variety of things - lately I'm into fat quarter quilts, so I have quite a head start on them.

I think the biggest quilting mistake I made years ago was to buy fabric without a plan. Now I have tons of fabric I dont know how to use it or there isnt enough or too much for a project that leaves an odd amount leftover. And now I cant justify buying any new stuff because of the loads of stuff purchased previously. Like clothing fabric goes out of style. I would love to buy the new batiks but just resist. Fabric stashes can become very burdensome.

when i shop for a specific project i purchase 1/2- 1 yard ( or more if i love it think i will use it alot) extra - that way i have extra if i make any mistakes- and i have some to add to the fabric shelves.
if i am purchasing fabric just because i love it & think i will use it in the future i pick up 2-3 yards...more if it is a good background fabric i think i would use alot of (if the price is a deal)
i don't generally purchase pre-cuts- once in a while a charm pack if i want a little piece of a whole collection- or if i am using yardage of a collection and i want to add small amounts of the complete collection- i don't consider pre-cuts part of my stash- i seldom buy fabric just to add to my stash- i buy it for a purpose & enjoy the left-overs :D

I never thought of a quilter deliberately building a stash. I know many of us has very substantial stashes (myself included), but I have no idea how it got there. Buy what you like, and hope you still like it when you make something from it. :o

Linda

I have always thought that "stash happens".

Missouri Star Quilting is a great way to build your stash. The Daily Specials did it for me.

Inherit fabric, accept gifts of scraps from friends, buy at garage sales or thrift shops. There are many ways to build a stash. I do also buy fabrics at quilts shops, Walmart, JoAnns, etc. but it is sometimes necessary to go a cheaper route if you are on a fixed income. You can use good parts of cast off clothing, linens, as well. I love making bags out of pillowcases and embellishing with parts of old embroidered linens. Yes, I have a stash of old linens, men's ties, goldwashed and sparkly fabrics for embellishment as well. Think outside the box!

I'm brand new at quilting, so the ideas are coming fast and furious with a variety of colorways. I am spending way too much time on the internet buying 1/2 yards of things that I like. My plan at the moment is to work with those colors, and then go back and buy backing and solids that will work with my color schemes. I am also a knitter, so stashing is very familiar territory for me, and planning projects is half the fun. I just finished my first quilt, and will post a picture when I look up how to make that happen.
Mary Ann in St. Louis MO

I don't know where all my stash came from but,personally I think they multiply like bunnies!!:p

I don't mean to hyjack the thread, but, about how many different fabrics are in a jelly roll or charm pack. Haven't ever bought either one. I like to buy the fabric then cut the strips or squares myself. It seems like it would be less expensive.

I have a small stash, I buy at garage sales or goodwill. I have some that was given to me and have some I've bought. I'm going by a ladies house Fri and pick up some scraps she advertized on the swap shop on radio.