I am one of the odd balls without a big stash. Mine is made up of a basket and a drawer of remnants from Hancocks, Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Fabrics.

I would consider putting aside money now for quilting as your tastes may change over time. You may also inherit some great fabric and then you would either need some supplies to finish a quilt or to pay for longarming services. You may also find that once you make something for everyone that you find a niche in charity quilting whether it is for kids, veterans, or other charitable ventures. Then that will drive your fabric purchases, too. For instance, I have done a few throws for homeless veterans who have been part of a program to get them into housing. They need everything in their apartment so a nice throw size quilt is welcomed. For the most part they are men -so homespuns, red/white/blue and plaids have been hits. I am a Bonnie Hunter follower and can debone an "upcycled" shirt pretty fast. Sounds like you may not need more fabric right now... at least not this week! lol...

About 1 year before I retired I bought a new Bernina, and started buying kits, stocking up on yardage, back ground fabrics,and backings. That was 3 years ago, but Im still buying fabric. Not as much but the new stuff is too hard to resist!! I live alone so I spend most of my time in my sewing room, so I am making lots of quilts!!

It started as a joke between my best friend and I, we need to buy fabric for our retirement. Probably started squirreling it away in earnest 3-5 years ago. Bought when fabric was on sale or if I thought I couldn't live without it. Then there was the threat of cotton shortage and huge increases. Well, I retired the end of this March at age 59. I have been quilting like crazy and not making even a dent. Find that no matter how deep my stash is, I still need to purchase something to finish a project. Then there's my monthly order to Connecting Threads. Here's how I rationalize.....life's short and you need to enjoy yourself.

I have to have my monthly order from Connecting Threads and Amazon!

I agree with the person who said stock up on rulers, dies, needles, good pins, bobbins, good cutting mats,. I have been buying stuff that I know I would feel quilty buying if I had no job or was retired. I also have fabric but try to buy them with a purpose....I love theme quilts.

It's never too soon to start, I consider my stash my retirement IRA !! With the way prices keep skyrocketing I'm glad that I started when I did, now I just have to live to be 100 to get it all sewn :). Good luck..

I agree. My stash did not get started until after I retired in 2006. I then had time to visit all the sales. Tastes & wants change over time, so I would be more concerned about a stash of $ before retiring.

I agree that styles come and go. I would buy when I see a good deal to stock up, especially for generic styles, blenders, small prints, etc.

I buy only for each project. I slightly overbuy so I have some room for error. Leftovers are accumulated until I have enough for a scrappy quilt. Then it is all cleared out again. Easier that way. So many people overbuy and end up selling or tossing fabric or are overwhelmed by what is in their quilt rooms. I have just what I need. Also, if I move away from quilting for a while, it doesn't bother me. I don't feel obligated to constantly quilt because I am drowning in expensive fabric.