Nuetrals
 

Yes, Yes! I try for some texture but make sure it jives with the main fabrics. My tastes have changed over the years not only for quilting but furniture, colors, styles, etc. :)

Yep, my tastes have definitely changed and I use a lot of tone on tone fabric. so many different options out there to work with. Just spent mega $$ at our local quilt shop last week, so much fabric, so little time LOL

Im starting one tomorrow with a batik backgrounf.

Oh yes especially for applique, beats the plain white or cream!! I like using shirtings for back ground when piecing.

The change in tastes over time is the main reason I don't worry about developing a stash. Would hate to spend all those $$ and then not like it any more.

Back whenI first started , bleached or unbleached muslin was "the" staple, and was the background for many a quilt. But there was not much in the way of choice. Now I seek out much more interesting fabrics for backgounds. Some times I have to remind my self when I am tempted to by a bolt of a neutral... not to do it as better many be avaiable in just a few months , or my tastes can change.

I recently bought "Spotlight on Neutrals" by Pat Wys because how she uses neutrals intrigued me. Here is link to it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Spotlight-Neut.../dp/1604680504. More projects added to the list!

Yes, have been cleaning and organizing my small stash. Which amounts to way more than I need. And, there were way to many, what was I thinking. And, not enough tonals. But, the big shocker was in the colors. WOW, :shock: I do not really like some of the colors I have. But, oh well, they will get used at one time or another. Because I don't believe in wasting. Nor can I afford to. Will be a lot more careful not to buy just to stash. MUST USE!!! lol

That's why I don't advocate accumulating a big stash in preparation to retiring. Tastes change, fabric changes as mine did.