I've never had the money to buy ahead, so when I want to make something, I wait until I have cash and then buy what I need. My "stash" as you call it is what would be small remments leftover from sewing clothes for my granddaughters. I kept those so I could make baby quilts for them someday. When I see some of the sewing rooms and stashes on here, I just drool. How wonderful it would be to have rooms like those instead of a corner in my bedroom, and to have fabric on hand to choose from when I see a pretty pattern on here that I would love to try. I'm not complaining, and I am so glad for you who are able to do things that way, can. And to those of you who pay forward, I think you are wonderful , generous ladies . Bless you all!!!