I have been collecting fabrics to make a charm quilt. I have over 400 different fabrics by Kansas Troubles Quilters-going back many years. I just started really collecting them last year, so I had to do an extensive online search for some of the older ones. I have not decided on a pattern yet and am still collecting (now I just collect charm packs) but it has been fun to see how many different ones I could find. I have at least 2 fabrics from every line they ever made.
You could collect 30's reproductions, civil war reproductions, red/white/blue, pinks and browns, etc-any combination you want. The pieces do not have to be big and it is fun to swap with friends too. The hunt for fabrics is almost as much fun as making the quilt!!