I would not be too worried about how to build your stash, to most quilters it comes naturally. It is like filling your kitchen cupboards with cans and boxes of food for future use. I am an avid appliquer (Yes, the "A" word) so I can get by with lots of small pieces. Unfortunately, they are harder to store, I think, than the larger yardages. Take a look at thousandsofbolts.com for great fabrics at great prices.