I think it's better to have a stash to some degree... my mom's got out of control there for a little bit. We're talking two, oversize rolling bins for EACH major color. I stopped buying fabric for quilts until I went to visit her and check out what she had :) It was usually better than the store! I have two bins currently -- one for cottons leftover from other quilts, and one for apparel fabrics that have some potential for doll clothes for my daughter. I don't like clutter, but I don't consider a stash clutter. It's great to have on hand...