In a recent MAJOR move across country, I thought I would have no place to sew. I sold or gave away almost all of my stash. After the dynamics of the move changed greatly I wanted to rebuild. I went to Canada where I was told that fabric would be much higher in cost even though a meter is three inches more than a yard. I found reproduction fabrics just like my Gma's old flour and sugar sacks. They were on sale for less then I could find them herein the states. My money is tight so I bought .3 of a meter. For $40.00 I have a brand new stash that looks very old. I do a lot of scrap quilts so this works great for me. If I have a pattern in mind for the future (and I did) I bought 3 meters. That extra 3 inches a meter more than made up for shrinkage. Usually my stash is made up of yardsale and thrift store buys. At thrift stores I check sheets that are 100 percent cotton and a color I like.