Extremely important. Before I was a quilter I was a seamstress with a stash. Many a complete wardrobe and prom dress came from that stash. My DD used to come up with an idea, we'd open up the stash closet and shop for the right fabric. Yesterday my DGD ,who is here visiting, picked out the fabric for her quilt from my stash. It was wonderful. She is so happy and I was so touched watching her. Her eyes lit up as I pulled the fabrics out for her to see.