I only buy what enough for the project I'm working on at the present time. I don't have a sewing room, YET!, I'm a newbie to the quilting world. I'm working on a hand stitched applique wall hanging project and have purchased fabric for that project. As far as a stash, I have a small amount only because a few people I know have given me fabric when they found out I started quilting. If I was going to budget myself, I would probably spend less than $100 per month. My budget for my Baltimore Album Applique quilt has cost me a few hundred dollars but it will take me quite a while to make my quilt. I haven't bought fabric for the back yet but I have plenty of time to do that. I want it to be 100% hand stitched so I'm in for a journey. Happy Quilting!