before I was a quilter, i always maintained the same thing about sewing garments... it takes longer to plan, pin the pattern, and cut out the pieces than it does to do the sewing. i actually enjoy the prep work in quilting. knowing that the fabric is clean and free of chemicals, and the fabric is smooth from ironing and has that nice smell.... love it! But I actually do that part as soon as the fabric comes into the house. So all the fabric in my stash is ready to go.