Lots of us older gals started our stash while sewing garments for the family and saving the "scraps" for quilts (covers) like our Depression era grandmothers did. Then, as we phased out of sewing clothing and discovered the joys of our quilting hobby, scraps no longer took care of our fabric needs. And some quilt projects just needed their own special fabrics. Stash building was a way to have resources on hand to feed sudden inspirations and simply satisfy that itch to quilt RIGHT NOW!
My DH and I are both widowed and he's a terrible enabler. I have gone into fabric shops and had him send me back in because I didn't spend or get enough. I hope you have someone like that in your life. It's heaven! Also, I can't say enough about having some good solid black in your stash. I have two bolts of Kona black in mine and it can turn a ho-hum quilt into something dynamic. I use it for sashing all the time.
Sounds like you need a FART (Fabric Acquisition Road Trip) to get you off to a good start!