My stash was started over 30 years ago. Time is the answer in collecting anything. My hint though is ALWAYS check out the remnants! Because I am a scrapper this works really well for me. I hardly ever purchase more than a yard at a time - it has to be for a particular project if I do. Rems also add to the variety you will have on hand. Things that you would never pick (as yardage) are often exactly right!