When I first started quilting, I had enough $ to buy what I wanted. I spent many years and $ buying for all the different types of quilts that came along and developing my own "voice". I've finally found my "voice" and wish I'd kept the $. Although it did provide a lot of entertainment while on vacations, I think I've been in every LQS from here to the Canadian border. On the other hand I'm never at a loss to come up with a plan and fabric when in a pinch. And I'm not getting rid of any of it. It'll come back in style eventually.
When a friend started quilting, she was on a tight budget, she let the guild know she wanted anyone's scraps. 15 yrs later people still give her scraps and she makes the most beautiful scrap quilts, often winning ribbons. She has added art quilts to her activities.
See: "Stash Quiltn nannie" for a good trip through quilter + hubby and stash