Hello there, my grand-parents came from Edinburgh and I lived and worked in Scotland until a few years ago, I now live on the Isle of Anglesey. As a side thought if you ever need parts or your machine sorted out do go and see David at David Drummond's, Haymarket Terrace, he is a love and so helpful.
As far as your stack of fabrics is concerned don't worry about it, it's not costing you any rent sitting there but will give you inspiration for loads of lovely quilts to come. Quilters cache is great but there are so many lovely patterns, for free out there that I would try a few of those before trying to make up your own, which can be filled with so many pitfalls.
Here are just a few of some really useful links, happy quilting.
http://www.allcrafts.net/quilting.htm#freeprojects
http://www.freequiltpatterns.info/
This one is great for your layer cakes and FQs:
http://www.unitednotions.com/un_main.nsf/free_patterns