I agree you don't have to have a stash! However I do, it seems I just can't pass up a great deal. Most of my stash comes from sales, very little of it I paid full price for. With the price of fabric going up so much I figured it as an investment - course that only works if I use it! Luckily I made good choices and both my mom and I are able to pull our backs and most of the time 75% for our fronts from it. That said it is a lot of work, investment not only of time but also $. Kind of wish I just bought for each quilt as I go along