I'm confused.... I've always considered my leftover pieces of fabric as my stash. I have plastic shoeboxes with scraps (less than 1/4 yard) stored by color but anything 1/2 yard or more I considered my stash. I have a medium stash with lots of 2 yard pieces .... a few larger cuts. I try to use up my scraps for applique or PP baby quilts. They are even a good choice for some larger quilts. I usually plan quilts around what I have and then buy coordinating fabrics to finish up. But I buy enough that I'll have some to add to my stash and scraps.
My stash has pretty much stayed the same size over the years..... works for me...... huge closets full of fabric would overwhelm me. What if the fabric I want to use is 1 yard short of what I need? I just couldn't do it that way.