I have a collection of fabric that has accumulated over the last 40 years or so. Most of it is left overs from projects along the way. I recently made a quilt with cats on it all from calico scraps that were at least 30 years old. I remembered making things for my kids from some of the fabric. What fun it was to reminisce. I also take time collecting fabrics of a certain theme with a future project in mind. I recently completed a quilt for my husband who collects vintage cars so the fabric in the quilt was vintage cars which is hard to find without being juvenile fabric. It took me 4-5 years of every time I stopped into a quilt shop to look for "car fabric". I did the same thing with animal prints for a quilt for my daughter. I love 1930's reproduction fabric so will pick up some as a souvenir when we travel. I usually get 1/2 yard pieces. I wouldn't be happy with yards and yards of fabric stashed away. It would seem burdensome to me (ie have to use it, have to use it...) and I choose to spend my fun allocated money in other directions. I think either way works depending on what makes you happy.