I'm in the 'no stash' camp. Granted, I have a bit of a stash of left overs from previous projects but that's it. I usually make bed-size quilts and I'm not particularly into scrappy. So if I bought a 1/2 yard of this or a yard of that it would never be enough to be used in a quilt that I would probably make. I buy for projects only. Granted, I usually over-buy but that way I have enough for boo boos or to hang on to for sample blocks, other small projects, whatever. I also don't have much room so storage is always an issue for me.
I agree with whomever suggested looking at various patterns to see what you like and look at those requirements. Keep in mind as well, our tastes have a tendency to change over time. What you love today you may hate in the future. Just my thoughts.