I don't think many of us 'built a stash'. They just sort of begin and grow! I only buy fabric when I can get a great deal. And then, I buy quite a bit. It is fabric that I like, the colors I like working with or for a purpose (little boys truck fabric or circus animals) because I know I will be making kid's quilts at some time. Depending on the fabric, I will buy this in minimum 2 yard pieces. The only time I buy random fabric is if it is 100% cotton and on clearance. I will buy this instead of muslin to use for pattern or trial run items. This usually creates a building of my stash. An example of my buying is this year's christmas fabric (for next year's projects). After thanksgiving I bought $94 worth of holiday cotton and the receipt showed that I saved $287. This is the only way you can make things to sell and make a profit or to donate to charity without costing you too much. With these fabrics, my tree skirts have $8 - $10 worth of materials and my fold n' stitch wreaths have about $4 worth of fabric. Of course, if you are making items for family or friends, then you spend more to find that perfect fabric for them.