Just got the heads up for my quilt groups 2024 quilt along and it came with a challenge to use only our scraps. It works for me but I like to "control my scraps" for a more cohesive look to my scrappy. Likely will purchase background only to add some consistency.
In response to Newbee3, I agree we could have an impact on quilt shops if quilters never shopped. But the intent of this thread is to encourage us to shop our stash first THEN go the quilt shop if we don't have what we need. For years I had a pretty generous stash and have been working on using it, reducing it and send it out the door as a quilt to keep someone warm. Now my purpose is shifting just a bit to not leave my family with the burden to what to do with a room of bins filled with fabric when I am gone. So, I shop my stash first. That perspective also forces me to to think in new directions with new colors combinations. For the past few years, I find myself shopping for backing and backgrounds only. I don't forbid myself from shopping, I just consider what is on hand first.