For a while I bought like they weren't going to produce fabric any more. Then I got to the point of not knowing what I had. I think some people do better than others with with stash method. I tend to do better buying what I need for a project. I just gave a lot away because I was stressed having stuff I didn't know what I was going to do with - Sales are good but it really gets expensive.

Stash is only useful if you're going to use it ---- unless you want a pile of fabric for the sake of having a stash.
For me, the fun of fabric is trying to fit what I have to a pattern, and what I have is mostly the result of garage sales and second-hand stores.

I love scrap quilts, so I tend to but fat quarters,in a big varity when I can!

I started out buying online when I was recoverying from a kidney transplant - I discovered fabric, designers and great deals. I signed up for a bazillion newsletters from quiltshops. I built up way too much of a stash --- well beyond my means. I had to sell some of it, donate a lot (which made me feel better about my purchase). At the moment I am on a total spending freeze. I have plently of scraps, some stash and lot's of solids. I seriously used to buy scraps. My friend told me that is the equilivent of buying items at the goodwill to sell at a garage sale. I don't quite agree with her but when I am not on a spending freeze (as I am not) I only buy what I need for the quilt I am making and that's it. No more shopping to build stash :-( .... geez I can ramble. Sorry for the long answer I think I am having fabric buying withdrawls ;-)

In answer to your question, the more projects you do the more your stash will build from the leftovers and the more scraps you will have for a lovely scrap quilt ;-)

Stash building is one of the few things in life I seem to not have any problems doing. Hm, when you say you select a project and then you go out and buy fabric for it....don't you pick from your stash first and supplement what is missing? That is what I would do. If you always just buy more fabric without any regard to what you already have, your tower will simply continue to grow. OR rather than picking a pattern - pick a few fabrics and find a patter to use with them? Whatever you chose - have fun.

I can SO relate to this :-)

I worked at Hobby Lobby for a year *moonlighting* so I could build up a stash. I certainly didn't make any money...lol...I had my paycheck spent before I got it. But I managed to build over 5000 yards of fabric.

Let me know what type of fabric interests you..I'd be willing to send you off a "starter stash" pack.

I have mostly novelty prints, in most every theme you can think of.

5000 yards?? Wow!!! I can't imagine. Have pictures?

Lack of self control.

I'm new also, what is a blender?