I started building my stash way back in the early 1980s when we didn't have jelly rolls, etc. (which only came about in the very late 1990s/early 2000s), and I did it by buying 3/4 yd. of fabrics that would 'go with' other fabrics.....also called blenders.

I still do this; in some cases I buy 1/2 yard, in others 1 or more yards. But I rarely buy big yardage of one design for the stash unless I'm considering it specifically as a neutal background or backings (this 'neutral' can be pastels, ecrus, tiny prints, 'sky-type' fabrics, etc.).

Having this sort of stash, and trying to work mostly from it when I find a larger print or a fabric to die for, encourages me to learn to how to build a quilt from 1.) my own stash without buying a collection for a quilt; and 2.) makes me work with colors in ways I might not be exposed to if I were to purchase all the go-withs for a specific print or pattern I see.

It pushes my creativity. It makes me build quilts with many colors, not necessarily scrappy quilts, as I see how different reds, or blues, or greens, work together. I feel my quilts are richer looking for this method.

Now, after nearly 30 years, I have a stash with probably 4000-5000 different colors/prints in it, though some are less than 1/3 yard, or even a fat quarter. I raid my "random pieces" storage boxes regularly when pulling fabrics for a quilt.

I'm always surprised when I read about those who buy several yards, or even a bolt, of a specific fabric. I don't feel like I'd ever want to work with a large amount of any one fabric over and over again in several quilts.

Isn't it wonderful that there are as many different ways of working as there are quilters doing the work?!! :D

Jan in VA

I just buy what I like. Also fat quarters and charm packs.

I too have been wondering how much to buy, how much I will actually need for one quilt of small hexagons (and no, I don't know what size quilt! Something 'bed' sized but maybe a single bed would do to begin with ...)

However I've only been buying one metre (a yard and 4 inches) as the equivalent of 4 fat quarters ... 2 metres when I've really loved it or think it's going to be a high proportion of a design combination, and 1/2 a metre when i've suspects that I'll only need four or five hexagons, but I don't think the fabric shops cut any less than 1/2 metre ....

The classified section has been great for me - as I have a couple of ladies sending me and envelope of scraps, in one case about 20 different fabrics with at least 2 hexagons worth of each ... in exchange for fat quarters of scandinavian style fabrics. I think this is SO SO great! I will get the small amounts of a really varied range of fabrics that I need and I am supplying them with something they really want rather than just paying out all the time ... I have bought some fabric, from this board, using Paypal and I'm looking forward to it but with nowhere near the thrill of the 'Fabric Swap' parcels!

Helen

from doing projects- I usually follow (well try to :))patterns but purchase extra fabric just in case I mess up cutting,sewing etc.

I also get stash "envy", but my limits are budget :(

Until I joined the QB, I NEVER dreamed some quilters had almost as much fabric in their 'stash' as some small LQ's I've been in. It still amazes me! I can't imagine if I had as much as some I've seen on here that I'd have to even go into a LQ for A LONG TIME.

I always add to my pattern (ex. if it say 1/2 yd I go to a yd) then I also have a couple on line sites for batiks that I love so I watch for them to go on sale and then stock up when the prices are better. Batiks Etc and Sew What Fabrics and Patsy Thompson have some pretty good prices on batiks (some starting at 6.75 per yd) I also got an email from Patsy Thompson designs this morning that she is offering 20% off everything this weekend

I buy precuts and yardage - usually 3 yards at a minimum - everytime I think there isn't any more fabric that I need - I find something new.

I buy Fat Quarters, Charm packs, whatever EBay sellers offer at reasonable
prices, and of course, browse all the yard sales/thrift shops..... since most
of my projects are "scrappy" patterns and lap size tops or smaller.
If working on a special project, may indulge in several yards at quilt shop.
Motto is: Waste not, want not..

I only make wallquilts and applique quilts so I usually buy fat quarters. Alot of times it's in the fq but not yards so at least 2 fq's of same pattern.

i have lots of fqs but only buy on sale then i only buy yardage when on sale i need to stop i have been collecrting fabric since 1980