I did have some wilderness fabric that someone bought for me. I think I had 18 yards of it. This was many years ago now (1997, I think), and I've about used it up but I'm not entirely sorry to see it go! :)

I have loved and collected fabric, yarn and thread since long before I even considered quilting. Quilting has helped narrow my focus, but I see the infinite possibilities in all kinds of fabrics, not just traditional quilting cottons. I do buy fabrics for specific projects but mostly so I'll have it when the creative urge strikes, which often happens in the middle of another project.

Since you are planning on moving soon, I would agree with those who have advised you to hold off on stash building until after you move. I would also suggest that you consider what type of storage you are going to want for your future stash. Are you like me and want it all out on shelves so you can easily see what you have or are you like my daughter's friend who wants everything behind cabinet doors or in a tupper?

Either way works, but which will make you happier?

I stopped having a stash a couple of years ago. Now I only buy fabric for the project I want to do next. The leftovers (or scraps) from the project are my only stash. So in January I started making scrappy quilts. Have four done now. Always new and different fabric every day to choose from.

I would agree with the waiting but keep your eyes out for a deal you know you can't pass up. Otherwise wait. :)

Wait and see what you need and organize your scraps and projects then decide. If you are an organizer, start small get a system and build from there, see my earlier post on fabric boards for storage. Its a neat way to use bookshelves. Watch for sun damage to fabric. Make sure you place windows in workspace and have a closed area for fabric. Good luck

I am one to suggest maybe only building a stash of the colors and fabrics that you find you use or plan into quilts the most. Like the blenders and tone on tones. I like to have lots of batiks around and I pull at least two of the fabrics for every quilt from my small stash. we don't have the room either for a stash of really any size so I only buy for specific projects and fabrics that I absolutly love. I do have farbics that I have been given by family that I am trying to use or sell to buy fabric that I love better. so I would say just start building with only fabrics that you are planning on using. and plan three or four quilts out. You might find that you change the fabrics three or four different times. I am buying fabrics for my MIL's quilt and have changed the fabrics in and out 5 or 6 times. Good luck and post a pic of your stash as you grow it.

I think that it's up to you. Personally, I would go crazy WITHOUT a stash, but there are people on the board that don't have a stash.

I don't think you have to have a stash to be a quilter. We all work differently. Plus we all work differently. Do whatever makes you happy and won't cause problems down the road.

Wait. It might not be your thing. I think you will know if you are meant to built stash. I like stash but then besides being a quilter I am also a fabric collector. Hehehehe

It sounds like you already have a system that works for you. Don't do something just because everyone else is doing it. If you are happy with the way you do things...then do it your way.