Yup...

and what doesn’t appeal to you can be passed on.

Totally agree. You never know what you'll find and can use.

My dear friend that was also a quilting buddy until she could no longer see well enough to sew, went into an assisted living facility and her daughter gave me all of her fabric. Some of it dated back to the 60's. But most of it she and I bought together in the late 80's and early 90's. I went thru it with my current quilting buddy so when we were done it went to the thrift store. Much of it we may never use - or we may decide to make a lot of retro donation quilts. Or my daughters will be giving it away when I am gone - but one never knows. I grew up with the "It is better to have it and not needed, that to need it and not have it."

Yes, for numerous reasons. I would want to honor the quilter, by finding homes for their stash (be it in mine or pass it to someone that would/could use it). Older quilting fabric is usually a better quality than what is available today. Sorting through stash is fun and you might discover fabric that you need (backings, neutrals, basics). Inheriting a stash pushes us into different color pallets or different styles of fabric than we normally choose, and allows us to experiment for free. If your stash is bursting at the seams, then keep what you want and pass along what you don't and gives you an opportunity to pass along some of your own stash. Lastly, you are helping the destasher - you have given them peace of mind that the stash will be used. This is a win for all involved.

Definitely! Never turn down anything that someone want s to donate. Even if you can't use it
you can always donate and/or offer to friends. Plus which it cold be something you have always wanted.

I never get this lucky. If I ever do I would accept it and use for donation quilts. I now use my own fabrics, buy batting and backing. I am slowing down a bit but, I still try to donate 30 or so quilts to foster kids in my county.

Yes-I would take it and either make charity quilts if you wish or share it among your quilting friends

Just as it disappoints me that some downplay the options available at JoAnn's, it disappoints me that there are some comments here about polyester fabrics. Personally, there are some qualities of the poly/cotton blends that I like. I like the sheen that polyester has given to some of my quilts. I do not have to be concerned that poly black will fade as cotton does. Polyester has much less chance of bleeding. Cotton is a natural substance that with time can deteriorate. Polyester will last forever. Just think of all that double knit that we used to have--it will never die!--only snag maybe?
Generations of women who put scraps into quilts would be so offended by the quilters of today who think fabrics have to meet a standard to make a quilt. Waste not, want not became their motto and look at how we treasure those vintage creations.

Use what you can from that stash and share what you don't want. Use your imagination and creativity without concern what the "quilt police" think. Chances are they won't be showing up at your door anyhow.!

I wanted to edit my comment but this is what's coming up so I'm adding one more comment. If you find there are double knits in that stash, you might consider simply cutting that into squares or rectangles, stitching into something interesting and simply tying them for donation quilts. Double knit stands up well to use and laundering that it is great for utility quilts.

Well said, Illinois!