the secret to a scrumptious stash

anyone who works with fabric will tell you - the secret's in the stash! i grew up a quilters daughter. my Mom kept fabric stashed just about anywhere - first it started in a small box, then an extra drawer...once we all moved off to college and then homes of our own the stash quickly expanded. closets, cabinets, dressers filled to the brim with her stash! it often made me giggle when i would ask my Mom why I rarely saw things move from her stash - but she treats her fabric stash like a pet - she keeps it safe and gives it plenty of attention, as she says "petting the fabric" even if it's not on her immediate list of projects. so as my fabric stash began to grow i learned to bite my tongue at my Mom's stash and work on creative uses for mine.

but where to buy your stash? here's a list of a few online resources that i frequent when purchasing fabrics for my stash!

http://www.skyerevefabrics.com/

http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/

www.xogigifabrics.com

but what i truly love is to visit local fabric and quilt shops!

GEORGIA -

A large shop filled with reasonably priced selections. red hen carries both traditional quilting fabrics, novelties and fabrics for every holiday and event. they have a wonderful "cheap chicken" back room of sale fabrics and have a new sale all the time! Oh and did I mention they have a play area for the kids?
http://www.redhenfabrics.com/

This is NOT your traditional shop. they carry end of bolt pieces for $3 a yard. it's hit or miss - but when they run their 40% off sale I stop in DAILY!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Designer-Fabric-Outlet/200138900043784?fref=ts

ILLINOIS-

Whenever I am back in Illinois I stop in to visit this shop...the owner made an amazing impression on me the first time I visited the shop when she showed me a fun bolt of "ILLINOIS" fabric she had purchased at a discount from the designer and shared that discount with her shoppers! she always has the newest lines
http://www.quiltinjoy.com/

One of the few shops in the North Shore area of Chicago, Quilters Heaven is in a quaint old home in Northbrook. The top floor includes their sale walls and novelty selections - where I spend most of my time! And if you're a quilter - the long arm machine is there and ALWAYS running!
http://www.quiltersheaveninc.com/

MISSOURI

I happened upon this shop on a trip to Hannibal, MO. At first glance it looks like a historic building with some fabric tossed inside. Upon further investigation you will find room after room of delicious fabrics. The staff is helpful, friendly and always ready to talk about a project idea! If you're in the area, make sure to check it out in the downtown area!
http://www.hickorystickquiltshop.com

FLORIDA

The d2d family often visits the St Augustine area in Florida. It's a wonderful Florida alternative vacation location. And if you happen to get a few moments away - make sure to visit this little shop.
http://magrietasquiltshop.com/

I would LOVE to hear about your favorite stash building spots - both online and brick+mortar!!