First off thanks for the links to new places to shop for fabric. I primarily use PTP myself. Their yearly sale is a good time to stash.

I am also one that stashes fabric by ordering this and that. It is a more expensive way of doing it but I too have had issues with surprises. When I am able to go to a real LNS (which is very rarely-as there are none close to me, esp carrying fabric) I inevitably load up on hand dyed fabric if they carry them because this is the only time I am able to see what it really looks like.

I think what you will find is that the fabric will get used. It might not be what you inteneded it for at the time, but eventually you find something in your stash that would look great on it.

Also I think too after awhile you learn who dyes things more to your tastes, and how much variation they tend to have. For example I don't buy CC cotton floss anymore. I find their variations in dye lot within a color unacceptable. I stick to Weeks and GA instead. eventually you will find hand dyed companies you like best. Surprises aren't always bad, but sometimes you really have your heart set on something specific.