Oh my gosh ladies! Thank you all for your comments....
I did contact the pattern designer and asked her why the pattern called for so much yardage. It's Mad About Plaid by Lyn Mann. She said that if I use scaps it will take more yardage, but if not I could get away with much less fabric. Doesn't really make sense as yardage is yardage. But what do I know?
There are a lot of small pieces as many of you asked, so I assume that accounts for a lot. I also think it's the method Lyn uses in putting pieces, or blocks together that requires so much extra fabric.
Thanks for all your input. It's nice to know that within 24 hours I can have the answers to my quilting questions! Thank you, thank you, thank you all!