As I expected and mentioned in post #30, I was unable to resist checking the free table at quilting this morning, but I'm pleased to report that while I did walk away with some fabric, both pieces fall solidly within the "reasonable acquisition" definition. One is a white/off-white batik (about 1/3 yard?) and the other is a textured creamy tonal (rather more than a yard).
I'm considering the second piece to be a "rescue" and an act of mercy on my part - it clearly lost a battle with a dark blue piece of fabric, likely in a washing machine, and will need some surgery to excise the really badly marked spots but I am sure I will be able to find most of it a good home in a quilt some day (and hopefully soon). :-)
Considering all of the positive parts of this experience, I'm actually going to say I don't even feel I got off the wagon at all - just kind of leaned waaaaaaay out for a moment! My seat's still warm!