When I first started collecting, there were only 2 small, somewhat lofty (IMO), quilt shops in our area, and they acted as if they were doing you a favor to let you in. I was leery of ordering online, colorwise, but I found several online shops that would sell 1/4 yard cuts. I ordered quite a bit that way, and if I really liked something, I could always send for bigger pieces or other things from the same line.
Someone here undoubtedly knows if online sellers still do this.
hugs,
Charlotte