feline fanatic is correct about the fabric shops that sell by the 1/2 yard. It's part of the software that makes the website work that will only let them sell "1" of something. They can't sell ".5" or "1/2" of something.
I'm sorry people find it confusing to buy in half yards but saying the quilt shop is being deceptive is a little harsh. I'm sure the quilt store would prefer to sell in 1/2 yards but cannot afford to buy another website.