Add the two fractions together to find the total amount of material. 
=2 1/4 + 1 1/4
since the fractions have like denominators, we can add them together; add the base numbers (2+1); add the fractions
=(2 + 1) + (1/4 + 1/4)
=3 2/4
simplify fraction by 2
=3 1/2 yards total 
ANSWER: There are 3 1/2 yards of total fabric.  
Hope this helps!  :)