Fabric in Canada is definately more expensive. Almost all fabric unless it is in the sale bin ($7-$9) regularly sells for $13.99 - $17.99 at my LQS. Fabric stores are also few and far between and a need for sewing supplies means at least an hour road trip for me. You can get almost any quilt related tools here but you will have to head to your LQS as most FabricLands (think Joannes)are going out of business and Walmarts no longer carry fabric. I regularly head to a Mennonite area about an hours drive from me that has several small home shops to buy quilting stuff and fabric there is a little cheaper ($5-$12) but they don't carry the most current lines or the more "modern stuff". Your quilting buddy in Canada I'm sure would be thrilled with any of the newest fabric line or tool because this all takes longer to be released here.