Quilterella, it's not the shops that create a surprise for you. Kin d of the other way around. If for some reason, you *don't* get charged anything, that should be the surprise - and a pleasant one for you.
Here is a link to the Canada Border Services Agency, where they spell out what the rules are:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/po...roits-eng.html[/quote]
Thankyou for the link. I never really understood why when you order fabric from various sites, that you would get charged duty for some and not the others, especially when the package clearly stated "fabric". I'm not sure I understand it now, but, you are right...expect to pay duty and let it be a good surprise when you don't have to.