Where in Canada were you born? I'm originally from Ontario but my husband teaches at Mt Allison University here in New Brunswick. We will be retiring back to Ontario in a few years.
I know exactly how you felt choosing the fabrics. I go with what I see on a pattern or by colours in a family eg the Moda fabric lines.
I have to do things a few times to learn them. Even then the next time I go to do it I may forget again.