Thanks, Profannie, and amyjo. I will still hope to find a Canadian source. It is not an anti-other-country sentiment at all, but I feel strongly that paying more for something in one's own area is very important for balance and economy. I don't mean to start a political discussion! I just feel that wherever I live and earn at a given time, I am responsible to support that economy, and that is more important than to save a few nickels for myself... otherwise it can become a global race to the bottom. So, I do buy locally, often even if it does cost me more. In the long run, the communal social costs of individual saving short term can have worse implications.
So, if anyone knows of a Canadian source for hand cranks, I would very much love to know! Thanks again. (and profannie, please don't be offended!) (profannie, btw, a separate thread; I think your Bernina will stand alone well on its own without a case base... maybe you will tell better once you see it out of the cabinet)
-C.