Hi Mel,
So very nice to see someone from Ireland. The one place I've always wanted to visit. Maybe I'll live long enough.
I can surely understand the fabric being high cost there, but goodness, $17+ is way over the line. Do they not have sheep there? Do they not grow cotton there? It may not be the right climate come to think on it. We have cotton farmers here in North Carolina, USA, but it takes a long time to grow those pods and when they open they have to get the picking machine on it right away. Expensive proposition.
I'm sure you'll love it here. Most everyone is very friendly and helpful. I belong to several quilting boards, but this is my favorite.
Sharon