Replies

1. 
   artist1 | Apr 11, 2008 04:29am | #1

   Hi

   I used to go to the garment district in Montreal lots of bargains there. Here is a link to it

   http://www.journeywoman.com/gfc/montrealshopping.html

1. 
   Sancin | Apr 15, 2008 12:14am | #2

   In the 1960's I shopped regularly at a Montreal shop that sold beautiful silks and wools and had a wonderful wardrobe, some of which I still have! I have been disappointed I have never been able to find it again and believe it closed. Last summer, when visiting my son, I checked the phone book and found a lot of shops on I believe was on St. Henri. I simply walked up the street checking all the stores. There was a lot of junk but I found a spectacular shop with such wonderful fabrics my son had to pry me out of it. The owner was oriental and the most gorgeous fabrics were on the first floor. Unfortunately, I had been searching for a specific utility fabric and had no space (or $) to purchase all the things I saw. I cannot remember the name of the store but if I can find my receipt I will let you know. So do check the phone book and look for a lot of shops on the same street. I am definitely going prepared next time. The silks and wools were beautiful. Good luck and do let us know if you find a 'dream' shop.

1. 
   JB5 | Apr 15, 2008 02:05am | #3

   Hi Sancin,

   I live and sew in Montreal. The "St. Henri" street that you mention should actually be St. Hubert Street (loads of saints up here in Quebec! Easy to get confused). Years ago we lost a lovely store for high end fabrics. It was "Marshall's Silks" located on Ste. Catherine Street. (See? Another saint!). The Chantilly lace for my wedding dress came from Marshall's. You could also check out the garment district. Chabanel Street etc. Those places are open to the public early on Saturday mornings.

   Have fun,

   JB5 ---Judy

1. 
   Sancin | Apr 15, 2008 02:38am | #4

   Aha, Judy! It was indeed Marshall's on St. Catherine that I was recalling. In fact I remember exactly where it was and looked and looked on future visits. I still have some lovely green paisley velveteen scraps left from a garment that I made one Christmas, still waiting for the 'right' place for it. When did it close, do you know? I lived in Montreal in the 60's for a few years and only visited a few times until my son moved went to university 15 years ago, never to return west. Now I visit every several years. I did think it might be St. Hubert but wondered if I was mixing it up with the St. Hubert air force base where I spent many fun times. Thank you for the memory and for mentioning the garment area. My daughter in law knows about the garment district but couldn't recall the name. The Irish linens, my 'trouseau' was made, of came from Marshall's, where fabric was always well displayed and organized. Do women still have trouseau's? The silk for my wedding dress came from a hole in the wall shop in the waterfront area of Vancouver. Floor to ceiling disorganised fabric but similar fabrics to Marshall's. Sadly it has also long since disappeared.

1. 
   FitnessNut | Apr 19, 2008 12:39am | #5

   Ah, Marshall's. What an amazing place that was! I was very fortunate to be a fashion design student in Montreal from 1997-1999 and used to shop there quite alot. They closed in 1998...the close-out sale to end all sales, I can assure you!I think the store you are remembering from Rue St. Hubert may be Tissus St. Hubert. It has a wonderful selection of fabric. So does C&M. There are a number of other stores to explore in the vicinity as well. Some of the stores are more high-end and others are filled with a bit of everything.I haven't been to Montreal since 2001, when we were transferred to Edmonton, but now that I'm living near Kingston I might be tempted to go for a day trip..... ;-)

2. 
   Sancin | Apr 19, 2008 01:00am | #6

   Wow, Kingston - I sure would make a trip.
   One thing to tell people who go down St. Hubert. Don't be put off by the outside of buildings or the window displays, if they have them. I could tell the low end stores from the outside, but not the high end ones. I can hardly wait to go back for another visit, but not in the summer!!
   Further, I have made a pact with myself to sew down my stash by over 1/2 before I buy anymore fabric. I am a quilter as well as sewer/seamstress/sewist. I am frustrated as I am retired and really don't need all the gorgeous fabric clothes I love to make!

3. 
   Cathie | Apr 22, 2008 11:58pm | #7

   Hi there. I grew up near Montreal in the 60's, and made regular "pilgrimages" to Marshall's, reading the labels, and using my baby sitting money to buy fabrics. I now live in Longueuil, on the "South Shore". Marshall's is no more, alas. The suggestion I will give is an innovative one. In Longueuil (a stone's throw from Montreal) there are many charity shops, and in other cities near me. At several of these there are "fabric rooms" - with vintage patterns, and smaller pieces of lovely fabrics. Two of the best are L"Entraide, near me, and Notre Dame de L'Assomption, in St. Hubert. The last one is only open Wed. (all day). The first pretty much every day, but you may need to ask to see it. That one on Brodeur St., Longueuil. Great fun. Very cheap. Lots of vintage notions too.

2. 
   HotRags | Jul 10, 2008 06:52pm | #8

   Hi Brenda,

   Coincidentally, my name is Brenda too. I just joined right now so I was too late for your visit in June. If you ever come to Montreal again , give me a shout and I will be happy to show you around all the fabric and trim places I know. I also live on the South Shore just across the bridge from Montreal (a 15 minute drive) and my room stuffed full of this material shows that I have visited them often.

   I stopped sewing for quite a few years, but have restarted again because I have started doing competitive ballroom and latin dancing and cannot think of spending a few thousand dollars for a costume (even if I had it) when that amount would send 30 girls in China or Afghanistan to school for a year!