Q: Hi Sandra,  I’m ready to pull my hair out trying to find hide-a-bed or sofa bed sheet sets.  My mattress is 4-inches deep.  Also wondering what you would suggest in trying to find foam mattresses.  The one on this sofa-bed has springs which are horrible.  Anyway…I really need sheets for it if you can help ease my desperation.  Many thanks.

A: The answer was right on my web site www.smartshoppingmontreal.com. Since 1960 we have had a sofa bed manufacturer in Montreal – Cameo collection. Though under new ownership, they still make them here. You can get a foam mattress from them – and sofa bed sheets of course. I have a queen size sofa bed from them and buy ordinary queen size sheets – not the deep ones though.

http://smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=318

Cameo Collection 7955 Transcanada Hwy, Ville St Laurent H4S 1L3
corner: rue Pomba
Tel: 514-337-2933

Q: My daughter has been looking for privacy fabric to cover the rails on her balcony. We checked all the hardware stores and a couple of pool places and can’t find anything. We see them on balconies. Do you have any answers for her?

A: When you think fabric, C & M Textiles should be the name which comes up first as they have just about everything and are located somewhere near you. So yes, they sell balcony canvas. It comes in a few colors and is 30″ wide. They have locations In Montreal, on the South Shore, up in Laval and even in Ottawa

There is also Lascan, 9001 Elmslie, Lasalle (514-366-28000. They sell all kinds of canvas and fabric for tents, awnings, tarps, etc. These are outdoor fabrics so they should be just the right type for your project.

Q: My sister is handicapped and the laundry service at her nursing home is wearing out her bras.  We have spent hours at Winners, Sears, The Bay etc. but can’t find anything that fits. Her last bras were Best Form bras. Do you know anywhere on the West Island that sells that brand?  I can’t find them on the internet. Going downtown is not possible. Thank you.

A: I am not familiar with that brand. However I have 2 West Island suggestions:.

1) Lingerie W. Hanna, in the Pointe Claire shopping center has discounted bras
2) La Vie en Rose Entrepot #3204 in the Riocan Center in Kirkland has bra deals

and then:
3) In the Rockland Shopping Center, Change Lingerie is from Denmark and has sizes 28A-40J at reasonable prices

Q: Hope you can assist me, I have being try to buy a talking watch for my brother who is blind. I have tried so many places in Montreal without any success. Can you recommend any place in Montreal where these watches are sold. Thanks in advance.

A: There’s been a store in my Smart Shopping Montreal book for years (under Medical Supplies). It used to be a physical store on Cote des Neiges called Ultravision, but now it is called Cecitech and you can reach them by phone: 514-344-3988. Tell him I sent you.

Q: Where can I find Espresso Powder ??

A: Try Cafe Union, http://smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=19 or one of the coffee suppliers in my Smart Shopping Montreal book, on page 179.

At Cafe Union, ask them to grind the coffee beans to make a fine powder for you.

Made-to-measure coffee has brought java lovers to Cafe Union, a Montreal institution since 1910. This wholesaler roasts the coffee right here, so you can choose one or a custom blend from amongst the espresso, melange maison (regular and strong), french press, Kenya, Panama, Columbia Supremo, Fair Trade, decaf and Swiss washed decaf.

Those who like flavors can buy Bavarian chocolate, Irish cream or hazelnut vanilla or one of the 30 flavored syrups (vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, etc.) to add in. Drink products like iced cappuccino, chai latte concentrate, Twinings teas and Mighty Leaf tisanes now line the shelves. Free delivery is offered for 5 pounds or more.

They sell espresso machines (Saeco, Gaggia, Rancilio, Pavoni, Breville, Quick Mill, Jura, La Spaziale) and teapots, too. Repairs to these machines are available.

Location:148 Jean-Talon Ouest
corner: Waverly
Tel: 514-273-5555
Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5:30, Sat 9-4
www.cafe-union.com

Q: I have about 170 yards of fabric in one to two yards denominations, folded very neatly in flats. It is my sewing stash that I would like to sell to someone or a store, etc. It consists of half quilting fabrics and about half baby prints for quilting or panels.

Also there is some tapestry and linen pieces. I make bags and quilts myself, but I just have way too much fabric and want to get on to doing other projects. Therefore, I would love to sell all this and get some of my money back.

Are you aware of any places that would take this fabric – even on consignment?

A: There really isn’t a business that buys fabric scraps. Your best bet is to put it up on KIJIJI or Varagesale.com and sell directly to someone else. If you want to donate it to some artists, you can ask at La Gaillarde on page 136 of my Smart Shopping Montreal book. Phone: 514-989-5134. Artists there turn it into clothing, accessories or whatever.

Q: I remember ages ago you posted on the shlog about a company that does custom beanbag chairs. Do you still have their contact info? Thanks so much.

A: You just go to Sandra’s Shlog and on the left side there is a box which says search. I put in beanbag and this is what I got. Thanks for reading the shlog. Hope you’ve saved lots of $$$

Beanbags Are The Way To Relax For Outdoor Living

Beanbags are a versatile decorative item which can bring some fun into a room or the outdoors. You can buy them for you, for your kids’ rooms, for the back yard, for the summer cottage or for your pet!

Beanbags Montreal is a manufacturer who is making them right here and selling directly to the public. Since this is a warehouse and not a store with high overhead, costs are less, and they pass the savings on to their customers. This allows prices to be quite reasonable, up to 60% less than in retail stores.

The bags are even available for your dogs and cats – there are 5 sizes and 20 colors available.
The beanbags come in 25 different models ready to walk out the door with you, and are very well made. The interior lining is made from cloth, not canvas, which makes it much stronger. For easy cleaning, the covers are removable and machine washable. They are filled with polypropylene pellets. You can get funky shapes like lips or one which turns into a table.

You can choose from more than 100 fabrics, or bring in your own selection for a custom-made beanbag; it can be constructed in 3 to 6 days. Telephone orders are accepted and delivery is available anywhere in Quebec.

When you buy a beanbag, you’ll discover many ways to sit or lie down on them to read, watch TV, or relax. Why not throw one into your office for some down time? Buying here at such a reduced cost allows you to buy a few.

Location: 4609 Iberville St. Suite 10
Corner: Mont-Royal
Telephone: 514-825-3587 or Toll Free:1-888-527-0777
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-5, Sat 10:30-4
www.beanbagmontreal.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/14ie4cZ

Q: I have an Ikea corner couch.  The slipcovers are white and want to have them dyed.  Have tried to research where to have this done without results. Can you advise me of anywhere I can have this done?

A: If you had looking in my Smart Shopping Montreal book, you would have found an answer on page 156: Nettoyerur Vitalizing Cleaners, 921 Mont-Royal est. Here’s what I wrote:” Places to dye fabric are hard to find. This one will only work on 100% cotton garments like jeans, sweaters, shirts and coats. If there are any discolorations in the fabric, the only color that will dye evenly is black. Be aware that some threads won’t take the dye and there also might be a teeny bit of shrinkage.”

If that doesn’t work, here’s what a fan had to say about a master craftsman from my Smart Shopping Montreal book who makes new slipcovers:

“We contacted Mr. Colin Hynes of Four Season Slip Covers in St-Lambert (450-465-0650). He came and was undaunted by the behemoth. He had fabric samples, one of which suited us perfectly, he gave us two estimates according to how he would attack the project, he did not try and influence us toward the more expensive one, and, generally speaking, I was impressed with his professionalism. When he returned to put the cover on the couch it was a pleasure to watch him because he is a true craftsman, and craftsmen are hard to find nowadays. The couch again reigns supreme in our living room and is probably good for another 30 years.

The words that come to mind when I think of Mr Hynes is professional, a craftsman, integrity.

And so we are grateful to you for the information you published in your Smart Shopping book and site.”

Tel: 450-465-0650

Q: Can you tell me where I can buy lemon curd?

A: For this, you will find it at a British Food shop, like Clarence and Cripps in Hudson,  71 Cameron, Hudson Tel: 450-458-4073

Specialty British foods fill this friendly shop. You will find: Robertson’s mincemeat, Tate Lyle golden syrup, and in the freezer: 3 kinds of sausage, Melton mowbray pork pies and their own steak and kidney pie. Favorite snacks are there too: Walker’s chips (steak & onion, prawn cocktail), Maynard’s wine gums, Galaxy minstrels, McVities digestives and some Marks & Spencer products. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to scoop up some real Devonshire double cream or clotted cream for your scones. Shipping is available.

www.clarenceandcripps.com

Q: Where can I find ramp, a vegetable? It is in many recipes, but I cannot find it in stores.

A: We are so lucky in Montreal to have  many real live farmer’s markets. The biggest one is Jean Talon Market found near boul. Jean-Talon and boul. St-Laurent. Our fabulous Montreal restauranteurs go there for everything imaginable to cook with. Walk around to all the vegetable stands and ask. There’s also the Atwater Market on Atwater Ave. but they don’t have as many stands.