Ted’s Hobby Shop has been a fixture on the West Island since 1958. Love their slogan regarding kids, “they have stuff to do, rather that stuff to have”. Their merchandise is a mixture of arts and crafts and toys which use brain power. So if you’re looking for board games, card games or jigsaw puzzles ( now featuring Wrebbit 3D ones for you puzzle aficionados),  science kits or model rockets, start here. But then think about:

– plastic model kits of cars, planes, boats, tanks, sci-fi vehicles from Star Trek, Star Wars, BattleStar Galactica
– scrapbooking and beading supplies
– plasticine, polymer clay (for jewelry and bead-making) and air dry clay
– general arts and crafts supplies like paint, paint by numbers and paint for models
– lots of radio-controlled airplanes, helicopters and cars
– airbrushes – for painting and air design

If you’re looking for a good selection of die cast airplanes, look no further. 80’s nostalgia buffs can pick up SNL’s Mr. Bill and some Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. And just what every household needs – a remote-controlled rat or pigs that fly – they’re both sold here!

Smart Shoppers know that there are always display tables out front for discounted items

Location: 291 St. Jean Blvd. Pointe Claire QC H9R 3J1
Corner: Douglas-Shand
Tel: 514-697-1810
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-9, Sat 9-5, Sun 12-5
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/10YeUUB
Email: info@tedshobbyshop.com

Q: 1 – At this time of the year, we are putting away all of our winter clothes and thinking about what has to go to the dry cleaners, yet we hesitate because of environmental concerns.

A: The dry cleaning industry has been hit hard by stricter environmental laws. Dry cleaners spend thousands of dollars   installing containment tanks so there are no chemical leaks that could get into the sewer systems and they doubly treat the water for the same reason. Excess waste is avoided in polyethylene dry-cleaning bags by using new bagging machines with robotic arms. A magic eye is designed to size up a garment and cut the bag off 2″ below the garment.

Q: 2 – Is there a way to save on dry cleaning bills or to use less chemicals?

At Western Cleaners if you bring in a minimum of 10 lbs. of clothes, they can be bulk dry cleaned at only $1.89 per lb. Sweaters  are the most popular, but blankets, coats and even suits  can be cleaned this way. An inexpensive service  to quickly remove stains on suits is the “while-you-wait spot, sponge and press”. The stain is removed, the jacket or pants are refreshed and all are given back to you in under 10 min.  Knitters bring their sweaters here to be blocked, or to get holes repaired or sleeves shortened.

Q: 3 – What other special services do dry cleaners offer?

Miss Brown and Bellingham Cleaners and Tailors, can both empty and old feather pillow, sanitize it, deodorize it and even replace the ticking with a new one. A good dry-cleaning can also remove dust mites from area rugs. Miss Brown can even get skunk odors out of your house.

Q: 4 – Does dry cleaning affect the repellency of raincoats with repeated cleanings?

Yes, it removes the water repellency. You can have them re-coated; They are placed in a spray booth and get a water repellent shower. If you didn’t know how to properly stash away your wedding gown, these cleaners can do an expert cleaning job and then pack the gown in an acid-free box for storage.

Q: 5- What about cleaning our leather and suede coats?
These are now washed rather than dry-cleaned. Hides are tanned these days with water-proof dyes so this method is less harsh on the skins, and the jackets come out less stiff.

Bellingham Cleaners and Tailors  2655 Bates Rd. at Wilderton Ave.
Tel: 514-733-4444.
Also offers a drive-thru service and a 24-hour night deposit box using VIP bags.

Western Cleaners, 4460 Ste-Catherine St. West at Metcalfe St., Westmount.
Tel: 514-935-2000.

Miss Brown, 67 Provost St.
Tel: 514-637-6741;
4930 Sherbrooke St. West at Claremont Ave., Westmount.
Tel: 514-489-7669.