Madeleine Soie et Laine is an integral part of the history of the businesses found on St-Hubert street, like Raffin, Oskar, L-L-Lozeau, Rôtisserie St-Hubert and, nowadays, Gamache Tailleur, Queue de cochon, Petits plaisirs and Pousse l'ananas, amongst others...
By preserving the name of the small fabric boutique acquired in June 1987, Jeanine Turcotte, the present owner, wanted to avoid shocking the clientele so that they would keep their habits and still feel at home. However, this is the only thing that did not change, as very early on the boutique was systematically reorganized. First on the list was to personalize transactions and enhance the presentation of the fabrics (both lighting and displays).
Assisted from the start in this venture by her daughter Carole, an interior designer, the small boutique of humble dimensions and aspect twice changed location. This meant the look changed as well, since each move allowed more space to adapt the furniture and add to the displays and storefront. Moving into the present premises in 1997 marked the end of an era when, next to Godbout, one had to climb over the former window to access the storefront... Without ever having left the St-Hubert Plaza, the boutique now finds itself in one of its most enviable sectors (the yellow section, to the south).
While the owner has always been passionate about sewing (after all, the kids needed clothing, including winter coats), she’s found her true calling through fabrics. “The bond you form with the clients can be so strong that it can’t always be explained. For me, you have to look back to when, at 9 years old, I spent a summer at my aunt Élyse’s general store. I loved it. I knew then that what I wanted the most was to become a shopkeeper.” After studying administration and having raised a family, Jeannine Turcotte was far from imagining that her little fabric venture would turn out to also be a fabulous family affair. Indeed, after a ten-year hiatus to raise a family of her own, her daughter Carole is now back, bringing her own brand of passion to the business.
