Quilting in store at Maison de Calico

It’s an art form steeped in antiquity, an exacting craft whose roots can be traced back to ancient Egypt and the Orient. Quilting reached North America in the 17th century; early creations included materials like deerskin, wildfowl feathers, and buffalo hair.

Located in Pointe Claire village, La Maison de Calico is the oldest quilt shop in Montreal, purveying a tradition of long standing. It is housed in what was once the Canada Hotel and is a designated historic site on the local Heritage Trail. “I researched the building and it’s close to 300 years old,” said owner Eve Drouin of Beaconsfield, who opened the store and atelier in 1979.

Centuries ago, trappers and fur traders frequented the hotel en route to the Hudson’s Bay Company.

La Maison de Calico is a member of the International Economuseum Network Society, which promotes time-honoured trades and regional culture. “We have a reputation as traditional hand-quilters. We’re considered purists,” Drouin said.

A visit to the landmark shop is an experience in itself. View a display of their exquisite quilt collection, and a showcase displaying early artifacts which evokes the origins of the art; an in-store documentation centre boasts a wide assortment of books and magazines which explore the craft in depth. “We also sell an extensive variety of fabrics and exclusive products, kits of popular techniques in English and French, as well as ready-made items such as hand-made quilts, wall hangings, and table runners.”

As for patterns, “thousands exist, ranging from Civil War and art deco motifs to contemporary designs.”

La Maison de Calico hosts a succession of courses led by gifted artisans; registration for the winter session is under way. “Most classes start in mid-January, and are held in the daytime, evenings, and weekends. Among them is a 10-week basic quilting course, as well as workshops where we teach techniques like Celtic and Cathedral Window, as well as smocking and teddy bear-making.”

Of long standing is the Tuesday Stitch and Bitch group, comprised of quilting enthusiasts “who bring in a project to work on and chat.”

There are also guided tours year-round, and a quilt exhibition in summer.

But no profile of La Maison de Calico would be complete without mention of Aux Delices, which began as a modest tea room in 1989 and has since taken on a life of its own. With its Victorian ambience, this charming restaurant is known for its sophisticated seasonal fare — savoury soups, quiches, salad plates, and home-made culinary classics like ragout de boulettes and tourtiere, and an array of mouthwatering desserts. Its signature dish is the five-tier Calico sandwich; daily brunch, afternoon tea with their famous scones, and a gluten-free menu are other popular features.

La Maison de Calico is situated at 324 Lakeshore Rd. To register for classes or for more information, call 514-695-0728, 514-695-7479, or visit www.maisondecalico.com.