Staff not very helpful in the Stockport store last time I visited. Another shopper helped me So…read moremuch more

I have a love hate relationship with Hobby Craft. I LOVE…read morethe range and knowing i can simply bob in and get what i need, but i HATE the prices. I cant help but feel i've been royally ripped off each time i go. But i still go as sometimes you just dont want to wait 3 weeks to get a knitting needle sent to you by ebay or amazon. And that my friends is the rub.

Incredible art store. I was blown away by how well stocked the store is. I loved the top floor with…read morecool crafts and unique art gifts to purchase. The second floor had every art supplies I could dream of, and the bottom floor was an amazing selection of paper and canvas. Truly a great art store for all

Incredible place, but dangerous at the same time as you could easily spend a lot of money in here!…read more The first time I popped in was when I needed a few items for an event and I thought I'd gamble on Fred Aldous having the stuff I needed - they did! Anything you need for arts & craft or decorations they have it and with some good choice! I've now been in a few times when I need to pick up bits and bobs or essentials for work i.e. scissors etc. Loads of interesting present and gift ideas in here as well so if you're out and about birthday shopping or it's coming up to christmas - I'd say Fred Aldous is a great option with some similar style stuff to Oklahoma! Most of the stuff here is well priced and I've always been fairly surprised that my total wasn't higher when purchasing as I think the interior and style gives off an expensive vibe but really it's good value for money! A short simple review for a top NQ shop!

The Handmade Market is a market for crafty types to set up a stall and sell their wares…read more I've been to it twice now,one to have a look around to see what it's like,and the other time was to be general dogsbody to Mrs Z as she had a stall one Sunday to try and sell some if the things she makes. The stalls there sell a wide range of home made things,from cards and jewlery,to cakes and wooden things. If you find yourself in Stockport on the day it's being held,pop along,you never know,you just might find something you really like...

We visited for the Christmas market and the hall was filled with a huge variety of craft stalls…read morefrom stunning (but hugely pricey) handmade teddy bears and delicious fruit jams to artists and leather workers. Not your usual generic craft fayre, there are lovely things to suit all tastes and budgets. We spent an enjoyable hour or so browsing every stall and came away with an eclectic mix of spice mixes, jam, some awesome greetings cards from a fab artist and tons of ideas for gifts and treats for when we have a bit of extra cash! All the stall holders seemed friendly and excited to chat and explain their wares to us and the atmosphere was really convivial, and with Santa ho ho ho-ing his way around and the abundance of glittery sparkles it felt very festive too. The craft market is there on the 3rd Sunday of every month and we will be most certainly returning on a regular basis.

I am a huge fan of this shop. I started crafting about 6 months ago so when I found this shop I was…read morein heaven. It is stocked to the brim with everything any crafter could ever need. From the outside it's quite misleading, it looks really small but once you're through the door, you can see how big it is inside. The first time I went in I spent about 40 minutes walking round looking at everything. I didn't even know then what half of it was but I was just enthralled by it all. I don't think the shop has the best layout, it's hard to get through some of the gaps and I'm always a bit worried about knocking things over. I think this is mainly because it's so crammed and I wouldn't actually want them to take any of their stock away. The staff are extremely helpful, the first time I shopped there, I mentioned to the assistant that I was new to crafting and he said if I ever needed to know how to do anything, the girls that work in the shop will always give me tips and advice. I haven't called on them yet but I'm sure I will one day. I think it's very reasonably priced and they have offers and promotions on sometimes too.

I remember girls being obbsessed in this place when I was younger…read more Situated on the 1st floor of mild rebellion central, Afflecks Palace The Bead Shop specialises in beads (don't) & jewellery making supplies. Not only that, they also run beading classes for all levels throughout the week & stock a wide range of beading kits, semi-precious stones & Sworovski Crystals. So much like cracker dealers, they lure people in, get them hooked, then simply cater to demand. "C'mon man, just a few more pink flower beads...." "I think you've had enough." "Dammit I'll tell you when I've had enough!!"

This place is wonderful. I remember coming here at the age of 13 and thinking this shop was the…read morefuture. Obviously others thought the same thing as its still going strong. The concept: spend hours choosing coloured beads, choose a lace/string, make a fabulous and unique necklace/ bracelet. I have to stay away from this place as a grown adult now to avoid walking out of the shop looking like I am polly pocket. Not to say you cant make stylish pieces for grown-ups it's just my tastes in beads seem to be similar to that of a ten year old!

Let's help Sew it All to buy a new sign!…read more Dear me this haberdashery and crafts shop in Stalybridge has seen better days. It still has its loyal clientele though - needlework fans, various members of my family who have taken up knitting - I knitted my boyfriend a hat but all my friends laughed at him so now his sister has it, shame.. Anyhoo, it also has an awesome selection of buttons. Aren't fashion mags always telling to 'update' your 'wardrobe' by sewing new buttons on things. Well here they all are, more buttons than you could scare my old Art teacher with. She was scared of buttons.

This haberdashery and crafts shop is very well stocked with everything you need (except fabric? I…read morecouldn't see any). It's a dreadful shame that the shop always stinks terribly of cigarette smoke, so much so that I try my best to avoid it and shop elsewhere :(

This shop is definitely worth a visit. Located in the Royal Exchange Theatre it really is a hidden…read moregem for unusual gifts from local artisans and includes jewellery, ceramics, contemporary glass, wood, metal and textiles and cards. It's been here since 1981, that's almost 30 years of trading, they must be doing something right! Everything looks so stunning and delicate in here that I almost tiptoe around the showroom. The glass cabinet filled with jewellery is probably my favourite section and the main draw of the shop. You can find some remarkably reasonable items from designers like Cloversoul and Kate Hodgson in oxidised silver, some of the nicest designs I've seen for months. You MUST give this shop a visit.

The Craft Shop in the Royal Exchange is often mentioned as an aside to the theatre but I think it's…read moreworthy of a mention in its own right. Trading since 1981, the shop has a reputation for attracting the best design talent from across the UK, including new and emerging makers as well as established names. Disciplines range from ceramics, glass and wood to jewellery, textiles and art. Prices vary and the shop runs the 'Own Art' interest-free loan scheme for purchase between £100 and £2,000. A rolling exhibition programme is in operation and artists' work is displayed in glass cases around the theatre, under a chosen theme. The Craft Shop is definitely worth a visit, whether you're browsing before a play or out shopping in Manchester.

I remember this shop from when I was little too, My grandma use to take me in as she loves to knit…read more I think the hobby rubbed off onto me as some of the wool in here is lovely and I have made some wonderful fashionable scarves. This is the kind of shop Gok Wan goes on about in his programmes, he talks to us ladies and tells us about customizing our old clothes for a new look. This is the ideal shop for all that. Whether it be decorations or buttons. It is great here and worthy of a rummage in. You will no doubt let your imagination run wild like I do. There is tapestry and decorations for clothes, absolutely all sorts!