Aladdins cave for sewing enthusiasts!!! Fantastic range of fabrics, - both dress and patchwork…read morefabrics, haberdashery and also best selection of sewing machines for miles. Plenty of workshops to choose from - beginners to advanced.

From the owner: Your Sewing Machine Specialists In Yorkshireread more

During my vacation in the Yorkshire Dales, UK this past July 2014, I stopped by the cute Knitting…read moreBasket in Hawes so I could get some yarn and even try knitting my very first pair of socks. The small shop has a nice collection of reasonably priced, pretty yarn and needles for any knitter. I was very impressed with Jenny (the friendly Owner/Manager) who recommended the best kind of yarn to use and gave me a set of instructions for a beginner. She even offered really helpful/patient guidance to do the tricky parts (ex. heel, gusset). Now, I have finished my very first sock thanks to Jenny (see picture). If you're in the area and want to get some knitting supplies and great advice, it's definitely worth a stop.

From one side, Taylor's looks like a perfectly normal newsagent. The only problem is that, from…read morethe other side, it looks like a perfectly normal little café. This is because the shop itself is half newsagent half café. This unusual but handy feature in the shop means that you can buy your weekly copy of Heat before popping next door and reading it all with a cup of tea. The selection of magazines in the newsagents is pretty varied without offering anything too obscure like Knitting Weekly, and their sweets and drinks there are competitive and pretty cheap. The café side is pretty simple but cosy enough, with Taylor's offering its customers a small selection of hot and cold refreshments and snacks whilst you sit and watch the world go by through Ormskirk village. Both sides of the shop are reasonably-sized, meaning they can fit plenty in there without making you feel too cramped. A decent place to go for your glossies or a cup of tea.

This is kind of like the local version of W H Smith's. They sell greeting cards and stationary,…read morebooks, newspapers and magazines, and sweets and snacks--but they also have a coffee shop in house. I find this impressive for an independent newsagent. The shop was clean, well arranged, and reminiscent of the big guys, but in a good way.

A major drawback to The Wool Shop is its rather random location. On the Whingate Juction, just…read moresouth east of Armley, I only happened to stumble accross it when I was driving home, and was admittedly, lost! In the early evening light, it looks like a cozy little haven in the midst of its ominous industrial surroundings. The warm lighting shines out of the windows, enticing whoever it is that walks around there, to have a gander inside. Steps lead down into the shop once you are inside, which I have to say, doesn't make it particularly disability-friendly. Once down the few steps there are, the walls are covered in shelves that are housing a fairly large collection of colour and brand co-ordinated wools, and knitting ideas sweetly pinned to examples hanging around the shop. The lady in the shop is very helpful to anyone that enters her shop, giving customers tips and advice. I happened to find the exact brand and colour wool I had purchased from another shop in town, that I had recently run out of, and as there was only one or two balls left, I received a discount. Another hesitation I have with The Wool Shop, is that the majority of the wool in there are acryllic blends, rather than the real deal. Though there is an excellent selection of colour, it would have been nicer to see more local wool being sold as well, or instead of the cheaper, more synthetic, widely sold brands.

I'm afraid I can't admit to knowing much about wool. I've recently learned the basics of knitting…read moreand have a couple of nice homemade scarves to my name, but that's it. However, what I can tell you is that not only does The Wool Shop have an impressive amount of yarn adorning shelves, and examples of knit-work dotted around the shop floor, but they are cheaper than Samuel Taylor in the City Centre (at least in the yarns that I have purchased in both venues) and the staff are so incredibly helpful! I've been in a few times now, and each visit I have left the shop with both wool and a new knowledge to help my with my knitting endeavours. Last time, I got shown how to make tassels for the end of my scarves - they look ace! It may be slightly out of the way in it's location, but it's right on the Number 4 bus route, and well worth it if you're serious about your knitting, or learning the skill. Worth noting it's not open on a Monday though - that's caught me out before!

A great little business where there's a friendly reception and sound advice. When I've been looking…read morefor a particular yarn nothing has been too much trouble, and the yarns I've worked with are very good quality. I needed some help with the making up of my latest project and was given time, a demonstration and advice so that I was able to feel confident about continuing the work. Thank you for your kindness and expertise!

Really stylish shop run by friendly couple who know a thing or two about wool. Love the colourful…read moreskeins on display and great to be able to pop in for advice when stuck on a knitting project.

Love their window displays. worth a visit.read more

Laxey Woolley Mills is a charming gem of old world artisan and craftsmanship, and a must for anyone…read morevisiting Isle of Man. The owner still weaves everything traditionally on a loom. Laxey Wollen Mills is also the only place in which someone can purchase authentic Manx Wool clothing and home goods whether in Manx Tartan or other classic patterns. They also sell sheep skin rugs and shearling outerwear. I have many wool rugs (blankets, if you're American) and a shearling hat from Laxey Woollen Mills that I absolutely love. I had a few blankets shipped back to the US and nothing is more warm and cozy then having a woollie from the Isle of Man to hide under on a cold winter night. When you visit the Woollen Mills be sure to visit the art gallery on the second floor to see local artists exhibiting works of art inspired by the island. To make an afternoon of your visit, finish up at the Tea Room and enjoy fresh, homemade and locally sourced sandwiches, soups, and tasty treats (located on the second floor).

Laxey Woollen Mills is the only remaining mill on the Isle of Man. I always stop in to purchase…read moregifts for friends. Beautiful pure wool scarves start at approximately £15 and up. Throws, sweaters (aka jumpers), caps, kilts and more! It is not inexpensive but these are handcrafted items which will last a lifetime. This is the real deal, not mass produced. Many items are available in the blue 'Isle of Man' Tartan. A nice tearoom is located on the 2nd floor (no lift). There are a couple of other shops in the building, a gift shop upstairs and women's clothing downstairs. The people who run the Woollen shop are friendly (say hello to Rick the dog!). There are also very cool bronze (?) sculptures around the carpark, worth a look! Make sure you visit the nearby Laxey Wheel while up that way.