Since knitting has become the new rock n' roll (even festivals had knitting tents this year if you…read moredon't believe me) it is still surprisingly hard to go and score your wool fix. Those unwilling to trudge out to the Cribbs' John Lewis know that this is the place to be. Full of wool, thread and patterns for knitting and embroidery, the staff are reassuringly clicking needles at the counter and keen to help out.

Saw your item on Points West last night, and mention again tonight and was really impressed with…read moreyour wonderful work. Can you let me know how much the pattern and the wool cost. I belong to St George's Wilton Mothers' Union in Taunton, and we have 40 Commando Royal Marines in the town. We already do quite a bit of knitting for babies, premature babies, blankets for babies, knee blankets for residential homes as well as hats, scarves, mittens and jumpers for the children and women in the local refuge - we would love to add your hats to our repertoire. Very best wishes to you and your 'army' of knitters!! Hilary P.S. Although I have never visited your shop I give you five stars for your innovative project

I'm a sucker for arts & crafts and creativity in general and Craft Works ticks all the boxes. This…read moreshop is one of the most comprehensive of its kind and one of the best in Bristol if you discount the likes of Hobbycraft. From the outside you might be forgiven for thinking this is a frivolous, girly shop for bored housewives and old ladies but oh how wrong you would be! There is a large selection of sketchbooks, drawing paper, paintbrushes and Daler-Rowney paints - all essential for art students and established artists alike. The store itself is lined with cards and displays that have been created using products from the shop, such as decopache kits, rubber stamps, ink and stencils. The only thing that limits the possibilities of the products in this shop is your own imagination. Price are reasonable and there is also a framing department at the back of the shop where you can take in your masterpieces to hang with pride.

Craft Works is probably the largest shop of its kind in Bristol. Stocking everything you can…read moreimagine, (and then some), for those with handicrafts in mind. Reasonably priced with knowledgeable staff on hand to explain what everything is for, Craft Works is creativity made easy. They even host workshops in the evening. They also stock resources for those of us who can't quite decide what hobby would suit us best, or for those of us that would like to be a bit more creative but aren't exactly sure how. A full range of magazines is available with comprehensive advice on hand. And just for the record: I'm in the market for a knitted toilet roll cover with a Cindy-type doll miraculously emerging from the middle. There's a commission in for anybody who can master the skills required to make one. I'd like it in shocking pink. Get enrolling now!

This is one of the few haberdasheries in the centre of town. Unless you've seen it you may not find…read moreit: go to the McDonalds restaurant on the edge of Cabot Circus next to the Hollister store. Rather than go into Cabot Circus turn left and left again and go behind the McDonalds and walk along that road and you will find it. Fabric Land does what it says on the tin. They offer rolls of any fabric you can imagine as well as a well stocked haberdashery offering needles, threads, ribbons etc. The products are sold at a reasonable price, but Fabric Land can afford to be a little more pricey as there are so few fabric stores and haberdasheries around. The service is OK - if a little rough around the edges, but it is a great find as I have not found anywhere else in Bristol centre that still offers this kind of range.

When Fabric Land closed in the centre of town a few months a go I was a bit disappointed because…read moreI'd always thought it was a great store as it had loads of stock, and I didn't realize they were opening up a newer branch. This branch is pretty much in the same location - but just on the opposite side of the road! I saw their new store a few weeks ago and popped in, and I was amazed at how much bigger and better it was, even though the old branch was already pretty good! This new Fabric Land opened up a couple of months ago and looks brand new and modern inside. All their fabrics are really neatly presented, and all the different sections are clearly set out so you can find what you're looking for pretty easily. This store has a massive selection of different fabrics available which is great. I have always loved Fabric Land because it's reasonably priced, has some good quality products, and the staff always seem very happy to help - and the same goes for this branch. I dabble in the odd bit of textiles making at home and I now get my supplies from here, I'd also say that if you are a student then it's a brilliant place for fancy dress, you can grab some leopard print material for under a fiver and do a make-shift cave girl outfit pretty easily! Saves you some pennies too!

In A Brave New World Aldous Huxley paints a picture of a distopian future (I've always wanted to a…read morebook review) where people consumer 'soma', a drug with similar effects to alcohol but lacking some its more unpleasent aspects. As a shop, Soma is enjoyable enough but perhaps not evoking anything as the drug its named after. The space is small but its been kept clean and space. This makes it a good space to view the various prints and other works on display. It's all contemporary, and British, by-and-large. You can also get various knick knacks. To be honest, this part of the shop is slightly for people with more money than sense, with things like £7 dish cloths. You can find some good gift ideas though. Soma is sophisticated and intelligent, probably nothing like taking the fictional drug then.

I'd forgotten how much I like this little art gallery/shop. Their selection of contemporary prints…read moreis impeccable from UK-wide artists and illustrators. My favourite at the moment being Dee Beale but it isn't all that safe and pretty! The shop also has artistic nick nacks - Camila Prada's salt and pepper pots for example, Donna Wilsons knitted woodland creatures and Tatty Devine jewellery. This is a great place to pop into for original greetings cards as well. Expect to pick up a print from about £20 which is average, the staff know a bit about each artist if you want to know more.

Are you arty or crafty? Are you into beads or jewellery or embroidery threads or frames or paints…read moreor glitter or ribbons or lace? Then at Creativity you'll be in good company. Creativity is an independent art and craft supplies shop, and they stock everything in their tiny shop, all of the above and much much more. Anything you can't find you'll probably be able to order from their website.

Creativity is an art supply shop just off Whiteladies Road. It's got things like beads and cloth in…read moreabundance. As well as plastic stuff they've got some more exotic bits and pieces, including semi-precious stones and crystals. A good place to get a bit of alternative or DIY jewellery. An absolutely essential for for my friend that's into costume design. They've got an extensive supply of textiles and ribbons, as well as everything you'd ever need to do with knitting and needle work. Cards and stamps are the other thing they mainly do. If, like my mum, you like to make your own cards, this is a great place to come. Somewhere for the enthusiast this does its various little niches in a lot of detail.

The premiere fabric store in Keynsham, and very popular with proffesionals and amateur designers…read more The shops range of products include a vast selection of pure cottons for patchwork/quilting, calicos (whatever they are/is!), waddings, and quilting accessories. For those who fancy a do it yourself wedding dress they have bridal fabrics and evening fabrics. For the home there is net curtains; knitting yarns, knitting patterns and knitting accessories; plus a large range of haberdashery. Pretty much anything you are after they have in stock, and if they don't have it I am sure they would order it in... oh, and any order over £50 has free delivery!

This could be a great shop. It's large and stocks a lot of sewing and knitting supplies especially…read morequilting/patchwork fabrics. They have dressmaking patterns although not many dressmaking fabrics. What really lets it down is the attitude of the staff - I've been in quite a few times and found them to be mainly unfriendly and unhelpful.

This cleverly named store has, as one would expect, all your requirements for the sewing and crafts…read moreworld. An independent store Sew Sew has established itself in Westbury-on-Trym supplying everything from thread to mask-making designs to fancy dress. All your glues, scissors, glitter and any other creative accessories you could possibly need are all in store here. If you're looking for original greetings cards you could source some from any of the many local shops selling them for a mere 50p or you could pop in here and make your own!

Fabulous little shop. I don't sew, or knit (I am of the, knit one, drop two school of pattern…read moredesign!) so I hadn't really thought that this shop had anything to offer then I found myself there 'by accident' when helping someone else to find what they were looking for. This aladdin's cave has all kinds of fun things: a delightful array of coloured ribbons (including my favourite turquoise selection!); The most dinky pairs of nail scissors I ever saw in really pulsing colours. Okay you get the idea ...GO AND VISIT THIS SHOP with an open mind and an open heart!!

Katze is as hippy as it gets! It's like Aladdin's cave - if Aladdin had dreadlocks and lived in…read moreStokes Croft (Sapphire would definitely be the Genie in this adaptation) They sell all manner of nic-nicks, from wool & knitting needles to nose rings, ash trays, pink hair die and tie-died clothing. If you're looking for any of the above or a last minute birthday card that smells of incense, then look no further. Katze definitely caters more towards women. There really isn't much for the lads. But it's pretty quirky and you'll find yourself gawping at all the odss 'n sods!

This is one of the most bizarre shops on Gloucester Road. Filled with everything from jigsaw…read morepuzzles to belly button rings - it's a real Aladdin's cave of fun and frivilious items. My favourite thing that Katze sells in natural Henna hairdye which lasts much longer than other products but is a bit on the messy side. The staff are friendly and chatty - so if you have any questions, ask away!

A girlie girl's heaven!…read more Jewellery Lane, situated just outside St Nicholas' Market is a teeny tiny shop filled with gold and silver pieces at top notch prices. But don't dear if these are outside your budget as they also stock more reasonably priced costume pieces as well as beaded necklaces and bracelets. The shop owner is exceptionally friendly and always happy to chat (especially about the pieces in store). My favourite part about jewellery lane is the fantastic window displays which change to suit the season. They also will be able to help with repairs and alterations.

Tucked on a busy corner of the market, this is a very very small shop! It is pretty much all window…read moredisplays and then a counter inside. It has a great selection of expensive and unusual gold and platinum but also round one side has cheaper dress jewellery and work by local makers. This section has some unusual pieces, from ultra-modern to hippie/gothic styles. The owner is very friendly, items are wrapped lovingly in coloured tissue papers and ribbons so makes for perfect gifts. They also provide a repairs and alterations service, which is sent off site so not on the spot. I had a very delicate gold chain altered and she took a lot of time to get it right when I was in the shop and the work was completed with great care.