Love this shop for my craft needs and expert advice. Also able to collect points to receive treats!read more

I never knew Michael's had expanded to the UK!…read more But seriously, Hobbycraft is a lovely, but overpriced, craft supply emporium for those of us who truly believe we have talent but do not have the wherewithal to actually properly source our supplies. For those of my readers who live in the colonies (aka Canada) it's much like Lewiscraft or Michael's, but slightly better. I had been looking for cheaply priced yarn, and I admit, I was spoilt by the plethora of cheap yarn at Zeller's in Canada, one conveniently located near an Asian area (Gerrard Square) where the smell of chinese dumplings permeated the air. Unfortunately in this white suburban land that I live in (Southampton) yarn is as expensive and rare as gold dust. It was either John Lewis or order online - and I am such a yarn whore that I need to molest the yarn before I purchase it. Then I found Hobbycraft. I found the supplies I wanted, reasonably priced, and the boyfriend had fun frolicking amongst aisles, looking at scalextrics of the Star Wars variety. I think at one point he was eyeing up some children's jigsaw puzzles, but I digress. Hobbycraft is a lovely shop which has the supplies you need if want to crotchet, knit, play with beads and jewellry crafting. And if you want to try your hand at making cupcakes/cakes with sugary fondant icing, this is also a place to come to. Twas a tad difficult to find, but luckily this particular Hobbycraft was sharing retail space with Haskins - a pseudo garden centre/overpriced cafeteria restaurant.

Hobbycraft do some really good stuff for all different types of arts and crafts. Like card-making…read morestuff, beads, stickers, painting, absolutely everything. But, they're bloody expensive. Although every blue moon will find the odd bargain. It is a huge bloody place and a word of warning you will lose Granny when she toddles off to the garden centre and you head in the opposite direction. Its also very hard to handle more than about 45 minutes in here as for some unknown reason the whole place seems to suffocate you.

This is the quaintest little craft shop which has not long opened, Feb 21st 2009. A lone adventure…read moreof someone I met working at the craft central in Wyvale, Fair Oak, who has set up on her own. I highly recommend a visit she is a lovely welcoming lady and if there doesn't happen to be the item you are looking for she will order it in for you. There is a little room available for very reasonable rent on the premises which is ideal for craft clubs, demonstrations etc. with tea and coffee making facilities. All in all for a first timer at retail she has made a very big step and it looks like it is paying off!! Give this little shop a try if you are in the area and need to top up your crafty bits!!