Knitting patterns have become so much more stylish these days I could almost consider knitting…read moresomething myself, something I realised after looking in Jean's Wool Shop. I mean, you could end up with amazing results - I don't claim to be particularly stylish! From the outside it seems rather old fashioned, and indeed, it is a traditional knitting shop but in a good way. The variety of wools seemed infinite to me and I really was quite inspired by the look of the photographs of interesting knitwear on the patterns. Such a creative and therapeutic activity, methinks. Somebody just needs to remind me how to do purl... There are also related accessories such as buttons, needles, crochet hooks but no tapestry wool as I discovered.

Knitting is cool again, even hipsters are doing it in bars, the weirdos…read more When a girlfriend suggested we gave it a try over wine I thought why not, I can't knit, but why should that hold me back. So I was dandering along the Cregagh Road and saw this little wool shop hiding in a corner. I braved myself, ready to face imminent embarrassment due to my complete lack of knowledge and went in. There was no need to fear, the lady behind the counter (pretty much everything is behind the counter) was lovely. She talked me through the various needle sizes and what I wanted to achieve and sorted me with some plain wool to practice with. I left feeling confident and a little crafty. Once I've mastered the plain stitch I'll be back for some nice fancy wool as there's a pretty good selection, and unlike buying online, you can feel it. Joy.

I'm not used to decorating homes and recently I have undertaken some redesign and decor of our…read morespare bedroom. I called in here to price curtains and bed linen as they have been about for absolutely ages and have a decent reputation. I wasn't that impressed. The stuff, I felt, was out dated and expensive. The staff weren't very helpful even though I very obviously needed help with measurements, colour schemes and the like. I personally prefer Dunelm Mill but I was in the centre of town and couldn't have been bothered traveling about the place. I don't think I will go in again for anything other than a definite item as I just felt a little overwhelmed at all the stuff but the lack of help.

I'm not really big into curtain / fabric / bed linen shops, since I don't have a requirement to buy…read moreany of these types of goods. However, when my parents were away on holiday last year, I decided I would venture in and purchase a duvet cover set for myself, having been in dire need of one for quite some time. Undoubtedly one of the most important days in a girl's life... I was fortunate enough to be in the shop during sale time, and was even more fortunate to find a blue and white barcode striped duvet cover for half price...£10 ("how do you do it?" is a frequent question asked by my mum). That usual jubilation that suddenly overcomes me the moment I find a bargain eluded me for once. I *had* to phone my mum and dad to ensure that my find was genuine and the bargain was good enough to warrant a purchase. A five minute phonecall later, and we established that this was the case. Phew. A year later, and my blue and white striped duvet cover is still perfectly intact, currently taking pride of place on my bed. Having had such a wonderful experience, when I went back this year to a newly refurbished Spinning Wheel, I was slightly disheartened to find no duvet covers on the bottom floor, despite the fact that this was indicated on the wall. Being in a hurry, I had to go, but I will definitely pop back in for a proper look very soon. And to get lost among all those curtains. Looks like such fun...

Oh boy, oh boy…read more.. I'm one of these people who always wanted to be artistically creative. My mum can paint, sketch, knit, crochet, and all the rest of it, but unfortunately I didn't inherit her arty farty genes. Stick men and colour co-ordination is really the height of it for me. Well, at least my stick people will be well dressed... Thank goodness for Craftworld, a haven of every possible kind of art form known to man. To my delight, this includes those colourful beads which you place on a random plastic shape, cover with iron-proof paper, and iron. Cue excitement. I actually made one of these a number of years ago. A blue and red place mat in the shape of a star which sits on my desk. Craftworld appreciates the lesser forms of art. Happy days. If you're not one for fusing together beads (and let's face, apart from a five year old and myself, who really is?), do not fear. Everything from dolls houses to thread, from glitter to polystyrene shapes can be found in Craftworld. There's a lovely wee wedding section at the very back too. Lovely jubbly.

This place is unbeatable for everything craft, ribbons, buttons, wool..everything…read more I had the very frustrating experience of going here to pick up stuff everyday for two weeks before my wedding...men beware it may just dooo your head in unless your the president of your local sewing club. Prepare for a busy stuffy room with way too much choice!!!!

Tucked in neatly behind Marks and Spencer on Callender Street is the charming Sew 'n' Sew. I had…read morenever noticed this wee haberdashery before today and the only reason I went inside is because my mum is a keen knitter and she mentioned that she needed some new knitting needles. Being a knitting novice myself I didn't know just how many accessories there were! Sew 'n' Sew seems to have it all. Every nook and cranny is filled with some material, buttons, ribbons, wool and needles. I ventured in at around 10 am and to my surprise there were 6 customers perusing the isles. Perhaps I am being naïve about just how popular knitting and crafts are but I was shocked. I was able to find a circular knitting pin (as requested by mother dearest) without too much trouble and I'd say that if you are in to haberdashery then this is your go to shop. There were a few bargains too, including buttons for 5p each - so if you popped a button off your favourite blazer or the excess eating at Christmas caused your winter coat to explode you might just find a replacement button here by having a hoke through the tubs at Sew 'n' Sew! The two girls working there were chatting to some other shoppers and seemed to be really helpful - all in all I found this wee shop extremely endearing and I got what I was looking for so I walked out with a smile on my face.

Not the friendliest place, not wheelchair accessible and not well organized. I visited once a few…read moremonths ago and that was enough. I pass by it a lot because I'm often in the city centre but there's Eason and craftworld if I feel like browsing for wool, both accessible, clean and friendly.

This is another little constant that has survived the many changes in Carrickfergus over the years…read more I'm not much of a knitting fan but my mum and nan are, and this is the only shop they go to for their knitting patterns, wool, and other supplies. The shop is only tiny but it has what seems like an almost exhaustive selection of everything that could possibly be available for someone who wanted to knit, sew or crochet! The staff who work there are obviously very knowledgeable and can offer help and advice on what to buy.

When I was a child I used to hate being dragged into this shop with its odd name. Now that I am…read moreall grown up, I understand why my mum often went there. The Paragon is the go to place in East Belfast for anything sewing related - fabric, linings, zips, thread, needles, ribbon and trim, it's all here. I have bought some nice gingham here for number two son's bedroom and the price was great, much cheaper than anywhere else. One of the greatest attractions for me is that they sometimes have Laura Ashley and Sanderson fabrics for a fraction of their usual retail price. I'm not sure if these are seconds or surplus stock but I have never found any flaws. The staff are good as advising sewing numpties like me on how much fabric you need and whether a particular fabric is suitable for blinds or whatever you are making. Mind you in my case, the next stop after the Paragon is to the curtain maker who makes the bits of fabric into blinds ad curtains for me. Job done.

What a find rolls galore no velvet but has everything else and all the gear to do your project to…read morethe best standard family business grandparent and father used to be here .run by Robin tends to shut Wednesday opens to 5 easy parking nearby free a must to visit when shopping Creagh road.

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.

The Wicker Man is a lovely traditional gift shop on Belfast's busy High Street. The company was…read moreestablished in 1994 in the hope of promoting local businesses and selling local art work. Nowadays the store sells work from artists in Ireland both North and South. They sell some intriguing items including beautiful Beleek pottery, some gorgeous Celtic jewellery, as well as work by some enterprising local artists. You can find work by Carrick artist Thomas Joseph, Belfast artist Gary Anderson as well as the exceptionally popular Anna Nielsen prints. The jewellery sold here is really gorgeous, it's very well made and you should try here if you're interested in buying the likes of a claddagh ring or a Celtic knot brooch. The stock is in no way limited to the usual array of touristy nick nacks, even I shop here if I'm after a particular work of art. But for those visiting the Emerald Isle you can choose from a huge range of typical Irish souveneirs. For something different they also have some beautiful picture frames and clocks. If you've never been here before and are a fan of our great wee country then you should definitely not miss it. The staff will greet you with a warm welcome and make you feel more than comfortable. Great shop, great stock, great prices, great people!

We finally found yarn in Belfast! In the heart of the city we were lucky enough to pop in out of…read morethe rain and get dessert and coffee at College Street Cafe! Don't miss it! The walk on over to Wicker Man for some beautiful boucle yarn!! We all grabbed a few balls!!