There's nothing I love more than a day out fabric and sewing shopping!
And I'm always using those blog posts where people talk about fantastic sewing places, where there are a few great shops in one area.
Anyhoo - my backyard Beeston in Nottingham is one of them! And it's now soooo much easier now the Nottingham Tram's coming here.
I've drawn a map with Google maps - there's also an interactive version. The shops are both in Beeston and in neighbouring Chilwell. Easy walking distance!
I've also marked SOME of the parking places. Beeston Town Centre is pedestrianised and has a few one way roads so I've tried to put on the easier ones to access.
It's worth noting early on that a lot of Chilwell shops close on Monday. That includes their lovely cafes. So I'd avoid Monday for that reason.
If you want to hit all the shops - I'd suggest getting off the tram at Middle Street Station in Beeston and following the route A - E as followed below:
A. Singer Sewing Centre
www.singersewing.co.uk Monday to Saturday - 9am - 5pm Free forecourt parking.
The Singer shop is a mix of haberdashery, knitting and sewing machine shop.
It is the main Nottinghamshire dealers for Singer, Pfaff, Bernina, Frister + Rossman, Silver, Toyota sewing machines and they sometimes has some second hand machines in.
It also has knitting yarns and accessories. When I was in it had some lovely big balls of Aran wool in great colours.
If you are looking for dressmaking patterns (so few places are doing them now) they stock the Burda range.
I love their big range of sew on motifs, the fact they do the Guttermann range of threads and coloured zips in lots of sizes, great if you need to match with a specific fabric. They also stock a lot of the Prym range of haberdashery.
B. Sewing Box Beeston
www.sewingboxbeeston.co.uk Monday-Saturday 10-4pm
This isn't the easiest place to find as it's down a side street but it's worth seeking out. It's along the pedestrian area of Beeston off to the left along the small side street between J A Barnsdale Butchers and CEX.
It's not much to look at from the outside.
Once you get inside you'll see it's tiny. But it does the best range of lace in Beeston (possibly Nottingham) and a range of Indian trims and ribbons you won't find elsewhere.
Great for stretch lace for making pants.
It sells the range of haberdashery - all at good prices. It has Moon thread, bulk thread cones, a wide range of yarns and knitting accessories, buttons, crossstitch kits and thread and some craft materials.
It's just started stocking fabric and is planning to increase the range.
I have to confess to a bias as I work with the owner Mike doing his online stuff and started cos I liked the shop so much.
He's been in the industry for 40 years so is very well connected and is great to chat to as he's done it all - manufacturing - you name it.
C. Yarn
www.yarn-in-notts.co.uk Tuesday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00pm (Late night Thursday open till 7.00pm)
Now I have to confess that I'm no knitter. BUT I couldn't miss out Yarn in this blog post because I know it is one of our local gems.
Yarn is the knitting mecca! Not only do the staff know their stuff but they stock a huge range of contemporary handknitting yarns, patterns and accessories. Think Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Noro, Sublime, Sirdar, Katia....
They also have regular workshops which fill up quickly. I couldn't help but love these Amigurumi toys in the window.
C. Artworks
Artworks is not only a great store for Artists materials - I find it a fantastic place for creative inspiration.
It stocks unusual items. For example they had these felt bundles in when I visited. I'm a bit of a texture junkie and this is the sort of thing I HAVE to stroke.
They also do a whole plethora of courses. I've not done any yet but some (silversmithing) have been very tempting!
Since they started having some quilting classes their sewing range has been increasing. Being an art shop they have a different take I think. Lots of ribbons, a small (but growing) range of fabrics, and quirky haberdashery.
If you're a crossstitcher they probably have the best range I've seen definately in Beeston possibly in Nottingham. I've seen glittery aida and they have the full DMC range as well as various kits.
And some mags.
Last but not least....
E. MyFabricPlace
www.myfabricplace.co.uk Mon to Sat: 9.30am-5.00pm
My Fabric Place has lots of different types of fabric, but they also have Guttermann Threads, some independant patterns, cushion inners and a range of haberdashery.
They have a large range of upholstery and curtain fabric. A lot of designer's including Clarke and Clarke at good prices and some lovely tweeds. Definately a good place if that's what you are looking for.
They've really increased their 100% cotton fabric making this a good place for quilters, dressmakers, bagmakers. Some designer stuff, American Brands, Japanese cotton and they've sold some Echino (hemp/cotton mix).
The dressmaking range seems to have decreased a little but they always have some interesting stuff you would find hard to get elsewhere. This time it was Harris Tweed.
I'd also recommend them if you are looking for fancy dress material. They have funky furs, sequins you name it!
Oh and make sure you check in the back room - there's often bargains there and an interesting remnant bin which will keep you occupied.
Enjoy!
Tram stop is almost outside the shop ready to hop on to go back home with all your purchases.