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!

To a vintage shop enthusiast such as myself, a well stocked haberdashery is essential. Samuel…read moreTaylor's more than fits that description. Where else would I go for eyelets to adapt a skirt, shoulder pads to customise a jacket or a selection of decorative buttons to transform a shirt. Oh, the buttons! There is a whole wall dedicated to displaying these shiny treasures. It brings out the child in me, definitely provoking a kind of kid in a sweet shop reaction. Downstairs, there is a large number of fabrics to buy off the roll. I recently made a cape out of some gorgeous electric blue material from their basement, the vibrancy of the colour is stunning. I am constantly mentally modifying and reshaping clothing whilst shopping, safe in the knowledge that Samuel Taylor will be able to help me.

I absolutely rely on this shop. Being a total crafty I am always nipping in and out of here to top…read moreup on bits of ribbon and whatever other bits of shiny that I might need. For a start, this shop has got crafts covered from every angle. Card making, dress making, jewellery, masks, glues - you name it and they have it, or can order it in for you. I was looking for peacock feathers one time and the lady even offered to make a special order just for me! The shop is literally bursting with exciting bits, full of potential energy, to make and do. I love it. I think the thing that sets it apart for me, from most other craft shops, is the staff though. Even though the stock prices a little more than other places, the staff are so friendly and helpful that they make it feel personal and independent. When you ask their advice you are not asking some disinterested minimum wage robot, you are asking the wealth of, dare I say it, over thirty year's (*ahem* maybe even more!) knowledge and advice, which is always given over with great care and attention to detail. They deserve every star, and satisfy all my creative crafty needs!

Habiknit is the larger of the haberdashers in the market, selling a wide range of sewing and craft…read moreitems. It is absolutely packed with stuff and is a bit of a treasure trove for crafty types. It is a card-maker's paradise with loads of stickers, bows, gems and decoupage kits in a range of designs to satisfy any blank card front. They stock all the obvious sewing supplies, including buttons, lace, ribbon, patches and decorative floral accessories. They also have a vast range of cross-stitch and embroidery related items for sale. It really is full to the brim with endless craft-items and one can spend a long while browsing around...though it is usually rather busy, showing its popularity. Prices are very reasonable and anyone with a passion for sewing and craft is unlikely to go away empty-handed!

From the owner: Haberdashery and yarn in the heart of Leeds. Situated in the historic Kirkgate market we guarantee…read moreto cater to all your haberdashery, card making and knitting needs at affordable prices. With stores across Britain its no wonder we are Britain's leading haberdashers and yarn merchants.

I have been here for a sock knitting and a crochet course. Both have been fantastic courses aided…read moreby lovely coffee and cakes! The shop itself sells a range of material and wool and haberdashery type bits and pieces. A rarity outside of town. The owner is super lovely and very helpful. Definitely worth getting on their mailing list for upcoming courses. As well as doing wool based courses, they do quilting courses, which my mum did and what she came back with was just beautiful.

skep mill shop is a must for buying your wool, patterns,needles,material etc..... it is now owned…read moreby a lovely likeminded knitter, quilt maker, creative person, clare. Lots of her knitted bags hung around the place, cosy atmosphere, very friendly & helpful, crochet classes starting 10th March, great place to go & meander. Lots of Debbie Bliss yarn & huge baskets with discontinued wool if you like a bargain.

This is a good all round craft shop, especially for a small local high street…read more They specialising in sewing and needle crafts, They probably will have a suitable button to replace to one you lost, and the right size and colour zip so you can replace the broken one on your trousers. The have iron on hemming tape if you're not so handy too! If you're feeling very creative and like customising clothes they have dyes and fabric paints, as well as sew on appliqué patches. They have a good range of embroidery threads and patterns, as well as knitting wool and supplies. They also stock arty craft things and kits for children. So well worth checking out for something to entertain the kids in the school holidays

The best fabrics shop in Leeds! I always come here to get my yarn and the service is always warm…read moreand welcoming! I definitely recommend this stall if you're looking to get super soft, great quality yarn.

M K Fabrics is one of the slightly more chaotic fabric shops in the market with rolls of fabric…read morepiled so high you can't quite imagine how some of them will ever come to be purchased. This shop has some quite fun fabrics with fluffy animal print, neon chunky fur, gingham, spots, stripes and a large stack of net in a rainbow of colours. M K Fabrics also has a neat little wool section with a room of its own tucked away at the side. Fabrics aren't really organised into types so a browse around this shop may require a bit of a dedicated rummage, but prices are reasonable and the staff are very helpful.