Big, bright, clean, well-organized store. We visited for shop hop and enjoyed a fantastic lunch at…read morethe local diner across the street.

The selection of fabric is a little lacking for me and while they have the biggest selection of…read moresashiko items I've seen, it's very expensive. The whole store is pretty expensive really. Also, the front desk doubles as the fabric cutting station, so that can jam things up. There was one woman in front of me and she was already part way through her transaction when I got in line. It took 20 minutes for them to finish. It didn't appear to be an issue of anything other than that there was fabric to cut and the two were chatting. However, quite frankly, were it not for the fact that I drove a hour to this store specifically for the sashiko items, I would have left. By the time they were done, five more people were in line. I don't think they were used to that level of traffic, so I didn't want to put lower than three stars, especially since I accidentally left my card there and the staff emailed me and got it back to me. The staff are really very nice, I just think they aren't used to more than a few customers at a time. That being said, I'm not in a rush to get back here because my overall experience was poor. I guess the best way to put this is, look at the 3 stars as this place has potential. Hopefully they can learn to juggle customers better. Because they have some unique offerings. I think if they can widen their selection of fabric and work on getting through customers faster during high traffic times, they could really be a delightful store.

I was so excited to find a store with so much beautiful fabric! Service was friendly and quick she…read morefound me I didn't have to search for assistance!

Kind and patient help and well informed on what is available. Love all the beautiful fabrics and…read moreprojects that come to mind as I walk in.

Since I first reviewed this shop (8 years ago!), many MANY beloved local quilt shops have gone out…read moreof businesses - including several of my favorites. So, even though it's a bit off the beaten path, Calico Creations has become a place I can rely on to grab the perfect fabric for my latest project. So I try to stop there when I'm passing near (or through) MV. They carry all of the major designers and latest lines. From modern prints by Tula Pink and Kaffe Fassett to more traditional calicos and Civil War style fabrics, you will find it here. Not to mention they have an extensive collection of solids and blender fabrics, baby fabrics, pattern books and even some pre-cuts (not many, but I'll take it). Not in a sewing mood? Find inspo from their ever-rotating samples adorning their windows and walls. On a budget? They have an impressive (and huge) sale area in the back, where fabric is $10/yard (or lower). My only criticism is their small space. They could easily fill a shop twice the size, and as a result many MANY of their bolts are sitting on the floor. They try to keep it organized, and do a pretty good job, but it bears mentioning you'll need to "file" through bolts on the floor that aren't as easy to view as the ones on the shelves.

Took my first class today (cathedral window pillow top) and it was awesome! I highly recommend…read morethis shop for many reasons - selection of fabrics, notions and their class was great!!

This is my go to for most anything I need sewing. Thanks The selection of unique, gorgeous fabric…read moreis unparalleled. Ashley and her team are very helpful; somehow I always end up with something I didn't know I need, but love the result! I have taken several classes and gotten great advice when I needed it.

Top-notch. Ashley curates a gorgeous selection of fabrics that are the stuff of dreams for serious…read moregarment sewists at a variety of price points comfortable for all budgets. My #1 fabric shopping choice. Great selection of beautiful quality indie patterns; a great place for lovely decorative elastics; and love the bi-annual sales and clearance section for finding great buys on a budget. Ashely is also incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about her fabrics and is so helpful in planning out care, calculating yardage for different kinds of projects, recommending uses, and talking about how stuff will wear over time. Such a delight to go here. I wish I had more money so I could give more of it to them.

I have to say that I had a bit of a problem with a staff member in the store but after contacting…read morethe management they emailed me and assured me that they had dealt with the matter. I really appreciated that they responded so quickly to address the matter.

absolutely fantastic. knowledgeable, helpful, friendly…read more great eye for colour matching. highly impressed with the staff and the selection. thank you so much for your help today!

Beautiful finds, great prices, the selection is huge and the staff is always so lovely!read more

A great little shop, filled to the roof with fabric treasures. Some unusual fabrics, with great…read morepricing. Always a pleasant experience. The wife I assume is always a pleasure to talk with, and her husband is quick to get things cut for you so that you are on your way to sewing fun. Great place for cottons and flannelette to make so many baby blankets. Always enjoy coming in.

It was such great fun at create it Studios that I have been back to get more unique and fun Fabrics…read more, even though they are a bit of a drive . It is so worth it for the service and great fabric selection . She was able to pick out a lot of turtle type Fabrics that I was looking for throughout the store , Plus a unique variety of sea life fabric . They also have their own printed Sasquatch fabric and Washington State Outdoor Fabric . Absolutely must-see. It is totally on my top3 favorite list of fabrics store:)

Came across this wonderful shop. Has beautiful and lots of fabric. I highly recommend visiting and…read moretaking advantage of the deals they offer

By far the classiest shop I think we visited in the area. It's bright and airy inside with plenty…read moreof inventory. The setup of the store works well to provide good customer service.

I went in for the first and last time to look at the sewing machines. The ones on display were all…read morein the $1000 range. Even though I am a novice I was willing to spend more to get a good machine that would last. When I asked the woman (who I later learned is the owner) about any classes she offered for the machine SHE ROLLED HER EYES and told me she didn't do anything like that. I asked whether she would offer any help if I had questions after I bought the machine and she said an emphatic NO. I hope she has a strong regular customer base because she sure as heck won't see me there again, EVER Am not surprised that the "owner" responded in the way she did. Now that I am taking sewing classes elsewhere I am hearing the same negatives that I related. The review isn't false and I resent the accusation. If she actually did look at the reviews I have posted she would see that more than half are VERY positive. But bad customer service is bad customer service. She made that clear by the tone of her response.

BUYER BEWARE. Hamels has new owners. They charged me one month ago for my order. Three times have…read morethey contacted me wanting more money, the first time it was for something that I didn't even order, even though they had the order on the email! I got my order yesterday, and it was the wrong fabric. One month later, I get the wrong order. BUYER BEWARE. Hamels is NO LONGER in Chilliwack, it's an on line store only run by incompetent people in Sooke BC.

From the owner: Over 50 years of service to the sewing and quilting community. Visit us in our beautiful 3,000…read moresquare foot shop with lots of country style character.

I am new to sewing and have been into the Makehouse twice to browse, purchase, ask questions, and…read morebe enthusiastic about my new hobby. The staff are just terrific. Very knowledgeable, encouraging, and excited to share their craft. It's a joy to shop there. Oh, and they let well behaved dogs in! It's a really welcoming place to be and shop. Lessons next!

If you venture a little bit beyond the tourist core along Fort Street, you will come across The…read moreMakehouse....if you're a crafter, especially if you're into sewing - or want to be - you will find a delightful playground. This is an adorable, somewhat small shop-classroom-studio. There are lots of indy label sewing patterns (like Christine Hayes, Colette, etc), sewing notions, a smattering of scrapbooking items and some lovely locally-handmade pieces. The Makehouse offers fun classes. They offer basic sewing, pattern making, upholstering and specific piece workshops. There's a Kids Club a couple nights a week. They also have drop in sewing times and "sewcials". It seems local fiber artists use the space as a studio...it's an inspiring environment. They were featuring some unique hand embroidered portraits of women by an artist named Annie Nazarian when I stopped by. Unique, interesting. There's a definite Somerset Studio, slightly vintage vibe coursing through The Makehouse that is charming...if staying downtown, it's worth the extra block's jaunt to visit or if local, a few hours to stop for a class. I try to spend a couple weeks at a time every few years in Victoria - and on my next extended stay I intend to take some classes...I can't wait for my next visit!