This is a solid little fabric shop, quite handy if you just need to grab something quickly and are…read morein the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. For quite a small shop, they squeeze a lot in and have a good range of basic cottons, satins, and stretch fabrics as well as some fancier silks and dress fabrics. I've never really found fabrics in there that stir up my imagination, but did, on a couple of occasions, buy some toga material from there during my uni days when I couldn't be bothered crossing Moggill Road to get to Spotlight. The fabric in Sckafs is a bit too nice and a bit too pricey to be used for togas, but it did the trick. The thing about Sckafs in this location is that they have to compete not only with Spotlight across the road, undercutting pretty much everyone on price in the fabric industry, but also with Gardam's Fabrics, a shop that specialises in the more expensive fabrics and really do stock a beautiful range in a spacious store. Spotlight and Gardam's get my business before Sckafs as I find their ranges of fabric more interesting. But, again, it's handy to have a fabric store that is actually within the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.

Sckafs has long since been my staple for fabrics and all things haberdashery in the south west…read moreregion. The lady or ladies behind the counter have been there for as many years as I've been going there for school projects to making things for my daughter and kids to wear (terribly mind you). They have whatever you need if you plan on starting a fashion brand, sewing clothes, learning to sew, making some sort of fabric. Stitching even... threads to measuring tapes... it's all here. They have a lot of material to choose from and usually there are some really good steals in the bargain bin from $1.99 a meter for silky soft fabric. You can get wedding gown material here as well if that's what you're into. A great haberdashery place. It's airconditioned as well!

I can't sew a button back on, heck I can't even thread a needle, so I can't comment on Gardam's…read morefrom a sewing aficionado's point of view, but as a layperson I've always found them to be ever so helpful. I've been to Gardam's numerous times over the years to buy fabric not for my own use, but to give to an alteration service or seamstress to mend or change an item of clothing for me. This means that whenever I go into Gardam's I have a dress in one hand and no freaking clue in the other. The ladies who work there are mostly older CWA types and they're just so, so lovely and helpful. They're happy to spend as much time with you as you need as they help you match fabric colours, textures, and types to find something suitable for whatever you need. I actually love going in there because the ladies are so sweet and get really into whatever little project you're working on. Once I went to buy fabric there because I wanted to close in a cut-out back on a dress with fabric and we had a jolly old time together umming and ahhing about what colour would look nice. Sometimes I'm tempted just to pop in to Gardam's for a cup of tea and a chat, but then I remember that it's a fabric store, not my grandma's house.

I can't say I'm a huge fan of this branch of Gardams Fabrics. With their main store occupying a…read moremuch bigger shop space at Indooroopilly, the city store stocks only a selection of fabrics and haberdashery. Whilst the quality is the same (excellent), there just isn't enough range for my liking. It's not a good place to go looking for a specific ribbon, binding or button, but if you go with an open mind and not too tight a budget there's a good chance you'll find something you'll want to sew with.

You'd never find this shop unless you were looking. It's tiny, crowded and has absolutely no window…read moredisplay or sugar coating whatsoever. Run by a lovely older couple who sit amongst the towers of fabric rolls and racks of ribbon and laces while you browse, this is a treasure trove for anyone who sews or is crafty with fabrics. It looks a little dusty and you might feel like you've stepped through a portal into a little old shop in a European village in 1960, but there are prices to almost match. If you collect buttons, I'm sure there are some old gems here. I'm not particularly crafty, but head here whenever I need ribon or lace, usually buying metres of it to wrap presents because it's cheaper and less painful than extracting money through my nose at the newsagents to pay Mr John Sands - who is he anyway?

I LOVE shopping - especially at the Valley Markets. Sunnies, threads, beautiful jewellery - just a…read morefew things you will find in the stretch of stalls that inhabit the Brunswick Street Mall every weekend (Saturday and Sundays). A stroll through the Valley Markets is a must for any Brisbane local or tourist. More of an artsy market you can find fashion items including hand-made, imported and recycled clothing and sunglasses. You can also treat yourself to a Chinese massage or reflexology session - pick up a few records or CDs, flick through pre-loved literature or pick up a piece of hand-made jewellery. Although there are no food stalls in the Markets, you can pick up a bite to eat or a coffee at any of the local cafes/restaurants along Brunswick Street. The best thing to do at the markets (and my most favourite) is to simply hang out and be entertained by the local artists who play live music throughout the day.

Like all markets, the Valley Markets showcase the best of Brisbane's creativity in a way that lets…read moreyou meander through and soak it all up in your own time. The Valley literally transforms from the buzzing hive of activity it usually is of a Friday and Saturday night in particular, and becomes a more sedate and cultural setting that you can enjoy. You have your choice of fashion, jewellery, accessories, shoes, arts and crafts. You get the very best of Brisbane's urban edge straight from the horse's mouth; from people who live and breathe the wares they are selling. You can pick up some really great items - unique jewellery pieces, popular fashion options, and really quirky accessories like an owl-shaped bag I saw one particular Saturday. Check out the local talent right in the throng of the action or watch while you have breakfast at one of the many café options along Brunswick Street. Parking in the Valley will cost you unless you can find a free park, but busses and trains run frequently, so there's no issue finding a way in to see these local treasures. The Valley Markets run every Saturday and Sunday.

If you're looking for fabric, lace, trim, sewing notions, curtains, haberdashery this is THE hidden…read morejem in the further-est recesses of the oldest part of the Cannon Hill shopping center. If you're a sewer and crafter this is a must visit if you can find it!!!