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 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.

I have been emailing Selective Fine Fabrics to track down a certain style of lace for my wedding…read moredress. I sent them a photo of the dress I am trying to recreate, and they emailed me photos of similar exquisite laces that they had in store. One was just perfect, so I paid for a sample to be posted to me. I loved the sample, so I went ahead and ordered the full amount. Communication was swift and easy and the lace was posted quickly. If you're in Brisbane or even in another city and looking for a spectacular fabric I highly recommend trying Selective Fine Fabrics.

Staff is very helpful, the quality of fabrics is high. This is not the place to come looking for…read morecheap fabric this is where you'd come to find fabric for a wedding dress and Chantilly lace to match. The range is beautiful and shopping here is addictive.

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!!!

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.

I love going into any Riot store as it always gets the creative juices flowing. The ladies at this…read moreparticular store are amazingly helpful, they always have an answer and there is never any silly questions. There is so many ideas for art and craft that you can get from these store. Also so many gift ideas for any body of any age. I would differently recommend heading into a Riot store first if you are going to undertake any projects. I have been into a number of different Riot stores but I would have to say I always get the best service from these ladies at Mount Ommaney.