Avoid Amazon, Invest Independent - Online Craft Shopping Top Tips
As you can imagine we do a fair bit of craft shopping, so this blog is going to be our top tips on online shopping for all your crafting needs. We have compiled some great independent online sellers as recommended by our Larksters! So get off Amazon and try our online suggestions, #supportsmall
For your fabrics:
First up we have some recommendations from our Lark tutor Georgie (@foulkesycrafts). She teaches Amigurumi in the studio and she has recently launched her website https://www.foulkesycrafts.com/ where she sells adorable baby rompers. For all her fabric needs to make her pieces she recommends:
Little Legs Fabric - Little Legs have an array of dressmaking fabrics and haberdashery. The Lancashire based shop is open for browsing or you can shop on their website. They also have a handy wholesale scheme online perfect for big projects!
Flamingo Fabrics - Georgie also swears by Flamingo Fabrics. The name of the shop says it all with a tonne of vibrant coloured and funky patterned fabrics to choose from. The website features custom printing, gift cards and they are just about to release a new collection 'Autumn Spice' - how seasonal!
Our regular Larkster Esther (@esthermudd) loves to make her own clothing and for her fabrics she recommends:
Guthrie & Ghanie - Guthrie & Ghanie's aesthetically pleasing website stocks everything from fabric to yarn. The Birmingham based shop handpick their collections to ensure the highest quality and are perfect for dressmaking.
For your Wool and Rope:
Our next category is our top places to buy wool and ropes for your crochet and macrame projects.
Of course we had to mention Lark's online shop where you can find yarn, rope and the accompanying accessories to start your own projects. You can shop these items online and collect them every Saturday from our Roath studio between the times of 10.30am and 1pm!
Bobbiny - One of Lark's personal favourites for Macrame ropes is Polish company Bobbiny. Whether you want twisted or braided cords, bright colours or neutral colours, jumbo or baby size, they have the perfect selection of ropes for projects ranging from simple plant hangers to detailed
macrame earrings.Wool and the Gang - Another recommendation of Esther's is Wool and the Gang, and independent and sustainable brand specialising in all your knitting goods. They highly value community or what they call their 'knitwork of gangstas', also offering free patterns and tutorials online if you're a beginner!
LoveCrafts (Lark's affiliate link) - LoveCrafts specialises in yarn, crochet and has great sections on the website for kids, both younger and teens. We couldn't help but notice that they have up to 30% off for their chunky and super chunky yarns too.
Shaws - Maybe not so much independent but a great place to get your yarns nonetheless, Shaws have a range of affordable and accessible knitting goods on their website. With free delivery on orders over £25 and free collection from their stores it's a bit of a no brainer!
Aldi - Special Buys! - Again, Aldi is not small or independent as such but one of our top hacks for getting super affordable crafting bits is to check Aldi's online 'Special Buys - Hobbies & Crafts' section. They go on sale every Sunday and Thursday, with some items not released in shops. When they're gone, they're gone!
A couple of small local independent faves that deliver to you:
CraftSisters - CraftSisters of Devon are an online craft shop that sell all of Lark’s favourites ( the Bobbiny ropes and also the Hoooked yarns) from our click & collect shop, but they will deliver to you! If you want to support a UK based company, these girls are a great option for your crafty supplies!
Stitching Me Softly - Emma is the face behind this Bristol based craft company. She offers a range of ropes and yarns, and even better, there is free UK delivery on all orders over £40. We don’t know about you but we could very easily spend over £40 on her aesthetic website!
For your Gifts:
Our final category for your online shopping is crafty gifts. It may only be September but this is the time we at Lark start getting excited for Christmas ;) Of course these options would make lovely gifts all year round or as a treat for yourself! See our faves below:
Miller & Jeeves - This independent company are leather accessory crafters from Oxfordshire. All of their items are handmade and would make a great option for a thoughtful gift. There is something for everyone with leather jewellery, key rings and even homeware.
Wyatt and Jack - Quirky brand Wyatt and Jack make sustainable bags from broken bouncy castles, deckchairs & inflatables. Their upcycling is bang on trend and would make a fun gift for children and us big kids too!
Laser Kate - Laser Kate is a firm favourite of Lark's with her intricate handcrafted acrylic jewellery. She does seasonal designs and we are loving her autumnal range now on her Etsy for pre order. The perfect gift for your autumn birthdays!
Lark Design Make - Also on Etsy is our postal shop! We have a range of leather earrings and other jewellery handcrafted in our very own Roath studio. There are also a few DIY kits if you fancy giving the gift of creativity to your loved one!
Sadler Jones - Sadler Jones design and create greeting cards along with other gifts. Their website is ready to go if you're stumped for gift ideas as they have sections for 'gifts for him' and 'gifts for her'.
Let Them See Cake - Last but most definitely not least, we have added in something slightly off the topic of crafting but creation plays a huge part in Let Them See Cake's beautiful and delicious cakes, handmade in Cardiff.
Gemma has become good friends with Gareth over lockdown and they occasionally share top tips via voice notes, He has recently moved to a new location on Cowbridge Road, we are super excited to visit. You can also order treat boxes online for delivery which would make an ideal gift for the sweetest of friends!
