In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes >Hobbycraft in Tamworth is the largest needlecraft store in the area - it's about >30 mintues drive up the A5 from Nuneaton
Sorry, you have touched a very raw nerve. Tamworth, where I live, used to have two small, thriving, craft shops; one selling Anchor threads, which was a total casualty, and the other, a DMC stockist, being the art, craft and needlework shop where I teach lacemaking (bobbin, needle and tatting). There are some tatting threads in stock, but the other place has had a drastic effect on the amount of stock held - some people have to live! When Hobbycraft opened, the needlework side of the business was reduced by about half. I refuse to go anywhere near Hobbycraft, on principle. Few people I have spoken to locally, looking for specific items in terms of needlework - yes, they have kits, and embroidery threads, but little else in the way of specialist materials - have anything good to say about the place. The other irritation to those of us who live here is that Ventura retail park, where it is situated, with its free parking, is gradually killing off the town centre with its smaller, more customer service based shops. The one department store we have, the Tamworth Co-op, stocks dressmaking fabrics - and some patchwork fabrics. There is a small haberdashery stall in the St Georges "indoor market". We have a castle dating back to the 10th century which is the town museum, and makes the town centre far more interesting than the retail park. Market days are Tuesday and Saturday - with fabric stalls in amongst the rest - spread over various parts of the town centre. Gripe over, the best person to tell you about tatting supplies/shops in Nuneaton is Rosemary Peel - who is also on Arachne - she lives there! If you want any more info on Tamworth, however, do get in touch with me off the list. -- Jane Partridge - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
