Village Fabrics


	Village Fabrics Wallingford- Oxfordshire


	Wallingford on the River Thames between Oxford and Reading is an historic market town that time has forgotten.

Steeped in history from the medieval bridge over the River Thames to the narrow Saxon streets which house many independent shops to enjoy and explore. The town has plenty to offer, a stroll around town is a visual feast from the timber framed town hall to the Guild hall were underneath was once used for market stalls but now used for the town information centre. You can go on a journey back in time by visiting the department store Petits with the old wooden stairs and uneven floor or spend time in the many ladies fashion shops, names such as First Edition, Walton Clothing, Rags in Bags made a welcome change to the usual Top shop, Next and Evans.

But what really drew me to Wallingford was an invitation to Village fabrics and I was not disappointed. This has got to be heaven for any Patchwork and Quilting enthusiast, I was taken on a guided tour of the shop, and yes it is that big.
We started with the moda range, over 150 different bolts, including some jelly rolls, charm packs and new layered cake. Next we moved to the Japanese fabric area a favourite of mine, thought the marble colours to the strips and checks, passed the block colours to the 120 batik bolts which lead to the Christmas room. A whole room dedicated to Christmas fabrics, samples and ideas. At the back of the shop felts, fleece, wadding and sheers were on offer and beyond that a tailor made class room with classes at £22 for the day.

I nearly missed the room full of Husqvarna sewing machines for sale! Upstairs is been converted into a workroom that will be finished this spring for hire at £20 per day. The shop also has books galore and haberdashery that fills every possible gap and sample quilts that line the walls.
In June 5th, 6th and 7th 08 the shop is hosting an exhibition of customers work that will be well worth a visit I am told. For food we headed to the other side of town to the Lamb Arcade, once an old coaching inn is now a unique shopping experience with the lamb coffee shop tucked away on the second floor. Sandwiches, Jacket potatoes and specials can be eaten in a relaxed atmosphere. Parking in Wallingford is only £1.70 for 5hours and the town is not far from the A34, M4 or M40 so go on what’s stopping you.

Anna Jenkins


	Village Fabrics 4-5 St Leonards Square Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 0AS 01491 204100 www.villagefabics.co.uk


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