Masons

Originally I quite enjoyed visiting the ramshackle but very well-​stocked fabrics, haberdashery, embroidery and crafts side of Masons in Bath Street. Although somewhat time-​consuming to work through on your own to find what you need — it has an old shop appeal to it that some can find charming, the items that I’ve wanted for general sewing, embroidery and craft projects have usually been handily in stock.
However, I’ve always found the staff to be very intimidating to speak to; I’ve been glared at for asking a polite question or advice, I’ve been ignored queueing at the counter in a practically empty shop when staff have been chatting to each other and, generally, made to feel I was unwelcome or an annoyance to be put up with.
I thought the adjoining crafts and embroidery shop had more approachable people, but even that has changed in recent months to being greeted with unsmiling demeanours and barely a word spoken.
What I decided was my final visit to this shop was having one of the trainees/​temporary staff that regularly change on the haberdashery and fabrics section serve me with all the bad attitude that a bored, inexperienced and unhappy teenager can muster. Much eye rolling and huffiness ensued as an older staff member deliberately walked off and left the trainee alone to serve. For some minor purchases this was an unnecessary, and really off-​putting, performance.
I like to buy locally and support businesses, even at higher prices than you can find elsewhere, but not when I’m repeatedly treated to terrible customer service.
Especially when it is noticeable that some customers immediately receive much more help and attention. If you don’t mind the varying levels of service and attitude, then Masons is worth visiting for its wide range of stock. If you prefer to be treated with at least minimal courtesy and helpfulness as standard, best look elsewhere.

It’s my better-​half, rather than me that’s the regular customer at Masons and she loves it. All the nik-​naks she needs for her various craft challenges. It’s amazing how much variety they jam into their little store and to say it’s a tad tight in there is an understatement. All small towns should have a Masons!

There are actually 3 of these shops in 3 different locations in town. Fantastic collection of fabrics and anything you could possibley ever need for your sewing and crafting.
IT is nearly always very busy but the staff are always unruffled and friendly. I love how they use scraps of recycled paper to add up on and right your receipts on.
The craft shop next door has an extensive selection of beads and findings. A definite destination now that Kings in Oxford has gone. Spend a while browsing and planning as you go. Love this place

One of the few things people know about me is my love of garb. I have so many bits of fabric and stuff around for making garb all because this shop has the most wonderful fabric.
On a recent expidition, my garb got an upgrade courtest of glitter fabric paint. Absolutely fantastic place stuffed full of fabric and the knowledgeable staff you need to get whatever you need. I highly recommend spanding hours and lots of money in here!

If you’re new to needlecrafts then Masons can be a bit intimidating — all 3 shops are (as other reviewers have mentioned) piled high with lovely things, but it can all leave you feeling a bit lost.
My most recent excursion was to the wool shop (I have just started knitting) and as it was lunch time the shop was pretty busy. There’s not much space to move around, and as all of the staff were busy I was lost without a guide.
But if you know what you want then they’re pretty much guaranteed to have it, and the staff are very knowledgeable so they will be able to help you out.

Mason’s is great!
There are actually 3 Mason’s in Abingdon — the main one selling fabric and dress-​making supplies, one next door selling crafts/​needlework and jewellery making supplies and another one on Stert street selling curtain and upholstery fabric and knitting supplies.
They are all owned by a slightly eccentric bloke who seems to buy more than he can possibly fit in the shop but then manages to fit it in anyway! (in the fabric shop mainly).
People come from quite far afield to look at the fabric in the main shop, as they stock such a wide selection. I think it is a great shop, but I wouldnt recommend going there in a wheelchair or with a buggy/​pram as the space to move between the supplies is very limited and is sometimes almost impossible even on foot! I am suprised they get away with this with health and safety regulations these days!
The staff are very helpful in all 3 masons, and have a good knowledge of dressmaking, crafts etc so can usually help you choose what you need (except for the saturday staff who seem more concerned with how they look and what they got up to on friday night!)

Mason’s are three wonderful craft shops that stock almost everything you might possibly need to make clothing, toys, home furnishings, and the like. From cross-​stitch kits to sewing machines to quilting material to good quality yarn, you’ll find it here somewhere.
Staff know their stock, and although each shop is a bit like an Aladdin’s Cave rather than a clearly marked out display, the element of treasure-​seeking is fun if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for — and staff can help you if you do know what you want but don’t see it.