I recommend VV Rouleaux in Marylebone - it has the most fabulous collection of trimmings, ribbons, braids etc. Wonderful. The Button Queen is nearby. Also there are some great fabric shops in Soho - The Cloth House in Berwick St is really really goo…
I have a couple of free crochet patterns on my blog.
An little owl that's a good beginner pattern:
http://craft-matters.blogspot.com/2009/04/cuddly-little-owl-pattern.html
And a bunny with big floppy ears:
http://craft-matters.blogspot.com/2009/04/c…