Charley - Interesting that you find that! Living in London everything is dearer haha. I didn't know about the price which is why I asked but we definitely have less choice in terms of charm packs/jelly rolls/layer cakes/ kits although this is improving. Fabric by the metre we may have more choice but I don't think it is the same way as the US - paper crafting was the same10 years ago (I have a lot friends in that crafting world) and now we have more choice at good prices as American companies began to sell directly over here. Hopefully quilting will take off in the Same Way!
Moda are good online for fabric and others you have to know what you are buying and not get the thin horrible stuff (both me and mum have been caught out before). Hobbycraft are improving their offering as you say.