My good wife recently bought herself a sewing machine and is progressively getting into dress making. She's a foreigner too so wonder if anyone has any pointers on where she might be able to buy material, tools and accessories in the Bangkok area. Are there specific areas in Chatuchak for instance? Any suggestions gratefully received.

Chinatown FOR BUTTONS, ZIPPERS, etc. Pahurat(little India) for material

Yep Chinatown is the place for all haberdashery supplies. Specifically your wife needs to go down Sam Peng lane ( very famous ). A woman's paradise.

Check out videos on it on YouTube.

Thank you very much for these recommendations: we hit Pahurat and Sampeng Market Sunday afternoon and it was an exceptionally productive and enjoyable afternoon. I was very happy as there is some delicious Indian food on offer in the Indian Emporium and of course my wife got a pile of material, including that to make me a new SOngkran shirt. I think it is fair to say we will be back. So once more many thanks.