Fabric of Life

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It was a warm winter day for an Adelaide wander, the perfect day to make a new discovery of an art space dedicated to the conservation, restoration and display of new and antique handmade textiles from around the world. Adelaide is home to many art studios and fabric shops, but Fabric of Life combines the two to create a sought-after destination for art and design, fabric and textile restoration.



Fabric of Life sell handcrafted textiles from all over the world. There are classic intricate and bold designs and natural fabrics that represent a huge diversity of cultures and regions. It is a paradise of riches, with a range of fabrics that includes batik from Ernabella to the softest cashmere pashminas.



It is clear that Fabric for Life's owner Mary Jose appreciates ethical and artisan quality fabrics by the range of products that adorn the shop and gallery space. There are all sorts of useful and functional objects interspersed with art pieces and decorative items.



Handcrafted Scarves
The fabric range includes soft and stylish cashmere pashminas and hand-stitched fabrics. The textiles are sourced from around the world from countries including Pakistan, India, Turkey and Central Asia, China, Africa, South East Asia, Latin America, and Australia.



Manchester and Bedding
Bed linen and quilts, cushions, and throws, tablecloths and napkins are available at reasonable prices. What sets apart from other stores is the natural fibres used and the unique patterns in fabrics collected from around the world.



Travel and Bathroom Accessories
There is a gorgeous collection of purses and bags for use while travelling or to store makeup, bathroom bits and pieces and even handy sachets for electronic devices.



Accessories
The shop is adorned with fun and unique decorative accessories for home and personal use. Jewellery, bunting, wall hangings, and pendants are on display. Prices range from under $10 up.



Handmade Cards
Fabric of Life have their own range of cards made from handmade paper and original textiles. They stock a substantial collection of textile cards that are a work of art in themselves and retail for as little as $7.50. In keeping with choosing to support ethical businesses, a selection of handmade cards supports women working with JEEVIKA Development Society in India. This development also seeks to keep alive the traditional art of katha stitching.



Gallery Space
The retail spaces in Fabric of Life are bright and welcoming and are combined with a gallery space. The most recent exhibition was the very successful on the Old Silk Road. The Textiles of the Old Silk Road Exhibition was launched by Dr Jane Lomax Smith, AM. Chair of the South Australian Museum Board, Director of the Jam Factory.



SALA Art Exhibition
Their next exhibition is for SALA (South Australian Living Artists) entitled Texture. Described as texture when applied to visual art can be actual, simulated, abstract or invented. Artist Susan Chenery's work uses texture to evoke a visual "feel" in the observer. The opening event is Tuesday August 6 at 6pm.

City Work Spaces for Hire with Stitch Adelaide
Stitch Adelaide is a new co-working space designed for creative people to work together. The focus is to bring together people working in the fields of textiles, craft, art, design, and fashion, where creatives can connect with the community and with other people in similar creative industries. If you need somewhere to hold a workshop, meeting or just to sit and sew and have a chat Stitch Adelaide at Fabric of Life have the space for you. There is a sunny back room with full kitchen available at competitive rates. Which includes good heating and air-conditioning. Onsite storage is available. Contact [email protected] for further enquiries.



Restoration
Fabric of Life provides specialist textile conservation treatments on many textiles including Asian ikats, weavings and baticks, samplers, embroidery, tapestry, flags and banners, upholstered furniture, ecclesiastical items, curtains, wedding dresses, christening gowns, militaria, uniforms and vintage consumes. A consultation service is also available to advise on choosing the right textile for your home. If you need advice on textiles is the place to go. Call or phone for free advice and a treatment proposal and quotation can be provided. While I was browsing through the gallery compiling my wishlist, I saw several textile restoration projects in progress. A delicate vintage ecclesiastical rabbi robe was being restored. In addition to several vintage tapestry and upholstered pieces.



Fabric of Life is bringing textiles back to life and cherishing the original creative process that brings them into being. The owner Mary Jose says 'There is something magical and unforgettable about watching an artisan create something of beauty, hearing their stories and bringing a textile home. With every look or touch, we are taken back to those people and places. It is why I love handcrafted& #8203 ; textiles.' There is indeed something very enriching and magical seeing, touching and wearing a handcrafted item. Find your way to this textile haven in some way, shape or form to experience it for yourselves.

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