Lately I’ve been consumed by thoughts of travel, and it’s been such a fun experience to travel vicariously through my fabric collection! Today I want to share an Australian fabric store that caught my eye: Fibresmith in Yarraville!
Fibresmith opened in August, and it’s a fresh and modern take on a traditional fabric and yarn store. This fabric shop carries a beautiful selection of high-quality, natural fabrics (including Arroyo!), yarn, and craft goods, and the shop is just gorgeous. As you can see from their Instagram page, the shop is flooded with light, and neatly stocked with modern fibers. I hope I can take a trip to Australia someday, because this shop would be at the top of my list of things to see.
I had the pleasure of interviewing the Fibresmith’s owner, Leslie Keating, to learn a little more about her store.
Erin: When did you start sewing? Do you remember any of your early DIY projects?
Leslie: I don’t remember exactly when I started sewing but it was sometime in my early teens. My mom was an avid sewer throughout my childhood and sewed many of my clothes so when she bought a new machine, her old Singer was available for me to play with. I remember sewing basic drawstring pouches and hemming men’s flannel pj bottoms into shorts (it was the early 90s and height of the grunge era, after all!). I always had heaps of crazy projects on the go though, even back then. I made beads out of polymer clay, did paper making and made mosaic picture frames using smashed thrift store tea cups and plates.
What makes your store unique?
I think there are a few things that make Fibresmith a really special place. Number one is that everyone who works there truly loves fabric and making, exploration and learning and we are just as excited about every customer’s projects as they are. Number two is that the quality of the materials is my main focus. I only buy natural fibres for the shop and try to seek out really special products – well designed and well made. I think once you use quality craft materials, it is impossible to go back to the cheaper, synthetic options. You truly get what you pay for. And number three is our focus on modern design. I try to carry fabrics that can be used for both quilting and casual dressmaking or homewares as these are the main things I sew. Arroyo is a perfect example of a line that I jumped at carrying – super well made, with gorgeous, modern designs and colourways and super versatile for sewing projects or all kinds.
Do you have a favorite time of day to be in the shop?
We’ve only been open four weeks so every minute is pretty amazing still! If I had to choose, Fridays are extra fun as we always seem to have lots of crafty friends visiting.
What’s your current favorite sewing project?
I’m in dire need of some summery clothes as we are heading into Spring/Summer here in Melbourne. I’m thinking lots of simple, sleeveless linen or knit organic cotton dresses with boxy shirts in great prints over top (I’ve got my eye on Hills & Valleys in Jungle for one of those).
If you’re visiting Yarraville, stop by Fibresmith and check out Arroyo fabrics in person!
Fibresmith
14 Wembley Ave
Yarraville VIC 3013
Australia
