The 'crafty side' of my brain loves this shop because it's dedicated to fabrics that are perfect for quilt making. Probably true when they say they keep the largest range of unique designer fabrics and books on quilting you will find in Adelaide. The other side of my brain, let's call it the 'craftier side' finds this shop a little strange because why would you quilt with new material instead of older unused stuff you can cut up? Here and there I guess there's a battle going on in my brain and the winner is 'crafty' because I keep ending up at Riverlea; stupid really... that's what I'd call the 'war front' of my brain, because I don't need to go to the store, because they have a service where you mail order everything, but it is fabric, and I like to touch before I buy. Don't you?
I guess in the end I just want to be surrounded by haberdashery every so often to remind my minuscule brain where quilt fabric can come from if I'm not recycling old sheets, ties or waistcoats. And there is something about the tactile quality of what you decide upon if you are quilting a new bed spread or cushion cover.
The range is great, and it is also a meeting place for quilters; quite an amazingly patient group of craftspeople are quilt makers.
To be quite frank, it's the Japanese connection here. I love all things Nippon, and they do stock some amazing Japanese fabric. Costly... a bit... as yet it doesn't glow in the dark, but that could come one day soon I suppose.
Worth checking in - if you are serious about quilting you will find fabrics, patterns and community. What more do you need? read more