Eastern Silk

Last Tuesday in Adelaide, I had two goals. One was to set up for the Beating Around the Bush market day the next day, and the other was to do it with enough time to spare so as to be able to visit Eastern Silk.

I had heard of the shop, and I knew people who had visited there, and I really wanted to go, myself. Fortunately there was a bus from the bus stop right outside the school where Beating Around the Bush was being held that took me almost to the door of Eastern Silk. It did take me quite some time to make sense of the bus timetable – I think it was an intelligence test, and one that I definitely failed. When I explained that I wasn’t from around there, the bus driver was extremely helpful and let me know when I needed to get off the bus.

From the bus stop it was a short walk to Eastern Silk, at 7 James Congdon Drive, Mile End, just outside the western edge of the Adelaide CBD.

They have a range of goods for sale including soft furnishings, embroidered clothing, jewellery, scarves, bags, antique and vintage embroideries, and rolls of silk fabric.

I was actually there for the silk fabric, so I took myself off down the back of the shop to the room where the bolts of fabric live.

I found myself a beautiful remnant of silk brocade, with gold threads. It was a short length, which could be made into a shortish skirt, a little shorter than I would usually want. However, I figured that a border of one of the colours at the bottom might work. I ummed and aahed about it, and eventually decided that I couldn’t leave it there and therefore it had to come with me. If I can’t decide what to make it into, at least it will make a beautiful background for photographing needlework on.

There were bolts of silk organza, different weights and qualities of dupion silk, printed silk, embroidered silk, and embroidered and beaded borders. It was a beautiful range of beautiful fabrics.

I had a lovely chat with the fellow who runs the shop, all about embroidery. I showed him some of my embroidery that I am currently working on. He was very kind about it, and thought it was very high quality work. He showed me an exquisite tambour embroidered panel, with fine stitching. He also showed me an organza shawl with gold work embroidery on it. It would have been an item of wedding clothing.

I spent an enjoyable time there, and would highly recommend a visit. If you’re looking for a gift or some silk fabric, this is a great place to go. Much of the range for sale is imported direct from India, by the people who own the shop. I had been told they were lovely people, and I found it to be absolutely true!

Eastern Silk is located at 7 James Congdon Drive, Mile End in Adelaide.