Gardams Fabrics – A Brisbane Institution
I’ve been making my own clothes since I was ten and my favourite fabric shop has always been Gardams. For the last fifty years or so the store has never let me down when looking for something new, keeping up with the latest fashion requirements of the day. I remember when it was the only place you could buy Liberty of London cotton, and there was always a wide range to choose from. In the 1960s I made all my ball gowns, and I had quite a few as these were the years of formal balls and 21st parties – (often wearing long gloves up to the elbow!) Water wave silk taffeta was the big thing then! In the 1970’s I made seersucker blazers for my husband, then clothes for my son, goddaughters and sometimes for friends. I would often spend hours in the store pondering over which pattern, fabric and notions I should buy.
The store always wrapped their parcels in paper and tied them with string – a tradition that still goes on today.
Gardams originated in 1930 and is now run by second generation Ewan Gardam and his wife Dorothy. Their children Caroline, Jacqui and James have all worked in the store.
Now Gardams Fabrics have set up a Pop Up Store in the CBD until the end of January. They have sale items at 50% off and beautiful new summer 2014 printed cottons as well as their exquisite evening and bridal fabrics for which they have become famous. A must visit destination for anyone who sews.
Gardams Fabrics Pop Up Store 288 Edward Street Brisbane 10am – 4pm Tuesday to Saturday
Mary Dickinson 