Weft Textiles Weaves a Minimal Approach

Weft is a weaving term for the yarn or thread which is threaded back and forth across the vertical warp to create woven fabric. Fisher focuses on designing ethically-made homewares and sourcing organically-certified natural fabrics to create small runs of bed linens, homewares and sleep wear – all made in Australia.

“The dyeing process is the main focus behind my brand – I aim for my work to be created with both intention and depth behind it,” Fisher says.

“Understanding and celebrating natural dye techniques and methods from global communities around the world is extremely important to the brand as it’s telling a story; acknowledging that the process of creating something is often more important than the object itself.”

When it comes to material selections, Fisher aims for practicality over anything else. “The quality, sustainability and longevity of the fabric are the most important factors I consider in my selections.”

Fisher has created a fine balance with the colour palette that suits all. “I wanted the colours in my range to be a balance of both feminine and masculine. The colours are mostly quite muted and subtle – ranging from khakis and muted pinks to indigos and mottled greens. All the textiles are hand-dyed with natural plant dyes within global communities.”

This process is something incredibly important about the brand. Fisher notes that the ethical practices and the cultural values taught through many Indigenous communities’ dye methods helped formed the foundations of Weft.

A graduate of Interior Design at RMIT in Melbourne, Fisher recognises that study provides a constant inspiration for her work. “I’m inspired by art, music and design and it being used as a platform to express yourself, an idea or an intention. When I was studying at RMIT I was inspired a lot by architecture. I appreciate simplicity and minimalism, so architects such as Tadao Ando and the metabolism design movement have definitely influenced my own design style.”

Travel has also played a big part in the development of Weft for Fisher. “I spent time working in rural areas in the Caribbean and South East Asia. Seeing how these communities live so resourcefully and understanding their social and environmental values have changed how I approach things – which I would like this to be seen in my work.”

After returning to Adelaide in September, Fisher was keen to have a space for the brand. She began looking at Renew Adelaide spaces on offer and soon moved into Parc Arcade. The new retail space features French flax linen sheets, quilt covers, cushions, throws and kimonos – the result is an inviting, yet minimalist space that heroes the garments and homewares for sale.

In the near future, Fisher will be working towards creating a local dye garden so she can take the lead on the production.

“For my next range I would love to be able to do all my dyeing in Australia using native Australian plants and collaborating with Indigenous Australian art centres. I want to gain a greater understanding of the native plants used for dyeing in Australia and to celebrate Indigenous Australia art and culture.”

Weft Textiles
Shop 4, Parc Arcade, 7-17 Gawler Place
0423 071 381
weft-textiles.com