Deadly Stories

Felicity Chapman, Deadly Weavers

As models passed by on the catwalk, Wiradjuri woman Felicity Chapman cried tears of joy at how far she has come. Felicity worked for many years in management and high-level administration, when her world turned upside down in 2017.

“I had a brain bleed and the neurologist told me I could not go back to my old job in construction, working in front of a computer,” shares Felicity. “At the same time, I started to find some of my family. My great-grandmother was part of the Stolen Generations from around Tinnaburra Station in western Queensland.”

Felicity began to weave for rehabilitation and new cultural connections.

“Weaving was a way to help me, and revitalise the cultural practice, and then I started to connect with other descendants of the Stolen Generations.”

Felicity runs her business, Deadly Weavers, in Ngaro Country in the Whitsundays where she lives, and where she started to experiment with eco-dyeing.

“My other background is natural and complementary therapy…and I can implement that spiritual work into my weaving through dyeing,” she explains.

This year Felicity entered her naturally dyed pieces into the prestigious fashion parade at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

“I love textiles, and the 60s era of styles, so I kept it really simple to showcase the fabric,” she shares. “One of the outfits was 100% wool to pay hommage to my grandfather and his brothers who were all shearers and stockmen.”

Felicity wants to continue her creativity and is looking at who her target market audience is for her eco-dyed fabrics.

Supporting her growing business is Deadly Digits. For two years now, Felicity has been using the online accounting system for mob.

“My business structure is really simple and Deadly Digits is really easy to use,” she says. “it’s easy to do an invoice or do my bank reconciliations…and I like the fact that I can call up and talk to someone if I have a question.”