Holding Hands....

Hello my lovelies...

how are we all?

My weekends wouldn't be the same if I didn't say hello...

I do love hearing from you all on here. 

Since I started blogging back in 2007 I have made SO many crafty friends

and I always love hearing your comments...

Us crafty folk are such happy peeps don't you think?

We love sharing our skills, our knowledge and our creative projects.

The blogging community is vast these days; so different from when I began writing my little ramblings all that time ago and yet it is still a happy family unit.

I know many of you enjoy the inspiration I share on here so knew you will also like to know about this fun idea of sharing a little love amongst fellow bloggers....

Crafting Is My Therapy Linky

Each month at Me, You and Magoo there is a link with other bloggers to see their work in progress.

You can read all about the idea HERE

So, having decided to join in with the party I thought I would share some of my slow stitching 

this month...

Away from the cameras. away from the hustle & bustle of teaching or even away from

the nine to five of daily toil I adore being left alone with a basket of threads.

They always soothe my soul...

I get to paint with colour and texture using my doodles as inspiration.

I call it slow stitching simply because that is what is it...

nothing is rushed.

It is simply about being in the moment and enjoying the process of holding the needle and thread between your fingers; watching the stitches perform their dance in front of you and indulge in a little 'me time'.

For centuries women have held a connection with cloth and thread this way and in our modern society of hum drum business we seem to be losing that connection a little.

I am working on a design for a book cover at the moment with this beauty as my starting point...

I want to cover a boring old plain notebook that nestles in my bag everywhere I go to capture a doodle here and there on my travels.

Maybe by next month's link I will have decided how to include it into my design!

Watch this space....

In the meantime do pop over and say hello with my blog link and tell them I said Hi!

Toodle-ooh for now...

Gotta love a little bit of vintage.....

Morning my lovelies!

Thank you for all your lovely messages, emails and well wishes 

following on from my last post...

You are so sweet.

I really am OK... please don't worry!

The lack of light simply means I sometimes feel like a withering dandelion

that needs Spring to pop on the light!

~~~~~~~~

So, what's been going on this week?

I have been surrounded by creativity in so many different ways...

Monday saw my 'Textile Book' workshop with a fab group of ladies

I know many of you worry when ever you attend a workshop.....

I do think it's always a gamble whenever you sign up for one...

if going on your own you don't know who you are going to be sitting next to?

You don't know if you'll like the tutor

Are you going to be able to create something that looks the same as others?

Why do we put ourselves through so much worry?????

I have offered many Creative Workshops for Your Well-Being as well as the usual sewing, patchwork, collage, crochet and mixed media etc

I like to think that I run a low key relaxed affair that no matter the subject matter and 

however stressed you may feel

when starting your day, by the time you leave you will have spent a fab time restoring your well-being and hopefully will have seen some tips and inspiration that you can take away with you....

Monday's workshop was all about collecting memories and creating a fabric book

using a variety of techniques such a hand stamping, creative collage work, mixed media 

and some hand embroidery

I loved the way that ideas evolved through simple chatting with others, experimenting with a mix of fabrics, trims and paper... and seeing the ladies simply chilling into their crafting

The ladies loved my Linen & Lace Bundles that I took along.

glad to see them being used in such a creative way.

It's lovely to see vintage linens sold in thrift shops or charity stores etc but if they then just sit in boxes in the loft through lack of ideas then they will simply wither away like my dandelion analogy at the beginning of the post.

Be brave and use them to bring you a simple smile...

If you would like to look at my little bundles or purchase any you can view them on my website

Tilly Rose

They are a perfect starting point for any textile work needing a vintage vibe and a fab way of adding a little vintage loveliness into your stash without having to buy tons of tablecloths to store.

they make great pressies for your craft friends too!

The workshop was only Part One and so the lovely ladies have a few weeks in between to 

have a play with all their new techniques and return

with their fabric pages ready to assemble into their book.

I can't wait to see the results!

Tuesday & Wednesday saw me dyeing.... as you do!

I'm sure the neighbours must wonder what this middle-aged woman is doing hanging oddments of scraps here and there on her washing line in the middle of winter!

hey ho... someone has to make them smile hey?

I'm experimenting with eco-dyeing techniques which I am LOVING with a great big L!

 Thursday saw lacy cobwebs... aren't they just exquisite?

the detail that Mother Nature provides is amazing and most people miss every single

ounce of it through rushing to get through their day...

such a shame because she holds some beautiful gems in her purse.

All in all a very good week don't you think!

Oh I nearly forgot to say...

in between all of that loveliness I managed to 

work out how to upload a video on my website...yippee!!!

the next step is to add it here on my blog also...

Off to grab myself a cuppa or two now and tidy my sewing room folks

 so I may be gone for some time!!!!

Toodle-ooh for now my lovelies....

Slow Stitching for fun, never a chore....

Hello my lovelies

how are we all?

Hoping your week has been fun and entertaining in many ways....

I've been inspired to write this post after a few comments on my Facebook page this week that have made me smile..

(you can find me HERE )

As many of you know I run a weekly Friday Showcase where I invite fans of my page to upload their own pics of projects they have been working on during the week.

I LOVE seeing the variety of crafts, the various designs and overall support for one another.

Creativity is so good for the soul and it really doesn't matter if you are a beginner just stumbling your way through the minefield of instructions and online tutorials or you are an avid sewer, embroiderer or embellisher etc with years of experience to your name.

I'm constantly saying this (and I do apologize if you are bored of hearing me say it again!)

but for me being creative is simply being in the moment...

It really isn't about competing with others.

It's simply about enjoying the process, fuelling your inner soul and slowing down that hamster wheel of life that we all run on every day of our lives.

Slow stitching ticks all those boxes for me as there are no rights and wrongs even though many would say different.

As much as I LOVE sewing with my machine I love nothing more than feeling the fabric between my fingers, seeing all my threads nestling in their boxes waiting to be picked for a project

and slowly watching a design come together as I choose a stitch to get started...

My show on Create & Craft TV this week was been full of slow stitching...

all of which you seemed to have enjoyed which is lovely for me!

and after reading a few comments from those of you who have decided to give it a go, I thought I would give you some little tips that may help convince you all that even the tiniest of stitching can add a little something special to a project...

First, I'll let you into a little secret....

Is anyone listening?

No?

OK, now keep this just between you and I as I don't want the whole world to know... 

(I have a reputation of being a professional to keep you know ;))

So, first things first...

I don't actually enjoy using a hoop for embroidery.

You see I've been blessed with Fen hands ready for working the land...digging up spuds and the like.

Certainly NOT for dainty stitching, Jane Austen style!

I have chunky fingers that get very clumsy when wrestling with a wooden hoop

even though I really do try to make them look elegant on TV!

So... all though I teach everyone the correct way as shown in books, tutorials and classes in reality,

at home  I do my usual thing and go off on a tangent...

(I'm a quiet rebel at heart and always do my own thing if I'm honest!. 

You don't have to shout from the roof tops you know to make something happen if you want to! ;))

I can stitch for hours on end if I can feel the fabric between my fingers.

It grounds me and makes time slow down

I love to feel the ripples of weft and warp tumble through my hands as I often daydream whilst stitching... and oh boy do I daydream!

My background in working with children and young adults who have many disabilities including very severe sensory impairment has taught me over the years to simply touch and feel everything before even starting...

At times I have had to work around a situation of teaching someone a new skill with little or no communication or response other than a simple blink of an eyelash which makes you adapt to any situation....

you have to think laterally not literally....

So... what does that mean in reality?

It means if you are having trouble using an embroidery hoop such as I do...

It's simple don't use it!

If you are having trouble threading with a said needle because you can't see the thread easily...

don't use it! 

Choose a larger eye even if that means it's meant for a different thread.

I'm going to be shot down in flames for this only you can decide what is right for you.

Don't be taken back to your school days of rules and regulations.

I really didn't like school as there were too many rules.

Too many for me to always be getting wrong with all things academic!

My outlet was through my creative side of life and I learnt to make things work my way...

not necessarily the correct way but it has worked for me over the years.

I guess what I'm trying to say in a very LONG round about way (and I do apologize if you are slightly dozing off right now...)

is simply be yourself and find your own creative path...

We are all different which I think is a very good thing because the world would be a very boring place if we were all the same.

If you are having difficulty with any new stitch, design or even just holding a needle, here's a few pointers that may help you along the way...

* Invest in a good child's book for easy instruction and bigger easy-to-follow diagrams and DON'T be afraid to use it.

*Start with a very simple design - you will get no where if you think you are going to create a masterpiece the first time you pick up a piece of thread or needle etc!

*Allow yourself time to time to play and permission to go wrong. Be prepared to make those mistakes and not worry about it.

*Don't try and copy your friend's work or design...it's not your idea and it will never look like hers/ his

*Lastly be still, be in the moment and indulge in some calm... Tilly Rose slow stitching time

I'd love to know your thoughts so do drop a comment below as I always enjoy reading them :)

Happy stitching my lovelies!

Tilly

x x x

Festive Cheer - Tilly Rose Style.....

Hello my lovelies...

How are you all?

The dull grey days of the changing seasons are already beginning to 

make a difference to our days...

The British weather has such a powerful hold on our well being don't you think?

It has been raining solidly here for over a week or so now and the ground is so

squelchy and muddy and on top of that there seems to be so much wet washing hanging around

with coats and umbrellas never seeming to dry... 

(I'm not a fan on gloominess...can you tell???)

As much as I love my snuggly warm sweaters, fleecy slippers and cables scarves, Winter and I are not exactly the best of friends.

Every year we do try our very best to get on as friends should do but by the end of each February, we have to call a truce to start a fresh for the next year having grumbled and argued with each other for months!

To brighten these dull days ahead my thoughts have turned most definitely to 

bright cheerier hues of red and green for that special time of year that will be upon us before we know it.

Not sure if it's the Fen bird in me but at this time of year I love nothing more than getting all my winter recipe books out for seasonal treats and all the old favourites...

Have you made your Christmas pud yet? 

or cake?

I know many of you are also thinking of making all your Christmas gifts as well.

Or maybe you are thinking about filling those craft fair tables with gorgeous goodies to sell?

I just love handmadeness (if there is such a word)

It captures loads of love, loads of happiness and more importantly loads of well being for everyone....

One, for those who receive such gorgeousness and two, for those who add a little piece of themselves into every project they make.

I thought you may like some ideas to help use up those fabric & paper scraps that we all have hiding away in the drawers and boxes hidden under the chaos of crafty bliss...

So, over the next few weeks I will be posting  inspirational pics of things I've either made in the past or lovely goodies I've found online to give you all a few ideas for when you may need that

little extra pressie at short notice when Auntie Mabel pops round unexpectedly, or you might need a few extras to add to your craft table at your local school fete?

Here's my first offerings to break you into Christmas in a gentle way...

Want a simple festive project to share with children?

The following projects were all ideas that I have presented in workshops or when I visited schools

and wanted something that all abilities were able to join in with.

They whip up really quickly and add a little handmade magic to your stash of 

handmade loveliness to either sell or give away as pressies.

Cut out small festive shapes from felt such as stockings or trees.

They are perfect for younger crafters to embellish using all those lovely

things you have hiding in your craft stash...

If they don't want to sew you can use glue or double sided tape to secure.

You could always decoupage with fabric or lace doilies?

Again something so simple that all the family can have fun creating to hang as decorations around the home.

Often these little projects are the perfect solution for keeping things simple... especially if you are a beginner or want to craft with younger peeps.

I love visiting a craft fair or school Christmas Fete and always try to buy special designs like these as I think they make Christmas extra special.

They may be a little quirky or perhaps a little wonky in design but for me they shout creativity.

I'm really not fussed if a button is slightly off centre or a heart is maybe a touch too crookedy.

They certainly wouldn't match the standard of Harrods or Selfridges maybe but I have the satisfaction that no-one else in the whole wide world will have one just like me hanging on their tree and for me that is worth it's weight in gold.

I shall bring some more ideas again soon but in the meantime...

have fun stitching and being creative :)

Toode-ooh for now my lovelies!

Tilly

x x x

Keep Calm and Carry On....

Hello my lovelies!

I hope you don't mind but I'm offering something a little different today...

It's taken me a very long time to consider whether to write this post but hopefully you'll understand the reasons to why I have?
Earlier this week I received the best news ever..

Two little words....

"all clear"

*****

A year ago my world turned upside down, inside out and completely off balance when my hubby was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

For a year since, our lives have been on autopilot, both for different reasons... hubby to face all the treatment thrown at him and me because I was the stable one in the equation as often us ladies are...

Every one has their own set of troubles lurking behind the smiles we all offer to each and every one we meet each day...

Some people are very vocal and will tell all and others like myself are very quiet and just get on with things in a stoic true British spirit.

So why am I telling all now?

I want to let everyone know how crafting is so very good for keeping you grounded when all is not stable at sea...

I have crafted since a young child.

It is part of me.

I learnt a long time ago that

I need to dabble each and every day to keep my soul singing...

Up until the diagnosis I had been running my own workshops, craft sessions, offering 1:1 lessons and supporting local schools.

Eventually I have had to put all of that on hold.

My priorities lay elsewhere. 

The same week we found out about my hubby I was contacted by Create & Craft TV to attend a screen test with the view to becoming a Guest Presenter.

Complete pants for timing!

Despite the many pleas from family and friends especially hubby, I put it on hold until eventually I caved in and agreed to give it a go... 

I continued to sit for hours and hours looking at sterile hospital clinic decor whilst accompanying hubby during his chemo sessions and re-designed in my mind each and every corridor Tilly Rose style!

After I had read every crumpled old magazine provided and tackled many books on my Kindle, I decided I needed to take action.

I started to fill my little wicker basket with a riot of colour threads, needles, various fabrics and loads of embellishments. 

I soon began to get a reputation as 'the lady with the basket'!

For every hour spent sitting in hospital armchairs I stitched my little heart away!

I needed to stay in a happy place for part of my day despite the surroundings.

I'm a firm believer in creativity being so good for the soul...

Nurses began to show an interest in my projects, other patients asked questions on how to do something and I even managed to show a young girl how to start embroidering whilst waiting for her Nan!

After hubby's chemo, we faced major surgery, followed by many sudden dashes in ambulances to our local casualty unit never knowing the outcome

Each and every time my little basket accompanied me with some crafty delight nestling inside to keep me busy.

Whilst all of this was carrying on I had started guest presenting..... to say I was a bag of nerves the first time doesn't even hit the mark!

But I persevered, trying to inspire others to 'give it a go' hoping I would eventually work out what to say at the right time and look in the right direction at the right time!

(not sure I'll ever look the professional!!)

Roll on a year...

With the wonderful news that hubby is now 'all clear' we can now look forward....

The reason for this post?

It is simply to say...

"Walk Your Life Towards Well-Being"

Allow creativity in your heart and you will always have a smile

Tilly

xxx

Inspired by Seaside Photographs - FREE TUTORIAL

Hello my lovelies!

At this time of year I know many of you will be like me, returning from your summer holidays with loads of seaside smiles and a host of ideas which hopefully will give you some inspiration for your next sewing or mixed media project...

As a textile artist I am continually being asked how and where do I get my inspiration

for my own designs?

Mother Nature always provides me with such gems and is my greatest source of inspiration.

It doesn't matter where you are visiting or for how long. 

Each region will have it's own special sights, sounds, smells and treats.

For me, Cornwall always delights.

I love visiting and soak up every little jewel I come across.

I carry my camera with me where ever I go and photograph snippets of my day using my lens as my creative eye.

I thought it would be a nice idea to give you all some tips and ideas as to how you too can get started using a photograph as your inspiration source and capture those treasured memories.

Inspired by Seaside Photographs -Tutorial

So where to begin....

First, what project do you have in mind?

Collage

Cushion

Notebook Cover

Special Bunting

Whatever the project, using a favourite pic can always help you to get started...

So, how?

If you are not reproducing an exact copy of a snapshot how can you use it for inspiration?

Here are some tips that hopefully will help to give you some basic ideas....

You may want to draw out your design copying the photo to help with dimensions or scale. To do this simply print off your photograph and use either tracing paper or greaseproof paper to out line the main elements.

Don't be afraid to exaggerate the details. remember it is your design. there are no rules!

Also don't worry if your dimensions don't match exactly... 

Try and create a mood board for your project. I know many of you may say why bother if it is only for a cushion but believe me it is definitely worth it!

I love collating loads of ideas from alsorts of resources...

Attach them to an old picture frame, write them down in a book or simply doodle on scraps of paper that you have to hand.

Believe me when I say they will all come be handy to refer back to.

Use your photographs to help with colour schemes...

They will give you an idea of how to blend colours for backgrounds or individual elements of your overall design.

You may be using various fabrics to build up your design or colouring them in with free motion embroidery, or perhaps you want to make your design to have a 3D effect?

Of course you need to think about adding textures and patterns...

maybe to represent shells, rocks, beach huts, rocks etc

Don't forget to add in those extra special details that will make your designs more individual...

All those little memories you have can be added into your designs...

And talking of textures....

use Mother Natures box of jewels to help you decide what elements you may want to stitch, crochet, embroider or sew on as embellishments...

I hope this quick tutorial has helped to get you inspired to give it a go...

Just remember it really doesn't matter what your design is going to be.... it may be a cushion cover that you want to use applique on or you may decided to have a go at a mixed media collage.

Start small and then run with your ideas...

We are all creative in some way or another.

As so many people have asked about designs and ideas I have decided that I am soon going to be selling my own inspiration kits via my blog.

I will also be offering online tutorials alongside them with ideas for your projects.

I would love to know your thoughts on this, so if you have five mins do please drop me a message at the end of this post or an email to  tillyrose10@gmail.com 

You can also find me via my Facebook page 

In the meantime Happy Stitching my lovelies!

Enjoy your weekend...

Tilly 

xxx