It Started with a Simple Yes.... Part 1

I feel I must start this little post with an apology...

My little home here in Blogland has been patiently waiting for my return since the launch of my book Stitched Memories back in July 2018

Sadly, I have neglected her terribly.

I do hope you she forgives me and understands!

You see since my book launch my life has been turned around in so many ways I wouldn't have even thought possible, some good, some not so good and some even more amazingly bonkers!

And so, why start writing today I hear my reader asking?

Well, I have just returned from a ten day Textile Tour trip to Jaipur with The Craft Travel Company and I am sitting nursing a little fluey virus that has made me stop.

My fingers itching as usual, head buzzing with Indian smiles and time on my hands I thought I would 'go back home...' to where my journey started over 20 years ago....blogging. 

I'm back in my 'Happy Place' again 🥰

So....India? 

How did that happen?

Well, it's simple really.

I look at life with wide eyed lens.

You get one shot at life.

There are no rehearsals...

And so, when I was asked would I consider doing a workshop further afield, never did I think that would mean India!

And so, a year in the planning, a long plane ride and a shorter bus ride we arrived in Jaipur with a wonderful happy grin!

My little family were ready to explore....

Our tour was a Textile Tour exploring the beautiful rich history of textiles based in and around Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Ten days of soaking up the beauty 💖

I went with very little assumptions or expectations other than to make it through the ten days without a 'delli belly' and without passing out through heat exhaustion!

What actually happened really can't be summed up in one little post but it so much more!

No 'Delli belly' and no heat exhaustion, in fact it was that cold I ended up buying socks!

We saw the usual touristy visits, spoke to locals and learnt a little history, ventured into remote villages off the beaten track to see the 'real' side of India and mingled in amongst the hustle bustle of city life with the goats, camels and cows.

We watched the sun rise and the sun set over a city steeped in cultural heritage dating back centuries...

It was magical.

We saw colours, patterns and designs to inspire us, listened to a beautiful mix of new languages and dined on new tastes...

As well as being the most rubbish romantic, I'm a big believer in soaking up life as it is....real experiences...

I always try to see things as Mother Earth intends.

India is renowned for not only her wealth and riches but her poverty and hardship.

Until you actually see her poverty for real I don't think you can really understand or comprehend the impact that has on family life.

And yet, in amongst all of that equation, we were greeted by the most beautiful people sharing their love and warmth with us.

So....what did we actually do on the tour?

A Textile Tour you say?

Yes, but with a Tilly Rose style!

I was asked by the tour leaders to offer four workshops whilst out there.

After months of experimenting, designing and dabbling here and there I finally decided....

I wanted to offer something that related to India, related to Jaipur but more importantly stayed true to my roots of slow stitching and a love of cloth & thread.

I decided to offer a Stitch Wrap, a Tilly Rose Journal AND a little keepsake bag to treasure after the trip....

I wanted the ladies to be able to capture their memories in stitches...

We had such fun!

And of course, you all know me... I like to experiment with the odd technique here and there, so we painted, we dabbled, we diddled, we stitched and we created.....all with a beautiful flavour of India attached 💗

Each piece was individual.

Each piece was a future heirloom.

🧵✂️🧵✂️🧵✂️🧵✂️🧵✂️🧵✂️🧵✂️🧵✂️🧵

Every lady on the tour collected their own snippets from the visits to bazaars and other days out.

It was so lovely to watch a simple idea blossom, all with different blooms.

Ti hear the chatter, ti see the smiles and watch the slow stitchibg take place was just a joy.

We giggled, gossiped, chatted, heard cherished tales and shared our secrets whilst sewing much to the amusement of the staff at the hotel!

Isn't it wonderful how a group of women can create a supportive little family simply through a little love of cloth and thread?

I will leave it there for now and add more details in another post....

Thanks for joining me

Watch out for my next snippets!

Namaste 🙏🏻

Tilly x

It started with just a little thread...

Morning lovelies!

What a gem of a morning...

The birds are nattering while the bees are meandering.

A delightful day if ever there was one!

It seemed like the perfect time to share the news with you all

that soon my book Stitched Memories will be available to purchase.

I am beyond delighted to say the least.

Never in a million month of Sundays did I think that this little 'ol Fen bird who

is as as odd as the most quirkiest being about, 

would be lucky enough to write a book...

You see....coming from the Fens...well it's not something you usually do is it?

Now if you had said when I was growing up that

I would be the owner of a potato picking firm or 

a tractor driver, well you'd probably be much nearer the mark!

But as I've already mentioned I'm an odd bod.

I like to look for the unusual in the ordinary.

Someone who loves to capture those everyday stories and turn them into a treasured

marriage of cloth and thread...

So how did I get to write a book?

You may well ask...

Like everything in life, it's simply the luckiest thing of

being in the right place, at the right time,

talking to the right person indeed.

I've dreamed of writing a book since I could read and write

but this frizzy haired wild bird was rubbish at school. I got bored easily.

Science and Maths dumbfounded me and still do at times. And yet they totally fascinate me.

The only subjects that grabbed my attention were Needlework, Art and English, oh and Cooking (to which my waistline showcases very well!)

But you see, those subjects have done me proud...

As many of you know, my background was in Education.

I am a trained Visual Impairment Advisor, specialising in Early Years.

Over the years, I have been privileged to help support and teach many

beautiful children and young adults with additional needs and disabilities.

Knowing my own struggles has helped me really sympathise in understanding how a One Size Box does NOT fit all sizes.

 Alongside my teaching days, I always crafted.

It was a passion of mine from an early age

and eventually it has ended up that I am now teaching the joy of being creative through stitching full time.

What's the secret to inspire others?

It's easy....

Simply show the beauty and wonder of the world that surrounds us in every minute of every day and help others to see it's Ok to not be perfect.

Not to be precise is considered a No No in sewing and yet...

Our Mums and Grannies often didn't look at things that way.

Sewing was more often than not a necessity and so with it came the responsibility

of making things work with warped cloth, using not so perfect thread, piecing together scraps to create a whole.

I'm afraid, for me that is what sewing really entails....

When it was suggested a couple of years ago by Search Press, (the world's finest art and craft book publisher I might add) that I write down my ramblings to help inspire others in the form of a craft book, I jumped at the chance.

I was totally blown away.

The fact that someone thought I was capable of writing a book...

As I've got older and wiser, I truly believe that everyone has a gift in some way or another.

Mine is simply to share my love of cloth and thread and use my skills as a tutor

to inspire and guide you...

And so through many many stressful hours of writing, a book evolved.

Two thirds of it was left on the cutting room floor because I had written too much information due to space constraints...something that took a while getting my head around to be honest

but now I've seen the final copy I totally forgive my editor!

I've decided to write those snippets here on my blog so you don't miss out...

So, where to get hold of my book?

Well there are a variety of ways...

I shall be doing lots of book signings with Search Press at some of the big

Needlework Shows this year as well as some smaller events at some of my favourite

workshop venues which will include some scrumptious vintage tea parties...

You can find details here on my website

I will also be offering the chance to get a signed copy of the book on my website with a little extra surprise gift as well

as appearing on the Sewing Quarter Channel with a Book Launch on 30th July.

Lots going on!

I will of course be shouting from the rooftops on my Facebook page also.

So for now I will simply leave you counting down the days to Mr Postie arriving....

Thanks for dropping by and saying hello!

'Mercia' at The British Quilt & Stitch Village...

Well, good morning my lovelies...

How are you all on this grey and dreary Tuesday?

Here in the Fens I think Spring must be playing a massive mischievous joke on us all and is only pretending to stop for a while and actually has no intention whatsoever to indulge us in some warmer days despite the Springtime blooms nodding their heads to say hello!

It seems a lifetime away since I actually sat and wrote a blog post to you all.

I know many of you reading this do say hello via my Tilly Rose - Textile Artist Facebook page

but a blog post is a little different...

I can chatter and meamble so much more!

So in the spirit of The Sound of Music, where shall we start?

Well, let;s start at the very beginning... a very good place to start...

Some of you may be wondering where I've been hiding, why I've been a little quiet of late and will you see on TV again etc etc...

Last year our family was hit really hard as my husband 

was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer.

After fighting bowel cancer two years previously, then vasculitis and sepsis of his kidneys a year later, we actually thought we would have a few months to recover but sadly not.

As you can imagine or perhaps may have experienced yourselves personally, we faced a very huge uphill struggle...but at least we were given that option of a way to do so.

Sadly I know some are not so fortunate.

So...roll on a few months of very tough hardship, major surgery and intense recovery

I am pleased to say that hubby is now back at work and looking forward.

We take each day as it arrives with a massive blessing of smiles.

Whilst all this was going on I was writing my first book Stitched Memories - Search Press.

Timings really couldn't have been worse but it gave me a focus and in between hospital and clinic visits you could always find me hunched over a laptop writing instructions and explanations etc for the projects in the book.

It has now gone to print as we speak and will be available in August.

If you click on the link above you will find a little detail about what little surprises are waiting for you...

So....going back to my original sentence of where have I been, well as you can imagine

keeping that positive smile going for hubby and the rest of our family, continuing to work, writing a book and doing the dusting now and then can take it's toll.

At Christmas I faced exhaustion and so I took a few months off to recouperate.

It's that simple really.

Giving yourself time off is hard for someone like myself who likes to keep busy because 

it makes you feel guilty that you are not working!

But, how could I not be doing something at all?

Well for those of you who have been following my daily rambles and chats, you will all know that I've made the most of my time whilst lazily squidged on the sofa by doodling designs, 

planning my own range of sewing kits and gathering momentum for an exhibit

that I showed at The British Quilt & Stitch Village in Uttoxeter last weekend.

Many visitors to the event loved 'Mercia'; my version of 3D textile art depicting the Myths & Legends of the Cambridgeshire Fens over the many centuries of agricultural hardship...

Fen folk were often considered the 'odd folk living out on the marshlands', who were very independent and very suspicious of any 'foreigners'.
The term 'foreigners' simply meant anyone who didn't live amongst the Fen reeds and work the land which included anyone from everyday folk to the gentry!

Much of the Fens that we see today are a result of the reclaimed lands, drained many moons ago by the Dutch engineers who used their knowledge to create agricultural fields and land for communities to feed their families and toil the earth.

Before the drainage was developed many Fenfolk travelled from island to island via punts or rowing boats and knew the marshes like the back of their hand but more importantly they also knew that the marshlands were a law unto themselves.
Often gas escaped from the marsh and with it followed tales of 'bog spirits' and will'o'the'wisps.

 Fenland stories of  odd sightings among the Fen reeds were often passed down from generation to generation around the table of an evening over a pint of ale...

'Mercia', the anglo-Saxon name for the region, hopefully depicts two side of the story..

Her skirt, a Fenland river, is divided into two halves; one side represents the richer side of life
where women of a certain status enjoyed the luxuries that life in the Fens offered and the cotton muddied ragged edge on the other half represents the masses... the life of an Ag Lab that knew all about the hardships of living in such a wild wilderness of a Fen marshy bogland but loved it anyway.
Needless to say my family heritage comes from the rugged frayed edge of life if you didn't but guess!

Mercia's front bodice depicts the 'Tree of Life' believed by the Celts to be a very important part of their lives.
Boadicea or Boudica, the Queen of the Iceni Tribe ruled in this area, so there is a rich heritage of Celtic tradition connected to the Fens.
Many myths and tales have evolved from these times and often remain today.

The back of the bodice depicts the hard times of life on the land with embroidered stitches showcasing the famous plough lines of the patchwork fields found in this area.

Fenland heritage is in my DNA.
It has seeped into my bones over many centuries...

Not many folk give a shout out for the Fens.
They don't see the beauty of our completely flat 'boring' lands but for me
the Fens smile with a unique beauty.
Their sunsets, vasts skies, ever changing light and openess fills my little Fen heart with joy.
Someone has to make a stand for our little area of the UK!

Whilst on holiday in Cornwall a few years ago I was asked where I lived and when I mentioned the Cambs Fens, the shopkeeper said"Oh I know, you live in the damp patch then!"
Not sure what to say to that one....

On a day like today when the wild winds are a-howling through, I do think perhaps if I lived somewhere with a few hills, woods and undulating pathways my life would perhaps be a little quieter but then I change my mind as quickly as the wind calms again...

The judges seemed to like my little shout out for the Fens and awarded

me with a  'Second' rosette which although I was very happy to accept the result wasn't really that important to me.

It was never about winning really...

 I hope that doesn't sound arrogant at all because for me, 

entering the competition was so much more than a rosette...

It was about me allowing myself time to indulge in my passion for textile art, showcasing some Fenland history and having such fun designing and stitching on a mannikin which I just love doing!

 I was so over the moon to see people chatting about the Fens and asking about my little area of the UK.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and chatted about 'Mercia'

It makes it all worthwhile.

 

I think I will have to write a separate post about my workshops and the beautiful displays on offer as I don't want you all to be nodding off!

I've rambled on as usual...

I'll leave you with this last pic of the pint that quenched my thirst on the last day at the event.

The little verse on the glass totally sums up a brilliant philospohy methinks!

"A little bit of beer is divine medicine"

I will say cheery bye for now and get writing my next post.

I'd forgotten the joy writing brings...

Until I stop by and say hello again

Have a beautiful day my lovelies!

Much love

Tilly

x x x

Slower Autumnal days ahead...

Hello lovelies...

Gosh what a blustery 'ol weekend.

Storm Brian seems to have had his say on things as he sped by here in the Cambridgeshire Fens. The flat landscape surrounding my little home is a perfect place for fast spiralling winds and howling gasps that are often so ferocious they can take your breath away as you step outside.

At this time of year things should be slowing down a pace or two but, with all the storms and hurricanes of late, we seem to be in a continual whirlwind of daily life battling with Mother Nature.

As the days start to begin to get shorter concentrating on slow living is more appealing.

It's a time of year to take stock of what is happening all around us, what I want to 

get done in the following months and a  good way of filling my days with sunshine 

in a creative way.

As the crimson autumnal hues line the Fenland horizons they help to bring us a

beautiful ombre of golden gems that sparkle in the dimmed evening light.

A glory of gold

And russet and grey

The tree-tops old

Glow in the day

And, one by one

The dry leaves fall

And the Autumn sun 

Smiles on them all

Every Autumn, I usually like to have a few things 

on my 'To Do' list to keep my fingers busy over the dark grumpy months ahead.

Alongside my usual slow stitching that keeps my little Fen digits tingling 

I love to have a couple of warm snuggly yarn projects on the go at the same time. 

I'm a lover of both crochet and knitting. 

I'm quite excited as this year,

 as I thought I'd re-visit a style of knitting that I loved doing many years ago 

when my boys were young.

Fair Isle Knitting

Fair Isle knitting is a magical world of glorious designs

dating back to a golden vintage age.

If you've never dabbled in the world of Fair Isle you'll be amazed

at the beautiful patterns on offer.

Intricate patterns closely woven together with just two needles

create a gorgeous marriage of colour and textures..

The secret ingredient is patience...

So as time is slowing down,

 my mission for Autumn is to find some beautiful vintage patterns to use for inspiration

and create a few snuggly designs with all the wool from my stash.

I find myself purchasing the odd ball of yarn here and there,never knowing what project they will end up in and at times they seem to gather nothing more than house dust,

but, every now and then I get a burst of enthusiasm to get

started again on a new project...

Is anyone else inspired by a love of Fair-Isle knitting?

I'd love to hear your tales...

What projects do you like to create?

Did You Know?

Fair Isle is named after Fair Isle, a tiny island in the north of Scotland, 

that forms part of the Shetland islands. ... 

Watch this space to see how I get on...

I wonder if I'll actually manage to get something finished before the 

harsh wintry weather sets in?

I will let you know!

Will chat again soon my lovelies.

Do leave me a comment below if you have five mins

as I'd love to know who pops by my little door!

Toodle-ooh for now...

Speak again soon

Tilly 

x x x

A Few Autumnal Thoughts...

Hello my lovelies!

Gosh it has been months since I set foot in my little blog home...

It's a little dusty with a few cobwebs hiding in the corners 

but the familiarity is making my heart sing.

Oh how I've missed saying hello!

It's a little like returning home after a holiday and having that wonderful

warm fuzzy feeling of home.

As some of you may know this year has been a box of all sorts of flavours 

for all sorts of reasons

... some very sweet moments hidden under the many varied layers of very sour 

cheek-sucking gems.

Blogging seems to have slipped by the by simply due to time.

Finally though after a very tough time, I do feel as if I am finally able to do a little meamble swim towards the surface for a few bubbles and Autumnal gasps...

So I thought I would take sometime to reflect and refresh on a few thoughts.

Autumn is usually my most favourite time of year to do all kinds of gorgeous things

 but this year, I think I will just be grateful to sit and watch the leaves simply fall around me 

while I rest my weary bones.

It will give me time to stay still and let Mother Earth sing her gentle lullaby while time

slowly glides past at a pace I feel I can handle.

And so... although feeling exhausted and 

having to rest, there is a positive, 

as resting brings me back to my little home of blogging and allows me time to 

slowly catch my breath again which I am delighted about!

It's my little holiday home of calm to capture my Fenland meandering thoughts on life.

I've been blogging since around the beginning of 2007.

Originally, it was my little hideaway safe haven whilst coping with everyday life, learning to live with an invisible illness to many, that was relatively never mentioned and very little was understood about the cause or treatment.... Fibromyalgia

Over the years I've learnt to live with my invisible siamese twin Fibro 

with every waking moment of each day.

Our intense relationship has managed to work together for over 20 years despite

the many arguments.

I learnt back in the early days of diagnosis that taking each day and staying positive was only the way forward to survive.

So I know I'm very blessed that I can still work doing something I love...

 And so, back to the here and now....

My first blog post in a very long time...

Work wise, despite this year being a bit of a clanger I have learnt how to...

- take a selfie and be brave enough to post it! (I hate my pic being taken!)

- wandered along a path with my creativity that I feel is beginning to finally reflect my true self which sounds crackers after being creative since the year dot!

-win an award for first prize at a major event

-write a book.

My first ever book ,Stitched Memories will be published by Search Press early next year and launched in the sunnier months of early Summer (she says grinning like a cheshire cat!!!)

It is my book of Inspirations on how to capture your ever day moments and treasured memories through a selection of slow stitching and free motion embroidery projects.

...my way of leaving a little trail of stitched stories for my future family members showcasing my loves in life and what makes me tick on a daily basis!

I've wanted to write a book since I was a small child and have several stories written but never thought it would be a book about crafts that I would see sitting on a shelf!

So, having done a little stock take of life in the Tilly Rose world I guess what I'm saying a long winded affair is that I feel I can begin to face the dreary cold Fenland months with a little creative smile after all.

Sometimes I think it is good to see the positives in front of you when having been faced with a few negatives of late...

Over the next few months I shall be updating my little cosy home with a few alterations so keep in touch if you fancy seeing the results.

Nothing like a grand makeover but just a few paint touch ups if you know what I mean!

In the meantime 

I will say toodle-ooh for now.

Happy Autumnal Blessings folks!

Looking forward to speaking again 

with you all soon

Tilly x