29 December 2016

Behind the Scenes... Plans and Schemes for 2017

Behind the scenes at Tilly and the Buttons
Behind the scenes at Tilly and the Buttons

In two days time, it'll be the seven year anniversary of when I started this blog - or the "seven year stitch", if you will.

On the one hand, it seems like only yesterday that I opened up Blogspot and started typing, not really expecting anyone other than my mum to read my blog, and certainly never dreaming that a few years later it would be the launchpad of my own business.

On the other hand, it definitely feels like sooooo much hard work to get us where we are now! Seven years of consistently working to create blog posts - and later products - that I thought you'd enjoy. Hard work is worth it when it's something as lovely and rewarding as helping people make their own clothes :)

The last year has been another busy one for us, releasing five patterns, three online workshops, doing lots of events... and working hard on things to come! So what do we have up our homemade sleeves for 2017?

Behind the scenes at Tilly and the Buttons

Our next pattern is ready to go - expect to see it in February. (Email list members get first access to new stuff - join here if you're not already on the list.) Her name is Zadie, and she's an absolute beauty!

Behind the scenes at Tilly and the Buttons

The new pattern is a great one for playing around with fabric combinations. Our intern Kate has been having fun colouring in pattern illustrations to test out ideas. Okay, I'll stop teasing now - watch this space!!

Behind the scenes at Tilly and the Buttons

We've started working on another pattern for Spring/Summer, along with an online workshop to go with it. We're still at the pattern tweaking and fitting stage, but the toiles are already looking stunning. Lexy is particularly in love with this one!

Behind the scenes at Tilly and the Buttons

Aaaand we've been working on a big project for 2018 - that sounds so futuristic, I know! It's quite hard working towards something that's not going to be launched for two years, as I just want to share it with you now now NOW! But it'll be worth the wait, promise :) Vanessa and I are working closely together on the project - so much so, that sometimes even our outfits are in synch...

Behind the scenes at Tilly and the Buttons

We've got some dates booked in for London sewing workshops in January and March - if you want to sew in our studio, book yourself a place!

Freestyle Machine Embroidery is a really fun class, and a nice new technique to try if you're used to sewing accurate seams and want to let loose. Make Friends with a Sewing Machine is always popular, as the perfect class to get people feeling comfortable using a sewing machine (we also run this one online as a video workshop). And then we're doing Make Pyjamas as an easy-peasy intro to clothesmaking, and Make a Coco for those of you who want to learn how to sew knit fabric on a regular sewing machine.

Behind the scenes at Tilly and the Buttons

We'll also be out and about quite a bit in 2017, exhibiting at shows. The first one we have booked in is the trade show, CHSI Stitches in Birmingham in February. As well as having a stand, I'll be running a seminar on how to create a buzz on Instagram.

Then we're doing the Knitting and Stitching Show at Olympia in March - come say hi!

I'm off to Cologne in late March / early April, where I'll be sharing a stand at H+H craft show with Adjustoform. This is primarily a craft trade show, although I hear it's open to the public on the final day (best check that though if you plan to attend). If you are planning on being there, let me know!

And then we'll be back at the Handmade Fair at Hampton Court in September. That's always a really fun show, so do come along if you can.

Behind the scenes at Tilly and the Buttons

With lots going on, our team really needs some extra help. So the first thing on my to do list when I get back to my desk on 2nd January (after making a large pot of coffee) is to shortlist job applications, as we're hiring a part time Studio Assistant.

We're looking for someone to help us out by processing and packing orders for our customers and stockists, assembling sewing kits and running errands. If you know someone with a positive, helpful attitude who would be good at this kind of role, do send them the link - the deadline is 10am on 2nd January.

Here's to a wonderful 2017!