28 December 2018

2018 at Tilly Towers

Behind the scenes at Tilly and the Buttons


Looking back on another year, I can't quite believe everything that has happened at Tilly and the Buttons HQ! As the business owner, it's been a very different year from previous ones as I've been working part time so I can look after my little boy, who is now 15 months. The juggle is a struggle and, while I looooove being able to spend time with my son, I do often find myself frustrated that I can't get more done at work. Yet looking back on everything we achieved this year, I feel proud of myself and the team for what we managed to do - in terms of product launches, events and growing the team behind the scenes.

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

Over the year we had four new stars join the team - Sales and Communications Manager Louise (who previously worked here in a different role), Sewing Pattern Developer Serefina, Office Manager Kate and Product Manager Nikki. They are all amazing at what they do, bringing ideas and enthusiasm to help the company get better bit by bit. Plus we had another baby Buttons arrival, Katie's daughter Posey - awwwww!

26 December 2018

Learn a New Sewing Skill with Online Video Workshops

Learn a new sewing skill with online video workshops
Learn a new sewing skill with online video workshops

If you're getting into sewing or are looking to expand your skills, you might be looking for a fairy stitch-mother to show you the way! Enter Tilly - your sewing guru, who is here to guide you through techniques, tricks and head-scratching moments.

We have a range of online video workshops that cater for every skill level and can be taken at your own pace with 24/7 access. You can take the classes from the comfort of your own home (PJs are optional), and Tilly will be there to break things down every step of the way, with clear instructions. The courses are split into modules, making it easy to revisit useful sections in later projects.

Beginner friendly online sewing workshops
Make Friends with a Sewing Machine

21 December 2018

A Snuggly Sunday Outfit of Dreams

Snuggly Stella hoodie dress - Tilly and the Buttons
Snuggly Stella hoodie dress - Tilly and the Buttons

Do you wear me-made clothes for lounging? As home sewists, we love to get out and about in our handmade wardrobe to show off what we've made, but it can be equally nice to look down on your outfit while chillaxing on the sofa and feel smug that you made it yourself.

18 December 2018

Sew a Xmas Sweater Contest - and the Winner is...

Sew a Xmas Sweater Contest - and the winner is...

Boy, you guys have had fun with our Sew a Xmas Sweater Contest! We are simply blown away with the creative entries that have had us smiling from ear-to-ear every time they hit our inbox.

The entries are in, the judges have cast their votes, and we are VERY happy to announce our prize winners! Drumroll please...

Sew a Xmas Sweater Contest - and the winner is...
Sew a Xmas Sweater Contest - and the winner is...

14 December 2018

Team Buttons DIY Christmas Jumpers

Team Buttons DIY Christmas Jumpers


Here at Tilly Towers we've been so inspired by all of your entries for our Sew A Xmas Sweater contest that we decided to join in the fun and make our own. As you'll be able to tell from the pictures, we definitely enjoyed ourselves :)

From pom poms and glitter to sparkly vinyls, once we began there was no holding us back. It was the first time for all of us using iron-on vinyls, gifted to us from Happy Fabric, who also supplied the grand prize for the contest. Now we want to embellish ALL the clothes to make them dazzle!

Team Buttons DIY Christmas Jumpers
Team Buttons DIY Christmas Jumpers

11 December 2018

Ten Favourite Posts Of 2018

Adventures in baby clothesmaking 
This blog is approaching its nine year anniversary, can you believe it? In 2018 we've continued to share sewing tips and tutorials, inspiration and peeks behind the scenes at Tilly Towers. Here are some of the most popular posts from the blog from the past 12 months in case you missed them...

Adventures in baby clothesmaking

5 December 2018

Nutty about Nora - Team Makes!

Nora Sewing Pattern - Tilly and the Buttons - Team Makes


You could say we’re Nora obsessed, but can you blame us? Our latest pattern Nora is an easy-to-make boxy top, she's speedy, versatile and adaptable, what’s not to love? Once you make one, you'll be hooked!

Since we've had the Nora pattern in our hands we've made a whopping 23 Noras between us. Wow! That's true sewing love. We've put together this team makes post to show off our favourite Noras in all their glory :)

Nora Sewing Pattern - Tilly and the Buttons - Team Makes