Stitched Memories

Our homes are full of treasured items from the past. Hidden away from view but never thrown away, they are our links to the special people and events that tell our story. In this beautiful and inspiring book, Tilly Rose encourages you to seek out your precious stash of pre-loved items and transform them into beautiful and practical textile artworks that celebrate the lives of your loved ones and preserve your memories for generations to come.

Tilly shows you how to make 15 gorgeous projects, including cloth journals, lavender hearts, framed collages, wall hangings and miniature quilts. All of the designs have a story to tell and are made using a plethora of vintage fabrics, threads, lace, ribbon, buttons, beads, photographs and other found items. If you don’t have a collection of suitable materials at home, you can have fun sourcing them from online marketplaces, thrift/charity stores and flea markets, and try mixing them with modern fabrics and embellishments for a more contemporary look.

The projects incorporate a range of exciting techniques, all explained through clear instructions and step-by-step photographs, including layering and collage, hand embroidery, transferring your own designs to cloth, stamping, appliqué, embellishing, patchwork, free motion embroidery and photo transfer.

This book will take you on a truly inspirational journey, encouraging you to be creative, to source and re-use materials of special significance, and to incorporate them into textile artworks that become treasured keepsakes.

Book Contents

Introduction 8
Inspiration 12
Tools & materials 18
Techniques 28
The projects 54
I Seek for Quiet Joys: needlecase 56
Enjoy the Moment: stitch sampler cloth book 60
How does your Garden Grow: stitch bobbin 68
Yesterday’s Memories: family memory journal 72
Worn and Washed: English paper piecing memory quilt 76
Some of my Favourite Things: stamped fabric collage 80
Down by the Sea: wall hanging 84
Vintage Florals: hanging hoop art 88
Nature Wrap: found objects panel 94
A Whisper of Secrets: book cover 98
An English Country Garden: patchwork book wrap 102
Wild Summer Blooms: free motion embroidery panel 106
The Sweetness of Love: whitework lavender heart 110
Summer Bliss: English paper piecing patchwork 114
Special Gifts: gift tags 118
Templates 122
Index 128