Life behind Elm Tree Studio

A fresh new start!

It been a long time since our last blog post so we are declaring it a fresh new start for this space. After a manic period for Christmas orders (our best yet!), I can practically sew stockings in my sleep! It was a fantastic end to 2016, but I am equally as excited to share a bit more about what we have been working on in 2017 so far. Hint: it involves some beautiful fabrics...

I thought I’d start a new blog regime with a little reintroduction to me (I’m Kirsty!) and Elm Tree Studio. So grab a cuppa and let’s have a virtual chat. Talking of cuppas, I should let you know I’m a big coffee snob and can only drink fresh bean to cup coffee. I definitely can’t get into sewing mode with any decaf brews! I’m constantly in search of the perfect mug.  Being small, I have the bottom shelf in the kitchen all to myself for my mug collection and each one is for a certain drink - builders’ tea, posh tea, coffee, hot chocolate. You could say I’m quite particular about things, but I think that’s a good quirk to have when you are designing products too.

At home I share my space (but not my mug collection) with my hubby Darren (who weirdly doesn't "get" the need for more cushions in the house… a constant battle!) and my children, Josh and Chloe. We take care of two cats, referred to as "the boys" and two chickens called Omelette and Button.

So, coffee and family aside, I mentioned I’ve been sewing in the studio lots! Over the Christmas period, I stitched through the night on some occasions, to make sure all orders went out on time. I discovered Netflix and binge watched Gilmore Girls whilst sewing. I loved it so much I’ve watched it all and started again from the beginning. Have you seen it?

I also had some behind the scenes photos taken in my studio and thought I’d share them with you here, so you can see where everything happens.

January has been equally as busy, but I have returned to what I started last summer and I’m designing my own range of fabrics. The first one, Aster Flower has started to really take off and is now available on a range of textile products, lampshades, lamps, cushions and clocks.

It’s exciting to see the designs come to life on the products. The two existing colourways (dove grey and indigo) will be extended to include spicy mustard which is a beautiful shade! The product range will also grow to include some non-textile pieces. See all the collections here.

We were also thrilled to see our Embroidered Linen Lavender Pillows in Country Homes and Interiors magazine. Seeing our designs in print will always be exciting!

I’d love to know more about you and what enjoy, so do leave me a comment. I’m off to make a cuppa - I’ve just tried Perkulatte Coffee and it’s delicious. I’m really hoping that someone (no pressure, Darren) will treat me to their monthly subscription. Just imagine, fresh coffee delivered monthly straight to your door!

Love, Kirsty