My Bothy Threads Story and the Joy of Analogue Hobbies
16th April 2026
There is a different kind of beauty when things are made slowly. When I first saw my illustrations translated into stitch through my work with Bothy Threads, it felt like something had come full circle. What began as my offline creativity, fine line drawings, became something more tactile, something to be held and slowly brought to life by someone else’s hands.
The Joy of Analogue Hobbies
More than ever, analogue hobbies are becoming increasingly popular. People are seeking to step away from their screens and reconnect with handmade crafts. By keeping our hands busy, as well as our minds, there is less time to scroll and more time to soothe our mental well-being.
I’ve always been a fan of hobbies that involve stitches. Throughout my life, I’ve created many cross-stitches and embroideries. I’ve even made myself and my children a few items of clothing. But trying a tapestry kit was a new experience I have enjoyed more than I ever thought I would.
There is something in the soothing repetition of each stitch, and in the mathematical elements of the gridded pattern. It is taxing enough to engage the mind, but relaxing enough to feed the soul, with the quiet satisfaction of a completed piece to display or share. If you have never tried a tapestry kit, I really do recommend it.
Collaborating with Bothy Threads
My collaboration with Bothy Threads came through a connection made by my amazing agent, Rafale Design. I had never considered my surface pattern designs being translated into tapestry before, but when I first saw my work come to life in that way, it made complete sense.
Bothy Threads simplified my designs beautifully, shaping them into patterns that are easy to follow and wonderful to bring to life. Each kit includes a printed Zweigart interlock canvas, Appletons 100% pure English tapestry wools, a needle, a reference chart, and clear instructions. Everything you need is ready from the moment it arrives.
Being new to this type of project, I chose to invest in a frame to help stretch my canvas and place each stitch more easily, though this is not a necessity. Bothy Threads also sells complementary cushion backing kits, which I am planning to add as soon as my designs are complete.
One of the things I love most is that Bothy Threads kits are completely plastic-free, with fully recyclable packaging. These small, considered touches add so much to the experience, and they complement the quality and care of the product beautifully.
From Illustration to Stitch
Two of my designs are currently available through Bothy Threads. Both are quite different in style and season, offering a choice depending on personal taste and interior aesthetic.
Original Pattern
Bothy Threads Heritage Bloom Tapestry Kit
Heritage Bloom
This design was inspired by my daily walks along the River Trent, and includes willow tree leaves, gentle water lilies, delicate blackberry blossoms, and rich berries. Drawn from the Arts and Crafts tradition of William Morris, the warm tones feel at home in Autumn and Winter, but can be enjoyed all year round.
My inspiration for each element came from my surroundings, though I love that every flower and leaf carries its own symbolism. Waterlily for purity of heart, willow for protection and immortality, and blackberries for abundance and nourishment.
Original Pattern
Bothy Threads Birds and Blossom Tapestry Kit
Birds and Blossom
This lighter Spring design was inspired by the Italian folk story La Merla, which tells of how the blackbird got her dark feathers. According to the tale, she hid in a chimney to escape the cold of January with her store of food, and emerged blackened when January played a trick on her.
My blackbird is a more cheerful blue, surrounded by a bright abundance of berries and florals. Ideal for lifting the interiors during Spring and Summer.
Creating My Own Tapestry
As I was kindly gifted a set of my designs by Bothy Threads, I could not resist making one myself. It is wonderful to work on my Heritage Bloom tapestry kit and watch my illustration come to life in a new medium, but the biggest change has been the peace it brings to the end of my day. Every evening, I put down my phone, pick up my tapestry frame, and lose myself for half an hour or so to the rhythm of the repeated stitch. Selecting my colours, seeing each leaf and flower come to life in a satisfying, tactile way. I love to run my hands over the completed sections; the soft wool is such a comfort.
Every visitor who catches sight of my frame has commented on how beautiful the progress looks, little knowing that I have an extra story to tell about being part of the design itself.
There is also a particular joy in knowing it cannot be rushed. No deadline, no urgency. Just the slow, savoured progress of something made by hand.
And the greatest joy of all is imagining the others out there, sitting each evening just like me, in a quiet and unknown community, watching their own masterpiece come slowly alive.
If you would like to join them, both of my kits are available at Bothy Threads.
If the Heritage Bloom design caught your eye, you can explore the full pattern and its story here.
Browse my full collection of botanical prints and cards in the shop.
Find Your Calm With Sprigs And Stories
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