Book Reviews ·

Tilly and the Buttons in Conversation with Lauren


There’s something really special about bringing people together in person, and our recent book launch event with Tilly Walnes felt like a perfect reminder of just how lovely our sewing community is.

We welcomed Tilly to the Guthrie & Ghani studio to celebrate the release of her brand new book Learn to Sew, and spent a relaxed, chatty afternoon in conversation, surrounded by a room full of like-minded makers. It was one of those events that felt warm, inspiring and full of shared enthusiasm for sewing, exactly the kind of atmosphere we love to create here.

If you couldn’t make it along, you can watch the full Q&A here:

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More Than Just Sewing

One of the things that really came through during the Q&A was how sewing is about so much more than just sitting down at your machine.

We chatted about the wider joy of the hobby, the excitement of planning your next project, the ritual of browsing fabrics (we all know that feeling!), and the simple pleasure of talking to others who just get it. Sewing can be wonderfully social, even when it’s a solo activity, and events like this really bring that to life.

It was so lovely to hear from people in the audience too, with thoughtful questions about everything from pattern design and creative business journeys to favourite makes and tricky techniques. There was a real sense of shared experience in the room, from beginners just starting out, to more experienced dressmakers looking to build their skills further.

In Conversation with Tilly

Chatting with Tilly felt like a proper catch-up between friends, which, in many ways, it was! We first met on the very first series of The Great British Sewing Bee, so it’s been amazing to see how her journey has evolved since then, from learning to sew to building the much-loved Tilly and the Buttons brand.

We talked about the inspiration behind Learn to Sew, her approach to making sewing feel accessible, and what goes into creating patterns that people come back to time and time again. And of course, we couldn’t resist sharing a few behind-the-scenes Sewing Bee stories along the way!

About the Book

Tilly’s new book, Learn to Sew, is a brilliant resource for anyone looking to start their dressmaking journey or build confidence with their skills.

With clear, step-by-step instructions, helpful photos and Tilly’s signature friendly style, it covers everything from using a sewing machine and choosing fabrics, through to constructing garments and finishing techniques. It’s the kind of book you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again as your skills grow.

  • Signed copy!
  • Last Few!
Book cover of 'Learn to Sew' by Tilly Walnes with sewing tools on a yellow background
Tilly And The Buttons Learn To Sew *Signed Copy*
£17.99

A Space to Come Together

Events like this are such a joy to host in our studio. Creating a space where people can come together, learn something new, feel inspired and connect with others is a huge part of what Guthrie & Ghani is all about.

Our studio is designed to feel welcoming, relaxed and creative, the perfect setting for conversations like this, whether it’s a book launch, a workshop, or simply a shared love of sewing bringing people into the same room.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us and made this sell out event such a joy 💛

We feel incredibly lucky to be able to host events like this and to have such a warm, supportive community around us who make them what they are. And of course, we’d love to do more.

A huge thank you to Tilly for coming to spend the afternoon with us and for sharing so generously, it was such a joy to celebrate Learn to Sew together 💛

Lauren