Guest Post: Discovering the Charm of Poppy Treffry's Handmade Creations

Today, we are thrilled to feature a special guest post from Poppy Treffry, the creative force behind some of the most charming handmade products you'll find in sunny Cornwall.

Poppy's products are all about discovering something unique and beautifully made, perfect for gifting or treating yourself. Her quirky creations come directly from her delightful sketches of everyday life in Cornwall. Since founding her company in 2004, Poppy has built a wonderful team of talented ladies from across Cornwall who cut, sew, package, and sell each of her delightful designs.

With the help of her trusty 1930s Singer sewing machine, Poppy brings her whimsical drawings to life, transforming them into bags, tea towels, purses, tea cosies, and much more. Each piece is a testament to the beauty and creativity that Cornwall inspires.

Read on to learn more about Poppy's journey and the magic behind her handmade treasures.

Let's Journey into Textile Design with Poppy Treffry

Can you share your journey into the world of textile design? What initially inspired you to pursue this career?

I always thought I would be a painter, and after A-levels, I went on to do a foundation in art and design, where I discovered textiles. I loved that you could create purely for colour and beauty rather than having a concept behind the work. I also liked the idea of creating things that were useful.

How would you describe your design philosophy? What elements do you believe are essential in creating a memorable textile design?

I try to always find my inspiration outside of design. I sketch the world around me, visit museums, and always strive to come up with original ideas rather than follow trends or look to other designs for inspiration. A memorable design, for me, must make you smile. It needs uplifting colours and should be instantly recognisable as one of my designs.

Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you go from a concept to a finished textile piece?

I usually create a long list of products for a new season and then hone it down during the development stage. This includes additions to the current range, new fabric designs, and new embroidered motifs. I start with drawing, either from photos, from life, or from my imagination. I’ll sketch out the design and then create it in stitch. If it’s a print design, the stitching will be scanned into the computer and worked into two or three colours for screens. If it’s an embroidered motif, I’ll create templates for my cutter and videos for my stitchers to follow so they can recreate it.

What are your main sources of inspiration for your designs? Are there particular places, people, or things that consistently inspire your work?

I’m always going back to my sketchbooks. I have sketches from years ago that I revisit for certain designs. I often return to seaside and swimming themes, and birds and flowers frequently feature in my work.

What are some of the biggest industry challenges you’ve faced as a textile designer, and how have you overcome them?

It’s always a challenge to keep my products affordable, given that they’re handmade in the UK with materials sourced from UK suppliers. However, I’ve found our customers really understand the work that goes into making our products.

How do you approach sustainability in your designs and production processes? What steps do you take to ensure your work is environmentally friendly?

We have been gradually moving over to organic cotton. All our tea towels are now printed on organic, unbleached cotton, as are our printed fabrics. We also recycle most of the waste we produce in the studio and have been plastic-free for a few years now, except for plastic that we’re reusing.

You’re known for your distinctive, whimsical designs. How did you develop your signature style, and how do you keep it evolving?

I think my style can’t help but evolve because I’d be bored if I was still doing the same thing. As I’ve developed my embroidery skills over the years, my designs have become more complex with more colour, especially my tea towel designs, which are my favourite products to design. People have always said that they can spot my products as they stand out, and I think it’s because I don’t try to mimic other designers and strive to be original. Although that can sometimes mean I create a design that no one buys!

Can you share any upcoming projects or goals you have for your brand? What can we look forward to seeing from Poppy Treffry in the near future?

Right now, I’m working on Christmas designs and my next embroidery club, which is a six-week online course to make freehand embroidered gifts for Christmas.

How has technology impacted your design process and the textile industry as a whole? Are there any specific tools or innovations that you find particularly useful?

Computer technology and the internet have had the most impact on my business. We still make our products in the same way we did 20 years ago using sewing machines that are over 70 years old! Digital print has made a big difference, allowing us to create short-run repeat fabrics, and design software has helped to transform my embroidered designs into printed ones. There are now so many more ways to market our products, and it’s much easier to set up and run a website and use social media and newsletters to keep in touch with customers. This was all very much in its infancy when I started out.

And lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring textile designers who are just starting out in the industry?

Always make space to be creative, especially at the beginning. You’ll find that once things are up and running, you have tight deadlines and less time to play and explore to find your own style, so spending time on that is crucial. If you’re planning on setting up a designer-maker business where you make things and sell them, then getting your costings right is the other critical element.

Thank You, Poppy!

Thank you, Poppy, for giving us a wonderful insight into the world of textile design and the commercial constraints and hurdles that you navigate so gracefully. Your passion for creativity and dedication to quality craftsmanship truly shine through in every piece you create. 

If you're eager to explore the world of textile design, it's important to familiarise yourself with the essential equipment you'll need to get started. From sewing machines and fabric shears to cutting mats and measuring tools, having the right tools can make all the difference in bringing your creative visions to life.

A good quality sewing machine is the cornerstone of any textile design venture. Whether you choose a modern model with advanced features or a vintage machine with classic charm, your sewing machine will be your most valuable ally. Alongside this, investing in high-quality fabric shears like these Fiskar's Shears, ensures clean and precise cuts, which are crucial for creating professional-looking pieces.

Cutting mats and rotary cutters are also indispensable, allowing you to cut fabric smoothly and accurately. Measuring tools, such as rulers, tape measures, and seam gauges, help ensure your designs are perfectly proportioned. Don't forget about pins, needles, and thread – these small items are essential for holding your projects together as you work on them.

By equipping yourself with these fundamental tools, you'll be well-prepared to dive into textile design. Explore our haberdashery collection to find everything you need to get started on your creative journey.

We look forward to seeing more of Poppy Treffry's beautiful work in the future.