May 11, 2026

Creative of the Month: Sue-ann Tilby

Introduce yourself to our community

My name is Sue-Ann, and I live in the hills of Perth. I love being surrounded by nature. I’m a mum to three children: two young adults and one teenager. I’m also a wife and business owner.

We lead a very busy life, but I balance it out by filling my cup with creativity and spending time with friends.

Local Inspirtation

One of my favourite places to take friends is Aspects of Kings Park. It is full of wonderful artists work and so much inspiration, followed by a walk through Kings Park and the beautiful flora we have is so delightful.

For some shopping we would then head to Calico & Ivy, it’s a beautiful fabric and yarn store with so many scrumptious things and The Stitchers Corner for all our thread needs. On the first Saturday of the month we would explore the Kalamunda Artisan Market, another great spot for creative goodness, with a sweet antique store near by. The Art Gallery of WA is always a great place to visit also.

So many great places to eat, for a more relaxed county vibe, Core Cider House Pickering Brook and Naked Apple Cider Roleystone.

For an evening out I love to go to Nobu at Crown, or Hunter & Barrel in the city. I could list many many more!

Your Craft

Your sewing specialties

My sewing has evolved over the years, from an avid machine sewer of quilts to now a more mindful practice of hand appliqué with machine piecing. I also love to make bags, project pouches, and pin cushions are fun for a quick make. I am not one category sewist and just love to explore any and every kind of thing I can make.

I do dabble in garment sewing occasionally also. A few years ago I discovered embroidery with Clever Poppy. She taught me fantastic embroidery skills and I’ve since moved on to explore many more artists and different types of embroidery. A few of my favourites are Nicki Franklyn, Fleur Woods and Tomomi Mimura.

But there are so so many, I’m in awe of their talents and there’s just not enough time to stitch all the things I want to stitch.

Hand stitching, in all forms, is most definitely my most favourite method of creativity ‘at the moment’.

Favourite recipe to share

Cooking is another way I love to express my creativity, and also feeding people is a way I express my love for them. I’m always trying new recipes and this year I discovered Zoe Bakes.

Two of her recipes I can highly recommend are her Morning Cookies and her Carrot Cake. TO DIE FOR!

Favourite sewing pattern

This is a tough one, I have so many favourites. But one pattern does stand out and it is the Booklet Pouch by Angela Hoey. I do love to make useful things and this pattern is fabulous.

I’ve made the large version for storing threads and the smaller version to store needles. I have planned to make another very soon.

Current Projects

Works in progress

I have many projects on the go at the moment. Fleurs Garden by Judy Newman, The Agnes Quilt by Judy Newman, The Herbarium by Nicki Franklin, Le Triangle Shawl by Labien Aimee, just to name a few.