Creative of the Month: Tiarne Todd

Tell us a little about yourself...

My real name is Tiarne! I’ve lived in Brisbane for around 10 years, originally from the Gold Coast.

I’m actually a musician/songwriter with a bachelor of music under my belt and work in the industry as a publicist, I’m very lucky to say that I love what I do!

How did your sewing journey begin?

I think like a lot of us millennial/gen z’ers (1996 cusp!), I picked up sewing in July 2020 during the pandemic.

I think with the world slowing down for a second it allowed me to explore other avenues of creativity outside of music. 

I actually did sew in year 10 for a term and failed miserably! I don’t think I had the brain capacity to figure out all the technical elements back then.

I’ve also always admired my Nanny Todd’s incredible quilting skills.

Do you remember the first thing you ever sewed?

The first thing I ever sewed (successfully) was a floral zip pouch.

Pretty brave of me to attempt zippers that early on, but I think I learn best throwing myself in the deep in.

What inspires your work?

My Nanny Todd. She’s an amazingly talented quilter.

She adores country style themes with houses, chickens, cows and earthy tone colours which are so wholesome and always remind me of her whenever I come across this fabrics. 

She also shares a lot of her scraps with me! She lives in Victoria so I’ll often have a lovely parcel at the door with scraps from her recent quilt.

I personally adore all gingham fabrics and have an unhealthy obsession with collecting Winnie the Pooh fabric.

I am a star sign girly and being the homemaker Cancer I am, I adore how sewing is a legacy skill that can be shared amongst family and family to come. 

What kind of sewing do you love most?

I love quilting. The freedom to create anything you want is what makes my heart sing!

I’d love to get into garments, but I do struggle to follow patterns, sometimes I just want to go crazy and all out there!

I also love making anything that is practical like pouches, tote bags, placemats, anything homemaker-y! 

What project are you most proud of and why?

I’d say I’m the most proud of my sewing machine cover. It was one of the first very practical projects I set out to make.

It’s also the first time I managed to nail my mitred corners, woo! I was also very excited about my recent ironing board cover and really enjoy making bunting.

I recently made my Nanny Todd a quilted table runner using some of my favourite Winnie the Pooh fabric and she said it was the first time anyone ever handmade her something.

She has it on display for all of her quilt friends to see in her living room! So so special.

Any sewing fails or funny moments you’ve had along the way?

Oh my gosh, where do I begin!?

I have an awful habit of accidentally skipping steps when I’m excited, then all of a sudden I’ll turn something inside out and realise one of the inside fabrics is on the outside.

Or the usual patchwork with one of the designs upside down while the others are the right side up.

In the past, I would embrace the chaos and just keep on with the project.

Nowadays, I am fixing every mistake I make to try and really gain those problem solving skills.

What’s your go-to sewing tip, favourite tool, or fabric you love to work with?

Rotary cutter and cutting mat. Hands down. 

When I first started I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with tools so as most people do, I started with scissors. But since learning how to use a rotary cutter properly.

I don’t know what I ever did without them. Also ironing seams!

Who or what are your creative influences?

I keep mentioning her I know, but truly my Nanny Todd!

I also adore the lovely ladies from The Sewing Studio, they’ve helped me learn so many life-long sewing skills.

Their tutorials are so fun, easy to follow and wholesome. 

Are you working on anything exciting at the moment?

Well - I’m in mega procrastination mode trying to finish a quilt for my partner.

He’s a musician too but also loves gaming, so earlier this year I started making him a Super Mario quilt.

Is it complete yet? Not even close!

What advice would you offer someone just starting their sewing journey?

Don’t aim for perfection! I know people say comparison is the thief of joy, but I truly think perfectionism is.

Let yourself make all the mistakes and learn from every single one so when the time comes and you need to try and make a professional looking project, you know all the right steps to take and things to avoid. 

Would you be happy to share a favourite recipe with our readers?

Oh I absolutely love baking. Another skill I’ve been inspired by from my Nanny Todd.

Call me basic, but you can’t go wrong with homemade scones, 3 cups of self-raising flour, 80g butter chilled and 1 to 1/4 cups milk...

...with all the usual scone techniques followed by 20 minutes in the oven at 200c and you’re good to go! 

Explore the creative universe of Tiarne Todd on Instagram: @textiletoddy