MEET TEAM BUTTONS

Get to know Team Buttons - the gorgeous people behind the patterns, who work hard to bring our business dreams to life, helping you learn to sew your own clothes!
Director
Tilly Walnes

Tilly runs the company, overseeing strategy and creative direction. She is the author of three sewing books, Love at First StitchStretch! and Make It Simple, and writes and presents instructions for our patterns, workshops and blog. Tilly has been named 'Most Inspirational Sewing Personality' in the British Sewing Awards and appeared on the first series of BBC2’s The Great British Sewing Bee in 2013. She has been writing about sewing since 2010 and has nearly 20 years’ experience of designing courses and learning resources. She is a Clore Fellow, and previously worked for the Independent Cinema Office, British Film Institute and V&A.

She is a mum to two little boys who keep her very busy when she's not working. Oh and she’s addicted to stripes.

Product Manager
Nikki Hoar

Nikki joined us after working in legal publishing for 9 years in editorial and project coordination roles. Her day-to-day is spent coordinating the development and production of our sewing patterns, books and online workshops, from conception to launch.

In her spare time, she loves sewing (well, durrr) and is particularly fond of sewing coats, jackets and all the dresses. 

Operations Manager
Kate Hughes

Kate became a member of the team after previously working at Sipsmith Gin and the Green Party, where she honed her office management, HR and finance skills. She manages our London studio, looks after our lovely customers, organises our shows and does lots of other things behind the scenes to keep the team happy and the company running smoothly.

And when she's not doing that, Kate is at home sewing a pair of Safiya's or two (or eight!) in-between playing with her pet Chihuahuas Poppy and Teddy. 

Product Coordinator
Frances Buddery

Frances joined the team after interning at Tilly Towers in 2019 and is now responsible for coordinating the development and production of our sewing patterns, books and online workshops.

In her spare time, she loves getting stuck into a chunky sewing project (which may or may not be accompanied by a trashy reality TV show on in the background!)