I am passionate about working with different textiles and manipulating these to create contemporary art. My creative journey began three decades ago with a strong background in quilting. Since then I spend my time finding creative ways to break the traditional rules. As a Fibre Artist I experiment with strange combinations of bright colours and different textures. I find studying and inventing new techniques to create my work deeply fulfilling.
Through experimenting, I discover and invent new techniques. I share this knowledge in my teaching practice with people everywhere to empower them with the confidence to use these skills when they create their own work. I love sharing my enthusiasm for fabric manipulation and I am passionate about working with students who want to learn how to create their own unique artworks by using my techniques.
With a background in domestic machine quilting and a number of prize winning quilts locally and internationally, I was the Bernina ambassador for quilting in South Africa from 2018 -2022. I have an innovative approach to quilting that I use to inspire students to make their very own masterpieces.
BE INSPIRED
ARTWORKS
Add a vibrant, original work to your collection.
COURSES
Easy to follow classes. Learn new techniques to incorporate in your work.
FREE MOTION QUILTING
Let's collaborate to elevate your quilt top into a masterpiece.
CREATE
"I so enjoy Tilly's quilting lessons. Tilly is incredibly talented and creative and she imparts her knowledge in a very generous and fun way. I have learned so much from her excellent lessons."
| Brenda Williams |
PORTFOLIO
AWARDS
2022 Highly Commended in Masters Art Category National Quilt Festival (Stellenbosch)
2020 First Brother International Quilt Competition 2019, Japan
2020 Outstanding Performance Award Brother International Quilt Competition 2019, Japan
2020 Inducted in the South African Quilters’ Hall of Fame
2019 First Brother 2019, South Africa
2019 Second Brother 2019, South Africa
2019 Best of Show in Masters Pictorial Category National Quilt Festival (Johannesburg)
2019 Viewer’s Choice in Masters Pictorial Category National Quilt Festival (Johannesburg)
2019 Second in Masters Art Category National Quilt Festival (Johannesburg)
2019 Best Use of Colour in Masters Wall Art Category National Quilt Festival (Johannesburg)
2018 Outstanding Performance Award Brother 2018 Japan
2018 First Brother 2018 SA
2017 Second in Abstract Art Category, National Quilt Festival (Port Elizabeth)
2015 First in Challenge, National Quilt Festival (KwaZulu Natal)
2013 Best of Show in Freestyle Category, National Quilt Festival (Bloemfontein)
2013 Best Machine-workmanship in Freestyle Category, National Quilt Festival (Bloemfontein)
2013 Viewers’ Choice, National Quilt Festival (Bloemfontein)
2008 Best Hand-workmanship in Traditional Category (Johannesburg)
2008 Viewers’ Choice, National Quilt Festival (Johannesburg)
2000 Best Hand-workmanship in Traditional Category. (Johannesburg)
2000 Viewers’ Choice, National Quilt Festival (Johannesburg)
EXHIBITION HISTORY
2023 Fibreworks Exhibition, CraftArt Gallery, Stellenbosch
2023 Abundance, Fynarts Gallery, Hermanus
2023 Fabric, Fibre and Threads Exhibition, Tina Skukan Art Gallery, Pretoria
2023 After Affair, The Art Room, Johannesburg
2023 Latitudes Art Fair, Johannesburg
2022 RK Contemporary Art Gallery, Riebeek Kasteel
2022 Kleinmond Harbour Art Gallery, Kleinmond
2022 National Quilt Festival, Stellenbosch
2022 Lagos Art Gallery, Nigeria
2022 KKNK Festival, Oudtshoorn
2022 Salon Collectibles, Art and About Gallery, RMB, Sandton
2021 The Power of One, The Art Room, Johannesburg
2021 Out of the Blue, GFI Art Gallery, PE & The Keiskamma Art Project
2021 Thread(ed) Exhibition, Pretoria Arts Association, Pretoria
2021 Connectivity, Johann van Heerden’s Art Gallery, Pretoria
2021 The Threads That Binds Us, The Viewing Room, Pretoria
2020 Fynarts Online Exhibition, Cape Town
2020 Taiwan International Quilt Exhibition, Taiwan
2020 Brother International Quilt Competition, Japan
2020 The Eclectic Edition, The Art Room, Johannesburg
2019 Joburg Fringe, The Art Room, Johannesburg
2019 Brother Quilt Competition Centurion, South Africa
2019 National Quilt Festival, Johannesburg
2018 Brother International Quilt Competition, Japan
2018 Brother Quilt Competition, Centurion, South Africa
2017 National Quilt Festival, Port Elizabeth
2017 World Quilt Competition
2017 Taiwan International Quilt Exhibition, Taiwan
2015 National Quilt Festival, KwaZulu Natal
2015 World Quilt Competition
2013 National Quilt Festival, Bloemfontein
2008 National Quilt Festival, Johannesburg
2008 World Quilt Competition
2000 National Quilt Festival, Johannesburg
EDUCATION
2014 South African Quilters’ Guild Teacher’s Accreditation
2013 Golden Rand Teacher’s Accreditation
1980 Higher Education Diploma
PUBLICATIONS
The Ultimate Guide to Art Quilting by Linda Seward, Sixth and Spring Books, New York
South African CRAFT Magazine, Issue 1, July 2020
Stitched Journeys with Birds: Inspiration to Let Your Creativity Take Flight by Martha Sielman, Schiffer Craft (August 28, 2013)
'Objects on life-support: items on pallets and bundles in cupboards' by Laura de Harde in Inherited Obsessions. L. de Harde (ed). ESI Press
Get in touch
Join my mailing list & share in my enthusiasm for fabric manipulation!
EMAIL | tillydeharde@gmail.com