We’re delighted to welcome Millie Rothera to Chirpy in September to run her Lampshade Workshop. We’re also stocking her gorgeous textiles in Chirpy too, including tea towels and pouches

Here’s a little interview we did with Millie to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and what you do?

I’m Millie, a print designer working from my studio in Leeds whilst also working for the Gallery and Arts Program at Sunny Bank Mills. I’ve been running my business since graduating from Uni in 2019, developing my patterns through screen printing, mark making and digital designing, all to be digitally printed onto fabric and sewn into products.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

During my time at Leeds College of Art I developed a love for pattern and screen printing, and later applied to the Surface Pattern course at the university. During my three years of Uni and extended Creative Residency, I pretty much lived in the print workshop. I developed my bright and bold colour schemes through mixing colours by hand and used play and modernist architecture as inspiration.

What’s the best thing about running workshops?

I loved the studio comradery and skill sharing element of Uni, and I was keen to be within a creative space with like minded people when lockdown ended. I find teaching creative workshops really rewarding as you see peoples confidence grow within the session and you learn new things from the participants too. All the workshops I run are suitable for beginners and I always stress on the fact that you don’t need any great drawing ability to get involved and create something beautiful.

 What’s the favourite thing you’ve designed / created / made?

After attending a beginners quilting workshop to create a small 30cm square quilt, my next logical project was to create a double bed spread quilt! Being new to quilting, the quilt was very improvised, a bit wonky but I love the mix of texture and colour. To make the quilt extra special I hand sewed all the binding around the edge over a number of evenings so I became quite connected to the quilt.

Is there a craft you’d like to try which you never have?

 I have just started to learn cross stitching. My Gran was a keen cross stitcher, designing very intricate motifs and scenes, often completing a piece as a memento to a life event. I wanted something to work on whilst I was sat watching telly on an evening instead of scrolling. Cross stitching seemed like the perfect fit because of the family link.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to try something new?

Just have a go. As adults I think we find it embarrassing to be bad at things even if we have never tried them before. Get yourself some cheap supplies to get yourself started, attend a workshop or buy a kit so you are learning the basics from an expert, and then develop from there.

You can book on Millie Lampshade Workshop on 24th September HERE