A Season of Slow: Life, Weaving & Letting Go of Deadlines

Hi gang,

Wow… It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

Honestly, how is it already mid-May? Five months into the year, and summer’s peeking around the corner like, “Hey, you ready?” (Absolutely not… but here we are!)

So I thought I’d pop on and give you a little life update, some behind-the-scenes bits from Shiv Textiles and, let’s be real, the general rollercoaster that is running a small business (and trying to keep your sanity in the process).

Recently exploring Art Galleries in Amman

Let’s rewind a bit…

I’ve been a little quiet online recently, and that’s mostly because well life. We’ve been knee-deep in the chaos of trying to buy our first home (and wow, I now fully understand why people say it’s one of the most stressful things ever). Throw in a few doctor appointments that nudged me to slow down and take my health more seriously, and it’s been… a lot.

Oh and I just got back from Jordan for one of the most magical weddings ever. One of my closest friends got married and it was STUNNING. Think dancing in the desert, floating in the Dead Sea, exploring Petra, and eating so much good food. I came back glowing with inspiration and also with the flu. So it’s been a slow recovery, ha!

Big realisation moment…

All of this home buying, slowing down, weddings, and the flu have really made me think about what I want from Shiv Textiles and for myself. Since day one, I’ve poured my everything into this business. Markets, late nights, weekends spent packing orders instead of catching up with friends. And while I love what I do, somewhere along the way, I forgot why I started this in the first place.

It wasn’t just about making beautiful things or even promoting sustainability (though that’s a huge part of it). It was about freedom being my own boss, calling the shots, and being in control of my time. Because time is so precious, right?

This past Christmas, I did something wild (well, wild for a small biz owner in December): I took a proper break. My husband and I jetted off to New Zealand for our honeymoon for nearly a whole month. During peak retail season! I hired someone to pack orders while I was gone (a big deal when you’re a one-woman show with studio rent to pay). Sales dipped, yes… but the memories? So worth it.

Postcard from New Zealand: Milford Sound

Here’s what’s been happening back at Shiv HQ…

New cushions, coming soon!

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be diving into my sewing basket (finally!) and releasing a bunch of new cushions and purses on the website and Etsy shop.

The old me would have set a firm launch date, shouted about it all over Instagram, and then worked myself into the ground trying to hit that deadline. But I’m learning. (Growing up? Learning from mistakes? Bit of both?) So instead, I’m taking it slow, keeping it joyful, and making sure you my lovely subscribers, get first dibs and an exclusive discount code when the new goodies go live! So sign up if you haven’t already done so!

Like these beauties here… I’m obsessed with this lilac + orange combo, but I only managed to weave a tiny batch because I ran out of that perfect shade of orange. I’ve also been playing with some fancy new fringing for the cushions (can’t show you yet, but they look SO good!).

A little personal life update…

After renting since I was 19 (I’m 32 now!), Max and I are finally buying our first home. We made an offer in January, got excited, then had to pull out after uncovering some scary building issues. Cue two months of stress and house-hunting… but we’ve finally found the one and we’re this close to exchanging. Our solicitor called today and said we’re nearly there. Eek!

I used to freelance for an interiors company, so I’m buzzing to finally put all that knowledge to use. I’ve already made a colour-coded spreadsheet with tabs for paint colours, timescales, quotes, mood boards, you name it. And yes, I love a good DIY project.

I’ll be sharing more of our home journey soon. Expect paint samples, design ideas, a few tantrums, and plenty of Shiv Textiles scattered around our new place.

Got any reno or DIY tips? Send them my way!

Dreaming of having a blue ceiling!

May = Artist Open House magic

Every May, I dream of hosting my own Artist Open House, but my little flat just isn’t quite right, and my studio? That’s my sacred creative space for now, I’m keeping it just for me.

So I’m beyond grateful to be showing my work once again at the beautiful home of @throwtofire and @hygge_aoh Bex & Stan’s dreamy Scandi-style house full of ceramics, cake, and cosy vibes.

I’m exhibiting alongside some incredible makers, think homewares, lighting, furniture, and of course, my textiles.

If you’re in Brighton or fancy a weekend by the sea, come say hi! We’re venue 2 on the Fiveways trail, and I’ll be there this Saturday, 12–5pm, with some cake and a big smile.

Oh, and… I was on TV!

Filming last summer, the weekend before my wedding!

Yep, that happened. Shiv Textiles was featured on the BBC’s Make It at Market and honestly? I was terrified. Watching yourself on national telly is a wild experience. The overthinking was real.

But I had my husband and friends with me, we watched it together and then celebrated with pints at the local. I’m still pinching myself.

The response has been incredible, thank you so much for every order, email, like, message, and bit of encouragement. It means the absolute world. I’m all caught up now and the peace and quiet after that flurry is sooo welcome.

Side note: I had a small panic about running out of deadstock yarn, but thankfully one of my British mill suppliers came through! Sadly, the supplier who made my packaging went into liquidation (ahh, small biz problems), but after many hours of searching, I found a new UK-based supplier. Independent, great to work with, and everything’s now back on track.

And for those of you overseas, my episode is now live on BritBox in the USA, New Zealand and Australia! If you watch it, let me know what you think!

Watch here!

Workshops + weaving joy

My weaving workshops have been such a joy lately, so much creativity and colour flying around! June’s workshop is the last one before I take a break over summer, so if you want in, book your spot soon.

I don’t host workshops in July or August (hello, sunshine and sofa time), but I’ll be sharing autumn/winter dates in the next couple of months once I’ve booked in my craft markets.

Book your place here!

That Jordan trip though…

Back to Jordan for a second, it truly stole my heart. Ten days of magic with my husband and best friends from around the world. From the red sands of Wadi Rum to the streets of Amman, I came back inspired, full of hummus, and ready to weave something beautiful.

I saw the most incredible textiles and it sparked something in me. I don’t even know what I’m making yet, but I’m weaving just for the joy of it—and that feels so good.

So what’s next?

Hoping for a summer with long sunset walks on the beach of Brighton!

Summer tends to be quieter for me, and every year I panic like, “Why is nothing happening?” But this year, I’m choosing to enjoy the slow. To weave because it calms my mind. To spend time with friends. To sit in the sunshine with a cup of tea and a book and not feel guilty. To DIY my new home (fingers crossed!) and give my studio some much-needed love.

And a long weekend in Wales with my husband and our two best friends! I've already made a day-to-day itinerary!

And just before I go…

So far this year, Shiv Textiles has saved 142kg of textile waste from landfill!

That’s fabric, yarn, selvedge, and a whole lot of beautiful potential given a second life.

Thanks for sticking with me through it all, the highs, the quiet moments, and the messy middle bits, too. You’re the best.

Big hugs,

Siobhan x