Meet Eleanor Tillmans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eleanor Tillmans.

Eleanor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I taught myself to knit and crochet while in college.

I began collecting vintage hat blocks and made hats for fun when my kids were school-age.

Later, I learned to spin and had a couple angora rabbits.

When my kids left home, I filled the empty nest with my first fiber animal: Alpaca.

I soon added angora goats and later Southdown sheep to round out the fiber farm.

I process the fiber to create one-of-a-kind wearable art.

It begins with proper care for the animals and ends long after we shear the animals in the Spring.

I clean the fiber for use in felted items or spin to create yarn for woven and knit items.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We moved from Texas to Minnesota in 2022.

We bought our home sight unseen and knew we would have to work to prepare it for the animals.

I also left behind my brick and mortar shop and loyal customers in Texas.

I was worried about how the animals would fare during the cold Minnesota winters.

I found that we relied on each other to get us through.

I used the incredibly warm fleece to stay warm and they relied on me to keep the water from freezing.

Additionally, I worried that our remote area would impede my business, but I found the opposite to be true.

I had to change my focus to attend local shows and get my name out there.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I call myself an intuitive fiber Artist.

I find that I get the most joy from creating when I can let the fiber lead the way.

The process of felting can be challenging and I don’t fight it. If the fabric tears or doesn’t lay like I intended. I consider that an opportunity to see what the hat needs. Maybe it’s a bird nest or a giant flower.

When spinning my yarn, I usually have an idea in mind. That helps me determine the weight and feel of the yarn. Sometimes bulky and bold and other times lacy and soft.

This gives me real control of the end product.

I create my own patterns and adjust for the weight of the yarn that comes off the spindle.

I’m proudest of a cowl pattern that I give away freely on my website. It is a tribute to my Grandmother. I designed en route across Texas to her 100 birthday.

My wizard hats are best sellers and I enjoy making them.

What does success mean to you?
Making something that is so wholly mine and made from my efforts is really exciting.

I’m a bit of an old soul. I love the old ways of doing things.

The connection between my herd and my art comes to life when I see a customer wear my art.

That is success.

Contact Info:

• Website: Woollybobbin.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/eotw_alpaca/
• Facebook: Facebook.com/sweetdeviation