About

Hi, I’m Tayli, the maker behind Tay Hillyard Handmade.

I have been sewing for as long as I can remember, and I started making T-shirt quilts when I was just 14 years old. From a young age, I was drawn to creative projects and loved finding ways to make something new out of something old. One of my favorite early projects was making Capri Sun bags with old belts for handles, which says a lot about the kind of maker I have always been.

Over the years, sewing became more than just a hobby. It became a way for me to combine creativity, care, and my passion for sustainability. I care deeply about up-cycling, reducing textile waste, and giving materials a second life. That is a big part of why I love using thrifted, second-hand, and dead-stock fabrics whenever I can. I see so much value in fabrics and textiles that still have plenty of life left in them.

I have also spent many years sewing for the nonprofit Days for Girls, where fabric is turned into reusable menstrual products. Their work helps give girls back days of their lives while menstruating and helps combat period poverty around the world. Being part of that mission has shaped the way I think about sewing, not just as a craft, but as something practical, meaningful, and deeply connected to people’s lives.

Today, I especially love making T-shirt quilts because they turn meaningful clothing into something lasting and useful. Instead of sitting in storage bins or ending up in the landfill, those shirts get to become something that can be used, displayed, hugged, and passed down. There is something really special about taking items tied to memories and turning them into a quilt that tells a story.

Nothing makes me happier than handing a finished memory quilt to a client and seeing their reaction. That moment of awe, emotion, and connection is why I do this. I love knowing that the items people treasure can continue to be enjoyed in a new way for years to come.

Every piece I make is handmade by me with care, creativity, and a love for giving old materials new life.