Liberty Lovers Spotlight: Tracy in Tresco!

Meet Tracy, a passionate sewist with a love for vibrant colours. With a background in fashion and textiles, she has worked as a pattern cutter for well-known fashion brands and now teaches at local sewing shops & at Festival of Quilts. From clothing to quilts, Tracy inspires others in the sewing community through her colourful creations and sewing tips.

Tracy recently visited the breathtaking Tresco Island. Famous for its stunning Abbey Gardens, this magical place inspired the Liberty Tresco fabric, painted by Liberty designers right in the heart of the island’s beauty. Tracy’s visit brought the fabric to life, and we’re thrilled to share her experience with you!

Dress pattern: Hattie and Ellis by Merchant and Mills

“The island was a bit windy when we arrived by boat from St. Mary’s, but the sun was shining. It’s only about 2.5 miles long and a mile wide, part of the Isles of Scilly, located about 28 miles from Land’s End. It’s lucky to enjoy mild weather all year round.”

“We noticed right away that there were hardly any cars—golf buggies and bikes are the main forms of transport. We stopped at the island’s only pub for fish finger and crab sandwiches, washed down with a glass of local Tresco gin.”

“We then made our way to Tresco Abbey Gardens, passing pine trees, ferns, and even the helicopter landing pad—another way to reach the island. The gardens are home to an incredible variety of plants from New Zealand, South Africa, and Brazil, to name a few. They were created by Augustus Smith in the 19th century and are still thriving. We saw exotic plants, succulents, and trees, many of which I couldn’t name!”

“Once inside the gardens, the wind dropped, the sun shone, and it felt so warm and peaceful. Visiting in early September, I wasn’t sure how much colour would still be on display, but we were not disappointed. The gardens were bursting with vibrant hues, and I imagine different flowers bloom throughout the year. I can see why Liberty’s design team found inspiration here—it must have been a joy to sit and paint amidst the beauty. The towering trees and colourful shrubs were breathtaking. Despite the gardens being busy, we had plenty of space to admire the butterflies, bees, and vibrant flora.”

“I wore one of my Tresco dresses, and the bumblebees seemed to love it as much as I do, landing on me as we walked. It was wonderful to spot flowers in the garden that matched the prints in my dress. Sally Kelly did a fantastic job capturing the essence of the island.”

“The gift shop was full of lovely items, including plants for sale and lots of Alice Caroline products in different colourways. The staff recognised my dress print right away and were eager to ask about it. Now, whenever I wear one of my Tresco dresses, I’ll fondly remember the beautiful gardens and island. I’d love to return for a longer stay next time.”