There’s something special about making useful things that will give pleasure everyday.
Hello! I’m Julia Batley and I started Teazle Handmade in 2011 making accessories from leather and Liberty fabrics.
I often get asked why I’m called Teazle handmade?
I’m based near Huddersfield in the heart of the historic textile district. I can see a former textile mill out of my window as I work, as well as teazles growing nearby. Teazles were used in the past to card wool, they were so widely used that there were teazle auctions in local pubs.
I live just a couple of minutes from the Colne Valley Museum - a row of former weavers cottages celebrating the heritage of the area. That heritage is something that is shared by Liberty fabrics and the wools and linens that I work with too, a sense of timelessness and quality, which I hope Teazle products represent.
I’ve lived in West Yorkshire for over 20 years and raised my family here. I love living here, the textile and industrial heritage mixed with great countryside and access to culture makes it pretty perfect for me. The people are great too, and I feel a real part of the community
I’m currently studying part time for a Foundation Degree in Textiles Practice at Bradford College of Art and am really enjoying exploring lots of new textiles avenues including embroidery, natural dyeing, weaving among other things - who knows where this might lead!
I’m happiest in my studio surrounded by gorgeous Liberty fabrics, locally woven wools and soft colourful leathers, and you’ll usually find me there listening to Radio 6 as I work.
The heart of what I do is making accessories to make you smile. I want them to be practical but by using high quality tactile materials I hope they bring a touch of luxury to everyday living. Simple pleasures are important!
“I love Julia’s work. I’ve bought several items for myself and as gifts. They’ve all been well received & greatly admired. Lovely lady, lovely things.”
Abigail Waller - Customer