All posts by Janis

Every name carries a story, and The Thredyl is no exception.

When I began writing The Hidden Village of Mills Beary, I thought I was crafting just one tale. But the story kept growing, and soon I realized I was building a world, a hidden village in rural England where the SnipPets and Duffels Bear, their Guardian, live.

It’s a place I’ve walked in my dreams for many years, a place stitched together from both imagination and love.

From the start, I knew what the SnipPets would look like. They were never meant to be perfect. They had mismatched eyes, quirky smiles, and were made from scraps of fabric that might have otherwise been thrown away. Yet that was the point. Their worth wasn’t in looking the same as everyone else, it was in what they carried inside. They were stitched on an old treadle machine by Duffels Bear, and each scrap was bound with magical silver thread spun by the silk worms. Every SnipPets bore a curly-cue nose, a symbol of the magic within them.

That curly-cue began to appear throughout the village and the mill. It became a symbol of truth and belonging. And it taught me something: we don’t have to be perfect to have a place in the world. It’s what’s in our hearts that truly matters.

The name itself came when I blended two words, Thread (the silver thread of magic that binds scraps into something whole) and Treadle (the old sewing machine that stitched them together). Out of these came a single word: The Thredyl.

For me, The Thredyl is more than a symbol. It is a reminder that scraps can become something beautiful, differences can become strengths, and every story has a place to belong. That’s why, when it came time to name this creative space, there was only one choice: The Thredyl Press.

Because just like in Mills Beary, this is a place where threads come together, imperfections shine, and something magical is created.

With warmth,
Janis / The Thredyl Press

Every story begins with a thread. For me, that thread has always been children’s books.

I’ve spent years surrounded by creativity, designing, sewing, writing, and imagining the world of Mills Beary. Along the way, I noticed something important: many writers and illustrators had beautiful stories, but they didn’t always know how to take the next step. Publishing felt overwhelming, community was hard to find, and pairing books with products (like plush) seemed out of reach.

That’s why I created The Thredyl Press.

This isn’t just a blog or a bookshelf, it’s a gathering place. A hub where creators can:

• Share their books and connect with readers.

• Offer and receive writing tips that make the journey easier.

• Explore ways to publish independently without feeling alone.

• Celebrate the joy of stories, imagination, and community.

At its heart, The Thredyl Press is about stitching voices together. Every contribution—whether it’s a book on the shelf, a tip shared, or even a newsletter like this one, adds to the fabric of a supportive, creative space.

I believe children’s stories matter. They shape imagination, kindness, and possibility. And when creators support each other, those stories reach more children who need them.

So, here we are—at the beginning of something new. I’m glad you’re here to be part of it.

With Kidness,
Janis / The Thredyl Press

Hello and welcome — I’m so glad you’re here.

The Thredyl Press is a creative space for storytellers, illustrators, and dreamers. Here you’ll find resources, writing tips, and opportunities to share your own work. More than that, I hope it feels like a place of encouragement, a community stitched together by creativity, kindness, and imagination.

Think of this as your cozy corner in the world of children’s books. Come back often, explore, and if you’d like, share a little of your own story with us.

With warmth,
Janis / The Thredyl Press

P.S. If you’d like to share a tip, a book, or an idea, I’d love to feature it. Just click on “Submit Your Work” in the sidebar.