77 GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE Have you always been a sewist? When did you begin? I began hand sewing as a child, making small toys. As a teenager, I started sewing clothes for myself and even for others. However, I pretty much stopped sewing after getting married and didn’t return to sewing again until lockdown when I started making face masks. At this point I became obsessed with improving my technique even though they were just masks. Shortly after this I found PDF patterns and started dressmaking again. I don’t remember being taught to sew, but my mum was an excellent sewer and was always there for advice. Has making clothes always been your passion or do you enjoy other crafts? I’ve always enjoyed the process of making and given an opportunity would try any craft. But I love sewing and yes making clothes is now my passion. For a newbie, how do they get started? You can either enrol in beginner sewing lessons or just have a go! There are many free YouTube videos to help you learn the basics. If you want to make clothes, I’d recommend using an independent pattern company and choosing one of their beginner-friendly patterns — these usually come with clear instructions and sometimes even a video tutorial. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — if something doesn’t turn out or fit properly, just think of it as part of the learning process. Sewing is a skill, and practice really does make you better. Celebrate the small wins along the way! Fabric can be expensive, so why not start with old curtains or bedding from a charity shop? You can also follow sewists on Instagram for tips and inspiration — and don’t be shy about asking for advice, the sewing community loves to share their knowledge. Most importantly, whatever you’re sewing, enjoy the process as much as the results. What tools and materials do you recommend? Any certain brands? Do you have a favourite local store? I definitely enjoy working with natural fibres, especially ones that are stable and easy to handle. Denim is something I keep coming back to — it’s so versatile and satisfying to sew with. I’d also recommend trying quilting cottons; they can be a little pricey, but the colours and patterns are fantastic. I really love Alexander Henry prints for shirts — they’re bold, bright, and just a lot of fun to wear! What does the next 12 months look like for you? I think it’s going to be an exciting year! I’ve already been invited to give several talks, including one for a group of women with cancer, and another for A-level textile design students - which I’m really looking forward to. Dan, Stuart, and I from The Bee are also hosting a social sewing event, which I’m thrilled about. Hopefully it goes well, as it would be lovely to do more events around the country. The three of us are very different, but we share a real passion for sewing. It would be fantastic to inspire more young people and more men to give sewing a try! ©Love Productions 2025 ©Love Productions 2025
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=