We catch up with winner of The Great British Sewing Bee Series 11 'Caz Sews' to ask a few questions about how she fell in love with making and her journey after becoming queen of the sewing machine.

 

1. What's the first thing you do when you sit down at your sewing machine?

I don’t think it’s ever the same. Not long ago, though, I was winding a bobbin and threading the machine, and I remember thinking, this is the best feeling? It’s that exciting moment at the start, when you are about to have a new adventure in with your sewing machine

2. Are you a morning sewist, an evening maker, or do you stitch whenever you can find a spare moment?

That's a good question! When I worked full-time, I'd squeeze in 10 minutes before work and maybe half an hour afterwards. Now, I tend to sew in bursts over a couple of days, although I'm very easily distracted. I rarely sew in the evenings unless I'm up against a deadline—and those deadlines are usually ones I've set for myself! 😄

3. What project is currently taking shape under your needle?

I really should finish the knickers I've started—they're birthday gifts for some friends, and I feel as though the pieces have been sitting cut out for a very long time! Once those are done, I might make my husband a shirt. I love the precision involved in shirtmaking; there's something very satisfying about getting all the details just right.

4. What's your favourite part of the sewing process – from choosing fabric to adding the final finishing touches?

My favourite part of sewing is all of it—I even enjoy putting PDF patterns together! My least favourite part is probably cutting out, mainly because I do most of it on the floor.

I also like to mix up the type of sewing I'm doing. When I'm making something from fabric scraps or old clothes, it can take a while for the project to come together. After finishing a project like that, I enjoy what I call a "palate cleanser," which usually means sewing something more straightforward where I can simply follow the pattern and enjoy the process without having to make quite so many decisions.

 

5. What is your favourite fabric to work with – and which one do you try to avoid?

I love working with natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and denim. I tend to avoid viscose. I know it drapes beautifully and can make lovely garments, but I just don't get the same satisfaction from sewing with it. There's something about natural fibres that I really enjoy working with, both during the sewing process and in the finished garment.

6. Tell us about a sewing project that you're particularly proud of and why it means so much to you.

The quilted jacket I just made means the most to me. It's made from the fabric scraps I've saved over the last five years, so each piece of fabric holds a personal memory. In a way, it's a wearable record of my sewing journey. What's especially lovely is that many of my friends can see the fabrics I used to make their gifts, which makes it feel even more meaningful.

7. If you were stranded on a desert island (with a sewing machine, obvs!), what essential tool would you have to bring with you?

Let’s be honest: I have to choose an unpicker, because it’s probably my most-used sewing tool (don’t judge me, lol)! My other favourites include my Prym loop turner set, my Sohmo scissors and my collar turner. Is that too many things?"

8. When you're sewing, what keeps you company – music, podcasts, audiobooks, silence, or perhaps a cup of tea?

I usually have the radio on in the morning, and by about three o’clock, I think it’s perfectly reasonable to binge-watch terrible TV programmes, they are more background noise. Recently, I’ve really been enjoying Gemma’s podcast, The Sewing Social Podcast.

9. What sewing lesson, tip, or technique has had the biggest impact on your making journey?

Honestly, I think the @SewOver50 community has had the biggest influence on me because there are so many amazing sewists sharing tips every day. It’s such a fabulous, inclusive environment.

10. Looking ahead, what pattern, fabric, or sewing goal are you most excited about tackling next?

I have some faux fur fabric waiting to become a coat for my daughter. I’m equally terrified and excited about it, so I’m not rushing!