The Great British Sewing Bee… and all the sewing books!

By Lília

With the Great British Sewing Bee airing its 12th edition on BBC One since July 14 and replaying it on BBC Two in the coming couple of months, we sewing enthusiasts are having a lot of fun. It’s a place where the sewers help each other, even if it’s mainly a competition. It’s a very nice program, makes you feel good and the ever present wish to spend more time behind the sewing machine.

As a dressmaker, I love watching the series. It brings me inspiration, and even more enthusiasm for this art form.

What if you like to watch it, but do not have the skills yet? Or your skills are rusty and you’re uncertain on how to start again? With the Sewing Bee, we’ve seen some competitors and a few winners getting the opportunity to write their own sewing books, start their own sewing business, and enjoy sewing even more. So why not celebrate them as well as watch the Bee on television, and at the same time get inspiration from their achievements?

And since our own business has to do with books, I’m listing those titles connected to the competition, even those who are out of print and only available second-hand.

Enjoy and get inspired!

From the contestants of the Bee:

After taking part on the first series, Lauren Guthrie decided to follow her passion for sewing and opened Guthrie and Ghani, where she sells fabric, haberdashery and offers different workshops. She published Learn to Sew With Lauren, at the moment only available as second-hand.

Tilly Walnes also changed careers and started her own sewing studio Tilly and the Buttons, launching patterns and publishing books. Up to now she has published 5 books: Love at First Stitch; Tilly and the Buttons: Stretch; Tilly and the Buttons: Make It Simple; Tilly and the Buttons: Mini Makes; and the newest Tilly and the Buttons: Learn to Sew.

Another one who changed careers is Stuart Hillard. He is now a known quilter, with appearances in many fairs in England and with 7 books under his belt, from quilting to making bags, and more: Sew Fabulous; Use Scraps, Sew Blocks, Make 100 Quilts; Simple Shapes, Stunning Quilts; Bags for Life; Quilts from the Country; Make 100 Bags; and Crochet Friends Forever.

Jennifer Taylor went full-time sewing professional and also published a book: Girl with a Sewing Machine.

Chinelo Bally learnt to sew with freehand style, always wanted to become a professional tailor, and, after the Bee, that’s exactly what she did. She published two books: FreeHand Fashion; and Sew Chinelo.

Matt Chappel didn’t change careers, but published Make It, Own It, Love It.

Juliet Uzor started her own website and sewing business, and published two books: You Will Be Able to Sew Your Own Clothes by the End of This Book; and The Modern Wardrobe.

Serena Baker continued with her medical career, still loves sewing and published Serena Sews.