#stuarthillard

[sunnysidefabricsuk]

Look at this cute little purse made from Kyoto fabrics by Elizabeth #kyoto #stuarthillard #craftcottonco #sunnysidefabricsuk #newfabric #iquilt #isew (at Sunnyside Fabrics UK) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMuATGcnPA3/?igshid=ioz39kbputse

[barnowlbothydornoch]

**** NEW MADE TO ORDER SERVICE ***** Perfect for summertime dressing, the featured summer sun dress is constructed from 100% cotton fabric by U.K. based Lewis & Irene , a name reputed for impeccable design and fabulous print quality. Keep your loved one cool and comfortable in this summer dress or add a vest top , stockings and cardigan to layer up. Illustrated - Size 3 year old. The chest is 24" and the length is 2 2" and that is a size 3 yr old the pattern is available in sizes 2 - 3 - 4 - and 6 yr old the size 6 will fit a 5 yr old as well. Handmade by Mrs Bumble - Dornoch. Other materials available - made to order ( from Liberty , Debbie Shore, Stuart Hilliard and Lewis & Irene - see photos). Made to order just select your required size and fabric choice from the drop downs. https://www.barnowlbothy.com/shop/#!/Woodland-Dress-****-MADE-TO-ORDER-****/p/131450997/category=33611783 #debbieshore #stuarthillard #lewisabdirene #lewis&irene #liberty #toddlersundress https://www.instagram.com/p/CA2PPkAgeDq/?igshid=uxml6990qlov

[sunnysidefabricsuk]

Makoti, a beautiful bride #africanfabrics #stuarthillard #craftcottonco #sunnysidefabricsuk #imakemyownclothes #fabricaddiction #fabric #quilting #sewsewsew (at Sunnyside Fabrics UK) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ycdwKH09T/?igshid=tf902fkpenv2

[sunnysidefabricsuk]

Look what’s on my cutting table 👀 #stuarthillard #craftcottonco #sunnysidefabricsuk #makoti #fabric #fabricaddict #sewing #quilt #imakemyownclothes (at Sunnyside Fabrics UK) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9tcaF6H3pw/?igshid=svy8ixn07rth

[dfabrics]

1. Can you tell me a bit about your background and what attracted you to sewing.

I started sewing about 20 years ago when I got my first house. My first projects were things like curtains tablecloths and cushions, shortly afterwards I made my first patchwork quilt and that was it I was hooked! I been making patchwork and appliqué quilts ever since.

2.What made you decide to take part in ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ ?

I heard about the great British sewing bee through a friend who encouraged me to apply. In the early days of the show was going to be about all kinds of sewing, not just dressmaking. I really never make clothes so when we started filming and I discovered the whole show was going to be about dressmaking I really thought my days on the show were numbered! 

3. What is it like being judged by Patrick Grant and May Martin and what was it like sewing with the time pressure and in front of camera’s ?

For the most part I enjoyed the judges comments, it was great to pick up tips and hints to improve my sewing, although sometimes the judges were a little harsh! The cameras and crew really didn't bother me, when I am sewing I become totally absorbed in the task and frankly the Queen could have walked into the sewing room and I don't think I would have noticed! The time constraints on each of the tasks were tough, but I quite enjoyed working under pressure! I think it's just worth remembering that in the real world we usually have much more time and no sewing police breathing down our necks! 

4.  We loved your Tulip pocket design in this weeks show, where you were really bold with your design – did the idea just pop into your mind or had you done something similar before ?

I really enjoyed doing the patch pockets on the ready-made skirt. My tulip pockets won garment of the week and the discussion on twitter about the pockets actually trended! Most people loved them but there were a few who hated them! Who knew that pockets could be so controversial!

5.   I see from your profile you are actually a quilt designer. Did you find it easy to transfer these skills into dressmaking ? Have you done any dressmaking before ?

Before the show began I had never done any dressmaking other than a pair of pyjama bottoms and a shirt! I was relying on my sewing skills being transferable. The challenge was to make three-dimensional objects out of fabric when I'm used to making things which are very flat. 

6. In next weeks show you are making a jacket using boiled wool from Dragonfly Fabrics .How did you come across Dragonfly Fabrics and how often do you buy fabrics online.

In the semifinal I made a jacket out of boiled wool for my final task. We had almost no time at all to acquire the fabric and patterns and I'm very grateful to dragonfly fabrics for getting the fabric to me so quickly! You saved my skin!

I had not bought fabric online before but I was thrilled with the service I received.

7. What made you decide to use boiled wool for your jacket and what was the fabric like to work with?

I used boiled wool for the jacket because generally boiled wool jackets are not lined and in the very short amount of time we had to make the jacket I thought that adding a lining would have stretched me too far! It was a lovely fabric to work with no fraying easy to cut and piece and the slight stretch in the fabric helped me to achieve smoothly set in sleeves.

8. Was the atmosphere relaxed when the camera’s were off and will there be any gossip to tell once the show has finished?

During the filming we all had a great time together although some contestants were very focused on their tasks and others like me enjoyed having a bit of a lark! Off camera we all had a laugh together and got on incredibly well. I think we all realised that the competition was with ourselves we could only do our own personal best! 

9. Finally what’s next… does a tailoring career beckon?

Since doing the show I have been designing projects every month for popular patchwork magazine and I have a regular monthly column starting in June. I'm also working on a book and I have lots more ideas for the future. Watch this space!

For our selection of Boiled Wool please visit our website: http://www.dragonflyfabrics.co.uk/fabrics-by-type/index.php?lid=280