A dinner lady for 25 years but now semi-retired, Cathryn loves spending time on her allotment. Her other love is music. As an ardent David Bowie fan her cat is named Ziggy Stardust, but she is not to be pigeonholed and has eclectic taste. She has been known to sew the lyrics of her favourite grime artist, Stormzy, into her garments.

Cathryn has been sewing for over 50 years and her starting point is often old and recycled fabrics. She uses every scrap to make jeans, dresses, and quilts.

Say hello to Cathryn on Instagram, @cathrynwaudby

Was it liberating to be filming this series?

Oh absolutely,  it was like a rollercoaster  that never stops!.   I sort of had forgotten about myself for a while there,  and then caught up in all of life stuff,  to get to do something as exciting as GBSB  was incredible.  I still can’t believe I actually did  it!

When did you first start sewing and why do you love it so much?

I actually could not read or write until I was about 10.   But I could sew !. And it was a massive form of escapism for me, It takes me to happier places these days  and when I say I love to sew,  I really do love to sew.

Who was your mentor

My teacher and my father  - he taught me to sew buttons on scraps of old sheets.

What is your favourite garment to sew/or your speciality

Every garment I make tells a story and each is my favourite ……until the next one is under my needle.

Why did you want to be a Great British Sewing Bee and who did you want to most impress of the Judges, or both?  And when the sewing got tough, was Joe a welcome ally?

Well…… those two are like good cop bad cop (joke)  both equally  a fashion icon who has permanently placed garments in the V&A and a Savile Row tailor  = their critique was most welcome.

Joe is a lovely lad, kind and intelligent, he did make me laugh and I don’t need help doing that.  When the panic was on he would seek you out and speak softly -  he sort of just knows the right thing to say at the right time, it gave a confidence and got  you back on track.

Describe your experience on first walking into the sewing room on this year’s Sewing Bee, and which challenge were you fearing the most the first week -  Pattern challenge; transformation challenge, or Made to Measure challenge?

It’s like a dream come true  and funnily enough just in that moment I felt very proud of myself  - that doesn’t happen often !  Transformation challenge was a pet hate  and so much fun at the same time !

What was your best and worst moment that first week?

The sewing time on the pattern challenge  -  I didn’t have time to sew my button on  properly  I felt so embarrassed, but it was the same for all !

How did you try and stay calm when things were going badly wrong or you ran out of time in the first week?

I just kept telling myself  “ you have this“  …

Do you have an attachment to a sewing tool, and why is it special to you?

My pin cushion,  my lovely daughter bought it for me many moons ago from a charity shop.

In your sewing life: What has been your worst sewing disaster - and your biggest triumph?

Worst was a black velvet and white shot taffeta boned dress vogue pattern puff ball skirt in the late 80s.  I thought I was the DB’S when I saw the  photos CRINGE!   And my best was my son’s christening gown I have it to this day and it was in the sewing room with me.

Do you make for family and friends as presents?  And most asked for garment?

Yes often,  it is varied.    Last winter I made a dress for my stepmother, 3 blouses for my son’s partner.  And 2 shell tops for my friend and 2 pairs of pyjamas for me.

Describe your style, and how much of your own clothes do you make?

I make most of my own clothes out of recycled fabric mostly from charity shops.

My style is smart with a twist!

Can you give a sewing tip for amateur sewers who have been enjoying the show?

Use the correct sewing machine needle and thread for your fabric, your needle is only good for 1 garment or 8 hours of sewing, the difference is massive  - always use silk thread for your buttonhole -  your stitches should melt into your fabric and be almost invisible.

Was it hard to keep a secret that you were going to be on the show?

Very……… but so far so good  ssshhhhh

What is the best way to describe the relationship between this year’s Bees

Hive Mother.  It was absolutely wonderful to be amongst 11 very talented sewers.   Talented in so many different ways,  supportive and willing to help out at the most inconvenient of times in the sewing room  Fun people from all walks of life  people who sew are nice people right ?

What will you take away from your experience of being on The Great British Sewing Bee

I am self taught so I actually learnt more from Patrick, Esme and my fellow bees than I have ever learned, and my passion for my craft is still massive!

Next for you in the sewing world?

It’s winter so I am making quilts for the homeless,  when it’s particularly cold I place them in trees in Hull City Centre along with coats from charity shops.

Best and worst moment for you during the whole series?

I could not actually speak when Esme said she liked my Buffet Dress in Episode 1 and that’s very unusual for me !  Worst moment was when the Uber River Taxi  went past and hooted, it made me jump and I cut my T Shirt on the overlocker -  massive mistake!

Favourite challenge overall and why?

Episode 3 – the men’s utility jacket  -  I made it for my son who was an Air Cadet.

We wish Cathryn all the best and look forward to seeing more from her on her Instagram account @cathrynwaudby

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