Was it liberating to be filming this series?

It was liberating to be away from work, even though I adore my profession and life as a veterinary surgeon.

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

I started sewing as a child and started using a sewing machine when I was a young teenager. I love sewing because it is relaxing, creative and I take pride in wearing what I make.

Who was your mentor?

I haven’t had a mentor but my Mum has always been massively supportive and encourages me in everything I do. She also keeps just about everything my sister and I have ever made for her!

What is your favourite garment to sew/or your speciality?

I do love sewing trousers and I take great pleasure in sewing the double welt back pockets (even though you hardly see them).

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 Sara a welcome ally?

I have always loved watching the Sewing Bee and I thought it would be fun to compete in it. I thought I would like to impress Esme and Patrick…but I quickly realised it takes a whole lot more to impress them! Sara was smashing; really likeable, friendly and approachable.

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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 was both exciting and nerve-wracking walking into the sewing room for the first time. Watching the programme didn’t really prepare you for the experience. I had no idea that there would be so many members of the production team, so the room always felt loud and busy. I feared the made to measure challenge, I loved the pattern challenge and I never quite enjoyed the transformation challenge.

What was your best and worst moment that first week?

Best moment in the first week was the pattern challenge and the transformation challenge. Worst moment in the first week was when Esme said she didn’t like the sleeves on my wrap dress and I ran out of time to sew the button on the inside of the waistband so it kept gaping open.

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

I think I am naturally good at staying calm, I have quite a stressful job that often genuinely involves saving an animal’s life, I have done years of emergency and night work and being a veterinary surgeon means you are helping people and animals during some of the most emotional times of their lives.

So much satisfaction for less than £5!!

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

I bought a new rotary chalk marker for the Sewing Bee and it makes just the most satisfying little noise as you roll it across a piece of fabric. It is my new most favourite thing!! So much satisfaction for less than £5!!

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

Disasters made at home can be ripped out and done again or chopped up for something new…and no-one need be any the wiser! My greatest triumph was the wedding dress I made for my friend.

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

I sew a lot for my Mum, she likes a nice simple slightly A-line skirt. My husband only ever asks me to take trousers up for him.

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

I am not sure I have a style as such. I love luxury fabrics and bright colours and patterns. I would love to wear fancy couture style clothes with embellishment and bling and shine…but real life means that I don’t get out much and I would be totally overdressed for work! I have made a fair amount of my “out out” clothes.

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

My best sewing tip for any sewer would be to give it a go. What is the worst that’s going to happen? If you don’t like it you can rip it out and start again. If it doesn’t quite fit you can alter it. If you hate it then you can chop it up, make something different or give it away.

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

It was hard to keep everything secret, especially as I was away from work. We have had our own practice for 20 years and have only had a few holidays in that time and clients were wondering where I had got to…

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

I love the Bees. They were the absolute best part of the whole experience. I am so pleased to have met all them and I know I have made friends for life. Only another Bee can get you like you get you!

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

I will take away the amazing friendship with the other Bees as the most important thing.

What’s next for you in the sewing world?
I shall continue my selfish sewing in the hope of having some lovely events to wear my makes to.
Note to self: MUST GET OUT MORE!!!!

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