Behind the Scenes of Mel Giedroyc is Quilting

We all know and love Mel from The Great British Bake Off, but did you know that she has a fun-filled quilting podcast with former radio co-host and long-time friend, Andy Bush? The podcast follows the pair as they cut meaningful fabrics into patchwork squares, ready to sew into a quilt blanket, all while chatting about anything and everything! They’re not following any particular pattern, but with their easy banter and fun fabric choices (such as Mel’s husband’s shirt, without telling him), it’s not to be missed. Read on to get the details behind this great podcast!

“You might be wondering why we started this podcast when we’ve both admitted to being sewing newbies”

A: We wanted to do a podcast where we just talked to each other, the way we do when we’re having a coffee and catching up. Quilting is the perfect medium as, through the process of communally creating something, you tend to relax into the way you normally talk.

M: Yeah, absolutely. There’s nothing better for a natural chat than doing something absorbing, but mellow, as you talk. We thought about a show where we just did the washing up, but then worried that it might be a bit limited! Plus, we loved the idea of creating something that keeps evolving and growing every week.

A: Mel and I always have a laugh together, but it was a real step into the unknown to record our tangents and try and make a quilt at the same time. But the reaction has blown us away! We’ve had so many lovely messages from people who are following our crafting journey.

M: It’s totally amazing, actually. I like the fact that people are genuinely following the progress of the quilt and seem to be having a few chuckles along the way.

A: Yeah, I think doing stuff like this gives you a good dose of calm and mindfulness that’s much needed in this increasingly hectic world.

"This podcast is honestly the highlight of my week now"

M: I particularly enjoyed destroying a very nasty Italian man-bag that Bush bought (he was robbed, he spent £80 on it!) and creating a patch out of its ‘leather’ exterior. It’ll make me laugh every time I see that one ugly patch in a quilt that is otherwise pretty darned tasteful. I’ve teased him about that man-bag for yonks, so it’ll be good to have it immortalised in quilt form.

A: Already the combination of the patterns and colours of our quilt is starting to have an arty feel. It’s amazing how these little squares can work together to form a greater whole that looks so impressive.

M: I have a feeling that ‘arty’ might be overselling – slightly random and amateur comes to mind. Just keep an eye out for Bush’s Italian man-bag patch!

A: We’ve had various discussions about what we’ll do with the finished quilt. Ideally, we’d like to take it around the country and exhibit it, maybe even take it to a quilting convention. I think we will probably auction it off and raise some funds for charity.

M: Yes, it’d be great to auction it off, but it might be the size of Leatherhead before we finish. I don’t intend to stop this podcast until I’m 70!

"We have a long way to go before the quilt is finished"

A: Mel bought me The Passionate Quilter by Michele Walker for Christmas and since then it’s assumed a biblical position as our go-to guide to quilt making. The number of times I’ve seen Marcus Wareing roll his eyes on MasterChef: the Professionals because a chef has no training in the classics of cookery – The Passionate Quilter is our handbook for the classics of this great craft.

M: We’re obsessed with the book, it has such extraordinary pictures in it. Those quilters are total artistes and I’m amazed at the things they create. Don’t expect any clever hexagonal trompe l’oeil work from us, though. It’s squares a go-go.

A: Yeah, we’ve talked about it, and I think Mel and I are going to keep things simple and hand-sew the lot together. We’re going fully old school – if they didn’t use machines on the prairie in 1700s America, then we won’t use one in our pod.

M: I just want us to sit in a pair of rockers (chairs, not Led Zeppelin), glasses on the end of our noses, sipping homemade ice-tea on a lovely porch somewhere, and stitch with our little digits.

A: We’ve been inundated with technique tips and encouraging advice from listeners, but since we are totally new to this, we may bring in some experts soon to see how we’re getting on.

M: Yeah, we’re definitely open to getting guests in. Maybe we could even record an episode at a quilting convention as an ‘outside broadcast’? The possibilities are endless. As is our quilt.

“You can get involved, too!”

A: We have an Instagram account, @melgquilting, which is jam-packed with photos and updates of how we’re getting on, and it’s through here that we chat with our audience and get their guidance and advice. We love hearing from people who share this amazing hobby.

M: Absolutely. You can send us a patch if you want to. Just post them to Mel Giedroyc is Quilting, Somethin’ Else, Brunswick Place, London, N1 6DZ. No smaller than 8cm square, please!

Mel Giedroyc is Quilting is available on Apple, Spotify and all other podcast providers.

Bonus Quick-fire Questions

How do you like your tea?
M: I’m a real diva, I have to drink out of a china mug – can’t do plastic or polystyrene.
A: Strong with a dash of milk (four-minute stew time minimum).

How would you describe each other?
M: Bush is one of the best humans around. A gent, a ledge, and very very funny.
A: I’d describe Mel as one of the nicest, kindest people I’ve ever met in my life. She’s exactly the same off-screen as she is on it and I love her sense of mischief.

Have either of you watched The Great British Sewing Bee?
A: Yes, it’s an excellent show and a great example of just how far you can take the skills of needlework! How the contestants manage to create such amazing garments and items in such a short period of time and under so much pressure astounds me – I’d drop my thimble and never recover.
M: I need to watch it now that I’m part of the crafting community. I’m rubbish at watching telly – so behind. I haven’t even seen The Sopranos yet!

Would you take part in a celebrity version?
A: If I was a celebrity and could actually sew, I’d be well up for it.
M: I’d watch that!

Has Ben (Mel’s husband) noticed the missing patch of fabric from his shirt yet?
A: Sadly not. Poor guy.
M: Aargh!