It’s been a few weeks since the nail-biting finale of the Sewing Bee, but we still have fond memories of all the contestants, particularly finalist Joyce Bellingham who reveals why she’s not afraid to do things her own way!

Experience counts for a lot!
“I became interested in sewing as a young girl, because clothes were so expensive at that time and it was so much cheaper to make your own. But I soon became hooked on the creativity of it and loved being able to focus entirely on the job in hand to produce a finished article. I’m sure that sewing for so many years is what helped me get to the final. Whatever misgivings I might have felt disappeared when I started on a challenge and became completely engrossed in the sewing.”

The clock is ticking…
“I didn’t really have too many sewing demons until I got to the show and then the time limit on the challenges got me every time! That demon is still with me so I make sure time is no longer a limiting factor. Another obstacle was the alteration challenges. I am a good old fashioned sewer and have never experienced having to transform one article into something entirely different.”

Going off-pattern
“I like to think that my critiques from the lovely judges, Esme and Patrick, were more of a discussion between the three of us on the flaws and best bits of any garment. I took no offence from Patrick calling me infuriating which, I think, happened when I followed my own path and was marked down because of it. He knew I could do better, as did I. But being entirely self taught and never having had a single sewing lesson, I have always followed my own path and if I felt my way was a better way then I just did it!”

Learn something new
“My fellow contestants taught me so much. I was able to pick up and learn different sewing techniques from my fellow sewers and take more of a modernistic approach to style and fashion. Being in the Sewing Bee revealed that there are so many new skills for me to use, along with the joy of sharing ideas and tips with like-minded people. It was an experience that will always stay with me.”

Next sewing project
“I enjoy sewing clothes for all my family, especially the girls and also curtains, cushion covers and quilts for the house. But my all-time favourite make was my daughter’s wedding dress 26 years ago! The next project I have planned is to make another wedding dress, this time for my eldest granddaughter, Joanna. But I know that before then, I will be buying other fabrics and paper patterns that I take a fancy to!”

Top Sewing Bee tips
“My advice to any Sew reader who’s tempted to apply for the show is to go for it. In my opinion, to be successful you not only need to have a passion for sewing but to also be able to think for yourself, mix with others and above all, have a capacity for hard work and enjoyment.”

For more of our interview with Joyce, check out our September issue, on sale 29th July!

Take advantage of our reader offer and buy two GBSB books, Fashion With Fabric and Sew Your Own Wardrobe, for just £20 (plus £5 UK postage) while stocks last! Call 01795 414964 (Offer is subject to availability, orders must be received by 10th September 2016).