A Great British Sewing Bee Champion: Caz on Confidence, Creativity and Having Fun with Sewing

Send us Fan MailJoin us for an inspiring and honest conversation with Caz, winner of Season 11 of The Great British Sewing Bee, as she unpicks the story behind her success. From childhood crafting to stepping into the sewing room spotlight, Caz shares the journey that shaped her skills and her self-belief.We dive into what it really felt like to compete on national television, the mindset shifts that helped her overcome self-doubt, and how the experience transformed both her confidence and her craft. Caz also opens up about her love of upcycling, why sustainability matters in modern sewing, and how embracing creativity (even when it feels scary) can unlock a whole new level in your making.Whether you’re just threading your first needle or dreaming of taking your sewing further, this episode is packed with encouragement, practical insights, and a reminder that growth happens when you dare to back yourself. 🧵✨Key Takeaways:Caz started crafting from an early ageShe made her own wedding dress and had a break from sewing for the next 25years!She had open heart surgery around the period of lockdownApplying for and being on the Sewing Bee was a joyous experience for herShe had a lot of fun with designing her makes for the show, even though she would say she wasn't a creative sewist before thisFollowing her win on the show, she has been to several sewing socials and feels they are very important to the sewing community Caz believes in sustainability and reducing waste in sewingShe has spoken at several events, putting herself out of her comfort zoneCaz currently takes part in a podcast with her friends Dan and Stuart, who are also from the Sewing BeeFollow me: Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod                     @thedalythreadTiktok: thesewingsocialpodIf you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpodAlso, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:[email protected] Links:Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com     Discount code for 10% off your first month - SOCIALPOD10Guest details: Instagram: @cazsewsFacebook: cazsewsPodcast: Make and Tailor - www.makeandtailor.comChapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:19 The Journey Back to Sewing03:08 Applying for The Sewing Bee05:40 The Audition Process08:19 Shutting Down a Business10:46 Skills and Challenges on The Show13:28 Creative Growth and Style Evolution16:11 Winning The Sewing Bee and Final Outfit18:55 Design Process and Personal Journey21:12 Creative Inspirations and Iconic Designs22:59 Building Friendships Through Sewing24:11 The Importance of Community in Sewing25:24 Social Events and Connections26:22 Public Speaking and Overcoming Shyness28:29 Sustainability in Sewing and Upcycling31:21 Current Projects and Inspirations32:14 Encouragement for Aspiring Sewers33:17 Engaging with Underprivileged Youth34:40 Fun and Games: This or That39:35 Outro - tip on Ko-fi