The Great British Sewing Bee – Where are they now?

Hi everyone, Sew Confident Loyal Amanda here! So, it seems we are all loving the return of the Bee!! Personally I consider myself a bit of a GBSB super fan and I’m not ashamed to say I’m often found re-watching episodes from the last 4 seasons. I have followed a few of the former contestants on Instagram for a while now but with the show back on our screens I wondered how many of the former contestants have been able to give up the day job and make their living from sewing?

Tilly Walnes – Season 1

Although the name Tilly Walnes may not be familiar to you, I’m sure the pattern company Tilly and the Buttons is!  Series one contestant Tilly had only been sewing for two years when she featured on the first ever series of Sewing Bee. Since leaving the sewing room she has set up one of the best loved independent pattern companies. She has published numerous well know patterns and two best selling books. Her aim is to “demystify sewing” with her clear, jargon free instructions. Tilly has also won Favourite Sewing Personality at the British Sewing Awards 3 years in a row.

www.tillyandthebuttons.com

@tillyandthebuttons  

Stuart Hillard – Season 1

Series 1 contestant Stuart has kept very busy since the GBSB. Now a regular of the Sewing Quarter Stuart has also written two best selling books and has a range of fabrics available at Hobycraft. Although a “quilting expert” Stuart has also featured as one of Sew Magazine’s “Dressmaker of the Year” judges.

@stuarthillardsews

Lauren Guthrie – Season 1

Scottish born Lauren now lives in Birmingham with her husband where she owns the well-known fabric shop Guthrie Ghani.  As well as the bricks and mortar shop Guthrie Ghani are also online selling fabric, haberdashery and patterns. Lauren also runs sewing classes from the shop in Birmingham and often blogs about her makes.

@guthrieghani

www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk

Matt Chapple – Season 3

The first ever male winner of the Great British Sewing Bee, Matt can now be found at www.sewwhatsnew.co.uk a “creative lifestyle blog and is also the author of “Make it Your Own.” Matt has collaborated with Singer Sewing Machines and if often featured in our favourite sewing and craft magazines.

www.sewwhatsnew.co.uk

@sewwhatsnewcouk

Charlotte  Newland– Season 4

Season 4 winner Charlotte has left her former life as the editor of a scientific journal well and truly behind her! Now an award winning quilter she is a regular on the Sewing Quarter.  She also offers online tutorials on her website and often features as a guest columnist in popular sewing magazines.

@charlottesews

www.charlottenewland.com

Jade Earley – season 4

Still the youngest ever GBSB contestant Jade went on to be a finalist. She currently has her own column in Love Sewing Magazine and is working to develop her own line of patterns. Jade is also regularly involved with the Knitting and Stitching Show and The Great British Sewing Bee Live.   

@thegirlwiththebrightredhair2

Angeline Murphy – season 4

Irish Angeline is the resident sewer on Ireland’s RTE TV channel.  As well as this she has her own sewing blog and You Tube Channel. She is currently going live on Instagram every Tuesday after the GBSB to chat about the latest episode, often with a fellow contestant, perhaps we should invite her into the Sew Confident FB chat group!

@angelinemurphydesign

www.angelinemurphy.com

So for any of us hating the day job and dreaming of a life behind the sewing machine, perhaps The Great British Sewing Bee 2020 is your big chance to change your life! Where do we sign up!?