Beyond The Bee with What Vicki Made

In this episode of the Sewing Social Podcast, Vicki of What Vicki Made, shares her extensive sewing journey, from her childhood experiences with her grandmother's sewing machine to becoming a semi-finalist on The Sewing Bee. 

She discusses her favourite projects, the importance of fit in sewing, and her creative process in designing fabric collections. 

Vicki also reflects on her experiences on The Sewing Bee, offering insights into the application process and behind-the-scenes moments. The conversation wraps up with a quick-fire round of questions and Vicki's advice for aspiring sewing enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways:

• Vicki's sewing journey began with her grandmother's sewing machine.
• She emphasises the importance of fit in sewing and body positivity.
• Vicki enjoys both sewing and knitting, often blending the two crafts.
• Her experience on The Sewing Bee was both surreal and confidence-boosting.
• She believes in being true to oneself when applying for the show.
• Vicki's fabric designs are inspired by her love for unique prints.
• She encourages others to embrace their creativity and not be afraid to try new things.
• The process of learning and making mistakes is vital in crafting.
• Vicki's favourite projects often take a long time to complete and are meaningful to her.
• She has many ideas for future projects, showcasing her creative spirit.

Follow me: 

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

                         @thedalythread

Guest details: 

Instagram: @whatvickimade

Website: www.whatvickimade.com

Links:

• The Great British Sewing Bee (@britishsewingbee - Instagram)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vicki and Her Sewing Journey
02:46 The Evolution of Sewing Skills and Confidence
05:54 Favourite Makes and Creative Projects
08:35 The Importance of Fit in Sewing
11:36 Knitting Journey and Experiences
14:48 Applying for The Sewing Bee
17:39 Behind the Scenes of The Sewing Bee
20:40 Challenges and Memorable Moments on The Show
23:24 Advice for Future Sewing Bee Applicants
26:22 Creative Design Process for Fabric Collections
29:24 Future Projects and Inspirations
32:24 Quick Fire Round: This or That
35:24 Conclusion and Where to Find Vicki

Transcript

Speaker 2 (00:09.89)

Vicki, thanks so much for joining me today on the Sewing Social Podcast.

Thank you for having me.

I wondered if you could introduce yourself to the listeners.

My name's Vicki. I'm what Vicki made on social media. I've been sewing for quite a long time now. Predominantly sew, but also do some knitting. Basically any craft that I can get my hands on, I'll willing to give a go. And I also did the sewing bee. So I did that in 2023. It was on TV and I was the semi-finalist. So that was exciting. And yeah.

I think that's probably me in a nutshell.

Speaker 2 (00:52.686)

That's quite a lot and we're going to touch on a lot of those things in a minute. wondered, because you mentioned you've been sewing a long time, what is your sewing journey? Can you tell us the story about that?

well, I try, I always say long story short, but I feel like I'm probably a short story long kind of girl. So I suppose I've sort of, my first introduction to sewing was when I was a kid, my gran had one of those hand crank sewing machines and she showed me how to wind a bobbin. Cause I was just fast, I don't know why, but I was fascinated with this machine. I'm a very like, I'm a very intrigued person. Most things intrigued me.

Kind of.

Speaker 1 (01:35.534)

And so that was like my introduction to what sewing was, I suppose. And then I didn't do anything with sewing from then, but it was a real like, I think like pinnacle memory, if that's the right word. And then I suppose I started sewing when I was at university. I was doing a law degree and I really missed doing creative stuff. And I wanted to have a go at making some very random owl cushions.

I know. So such a niche. But I've seen this owl cushion that I wanted to recreate because I couldn't afford a cushion from Next. So I wanted to make this owl cushion and my gran bought me a secondhand sewing machine from like someone. So that was when I started teaching myself to sew and I sort of dabbled with lots of stuff.

didn't do it for a while, got engaged. My friend said, oh, it wouldn't surprise me if you was going to make your own wedding dress. And I was like, that's a great idea. So then I tried to make a wedding dress. It's not what I wore, but I did make one. That was a massive learning curve. And then I've just been sewing since then really in a nutshell. And that was, oh gosh, well, I was at uni in like, 2020-12. So I've been teaching myself since then.

And what are we 2025? That's like 13 years, isn't that? Doesn't feel that long. Feels much less time.

It's one of those things where you're just constantly learning though, isn't it? So, you know, it's stuff always feels fresh.

Speaker 1 (03:17.078)

Yeah, I think so. I think like, time just passes, doesn't it? And I suppose, depends how you feel confidence wise. Cause I think some people say to me, I can't say like you do. And I'm a bit like, well, I, you know, I make loads of mistakes and there's loads of stuff I don't know or can't do or don't do well or whatever. But it's people's perceptions, isn't it?

Yeah, it really is. And it sounds like you really throw yourself in the deep end if you went straight for making a wedding dress.

I'm one of those, I think it's like a personality trait. I get very fixated on things. It's a bit like it's good and also not helpful. It depends what the fixation is, but I do get very like, yeah, I can get very fixated on an idea. It's definitely a personality trait and it's one that can be very motivating and also.

quite destructive. So, you know.

I can imagine. can imagine. Do you have any favourite makes that you've sort of created so far? Because I think one that particularly stands out for me was that quilted waistcoat that you made with the paper piecing on the back. Did it say something like, sew like a boss?

Speaker 1 (04:36.302)

Yeah, that was a, it was a quilt block. It was a quilt block, a hand with a needle or someone sewing and then it says, sew like a boss. And I'm sorry, I can't remember the designer, which is really bad of me. It'll come to me. I've got quite a few of, she does, I think it's a woman. They do really lovely designs. They've got, they're a bit quirky paper piece and they've got another one that says, let her rip.

And it's a seam ripper. Oh, happy, lucky. That's who I They do really like quite quirky paper piecing and it was meant to go on a banner that I couldn't help myself. And I put it on the back of a new craft house, everyday waistcoat. I really love that. I really love that project. I don't actually wear it very often. I mean, I should do. I don't really know why I don't wear it.

It's quite a statement though, isn't it? Sew like a boss. think I made it and then I felt like I don't know if I do sew like a boss.

Aww, yes you do!

yeah, my favourite pieces are, really, I do really like, ones that have taken me a long time actually. So that is a piece that I really enjoyed. And I did a jacket actually as well, which was a white fabric with black drawings of faces. It was Lady McElroy and, or McElroy. I think it's McElroy.

Speaker 2 (06:09.678)

Who knows that one?

Speaker 1 (06:14.624)

Anyway, it doesn't matter. It was one of their cotton lawns and I hand embroidered loads of detail onto the faces and then I free motion quilted around all the faces and made it into a hovia jacket from Megan Nielsen. And I really loved making it. But again, it's one that I don't really wear very often. I think because I'm worried I'm going to ruin it.

Too silly, isn't it? Because we've made it to wear, but we all love those things.

I've always sewn for my kids when they were younger, I'd sewed for them a lot. people would always say, don't you want to save that stuff for best? And I'd be like, no, clothes are to be worn, you know, and to be enjoyed. And if it gets ruined, it's because they've had such a good time wearing it. But then I suppose when it comes to myself, I'm a bit more like, no, don't want to ruin it.

No, because it's those hours of work, isn't it, that you have put into it. it's, yeah, I get it. I do get it.

My kids will grow out of stuff and I'm fine about that stuff getting ruined, but I suppose my stuff I think could last me forever.

Speaker 2 (07:24.066)

Yeah? Yeah?

I they're probably two of my favourite, mate.

I think I love your recent ones, the cinnamon daisy poppy is it?

Yeah, it's lot of fun. I did enjoy making that. Yeah, it's a great pattern, very versatile.

You seem to have really gotten into like the twirling process recently. Are you doing this for all your garments or just those ones that are a bit more tricky to fit like trousers?

Speaker 1 (07:58.548)

Yeah, I don't do it for all of them. I, really, twirling is one of those things, isn't it? It can feel like a lot of effort and sometimes you just want to say something and not really worry about it. I've had like over the last few years, I probably got into doing fit adjustments quite a few years ago now.

I did the Zadie jumpsuit. I think that was one of the first where I really like looked at the fit and, made pattern adjustments to it. That was ages ago now, gosh, it was for like seven years ago. but I don't do it for all my makes. It depends what I'm making. Like I really enjoy the fit process because I think that's part of what makes sewing so great is that you're not restricted.

by design, by colour, by fit, by what the shops provide, like all those things. It's very liberating, isn't it, to be able to make things that you love and feel good in. And for me, learning about fit was a really big part of changing the way I view my own body and changing my feelings about my body and my body image.

you know, feeling more positive or neutral or whatever way you want to look that isn't negative. it was learning about fit was massive because I did really for a long time think, well, if I just lose enough weight, then I will fit into the stuff in the shops and I will look how I meant to look basically. which is not how I feel now, but it's a hard.

thing, isn't it? The way you feel about yourself, whether it's physically or emotionally or whatever. So I think for me, realising that there are so many different fit adjustments and learning about fit and learning about how different people's bodies are and the different changes and the different proportions and the different shapes and all of that was a massive thing for me to be like, wait a minute, like clothes aren't designed to just fit everyone.

Speaker 1 (10:12.064)

And also it's not the body, it's the clothes that's the problem, it's the clothes that don't fit. It's not the body that doesn't fit the clothes, it's the clothes that don't fit you. And just sort of changing that perspective. So that's why I care about fit and talking about fit. And I hope that it can be something that's quite liberating for people to also learn about. But I don't do it on all my clothes, because sometimes you just want to make something without thinking about it, don't you?

Absolutely.

don't always need to, do you? No. I quite, I regularly do a full bust adjustment on things, even if they're designed to have a loose fit. Sometimes I'll still do the full bust adjustment, but I suppose I'm more focused on fit if it's like trousers. I always grade between sizes on clothes, always, because my bust is way different size to my waist.

So I do always do that as standard, but I wouldn't twirl it because I just know I need to do it.

It's been really interesting sort of watching your fitting process because you're very good at documenting it, aren't you? And sort of putting it together as a highlight for people to follow back on.

Speaker 1 (11:27.918)

It's funny because sometimes when I do, whenever I'm doing them, I always think, oh my gosh, I talk so much and I don't, I like a lot of context because I feel like I can't personally understand things without all the context. But sometimes, you know, cause it cuts you off after a minute on the story. And sometimes I think, oh my gosh, it's like 10.

videos all about the same thing and it's just me going, and then I'm going to do this and then I'm to do this. And then I think, gosh, I do question myself quite a lot about posting it because I think people are going to switch off to this because it's me yapping away. But I do always get like a couple of comments and I think, if I get one person saying that was really helpful, then I think it's worth it. And I continue to do the reels.

highlights even.

Absolutely. I think you shouldn't worry about that because if people want to know it, they will tune in.

Yes, and you can just skip it, can't you? you're not interested, you can just skip it. But it's always funny when people message me and say, that was really helpful. Because I do often reply and say, I'm glad you think it was helpful because I often wonder if it's just really boring.

Speaker 2 (12:32.78)

You

Speaker 2 (12:49.038)

No, it isn't. isn't. I think we all struggle with the same things, but some people just sort of power on not making the adjustments. And it's good to slow down and listen to somebody else's experience of how they're finding things. So I think it's really useful.

thank you. Yeah, and I don't know, like I found it a really good resource for when I've been making this stuff. Like I'll look at the hashtag and I'll find someone that's made it then I'll check their captions to see if they've shared anything about the fit. And, you know, I'll always look to see if they've got any highlights on it, you know, just to see, because it can be really helpful for knowing for yourself, can't it?

It really can and I do a similar thing as well, especially when it comes to like trousers and things. Cause we have all got our own body shapes and you're like, is that going to fit or do I need to make an adjustment? So yeah, it's useful when people do that. You're a very talented knitter as well. Are you self-taught with that?

Yeah, so my, my gran again, she did show me how to do knits and pearls when I was a kid. And then other than that, I've been to one lesson on fair isle actually to learn how to do the tension across the back. cause I thought it was a bit out of my remit and I love fair isle. But other than that, yeah, my gran showed me knit and pearls as a kid. And then funny enough.

I then later on in life decided that I wanted to make knitted blankets for all the hay bales at our wedding. So optimistic, very optimistic I am with my skills. So that was when I learned to knit and I started this scarf and I don't really know what happened, but halfway through I forgot how to purl and I made up a stitch and knitted like a real good.

Speaker 1 (14:52.728)

portion of this scarf before realising that I just made up some random stitch and had to pull it all back down and then I took a break from it for a bit because I was really frustrated.

But I really love knitting. Yeah, I just, I mean, I would say I'm self-taught apart from these two things. I'll give everything a go. I'm not saying I'm always good at it, but I'll try.

That's really.

Speaker 2 (15:18.644)

Yeah. Well, you've made some amazing jumpers. I'm very jealous.

I do really like knitting. mean, I don't know. Sometimes people ask me if I prefer it to sewing and I think I might slightly, which is a bit controversial, I know. I do enjoy it.

That's good, that's good. They compliment each other really well anyway, don't they?

Well, I think so because I know some knitters and they always say to me, you sew so good that you can sew because then you can make dresses to go with your knitted jumpers. And I'm like, I know it is good, isn't it? Do you knit?

I've knit very basic chunky jumpers and I like the process, but I love the sort of intricate little things with the fair isle and all that kind of thing as well. And I just don't know if I'd ever be able to do it.

Speaker 1 (16:14.732)

don't think it's as bad as people think it is, but maybe that's because I can do it. don't know. But I don't think it is as bad as it sounds. I feel like if you can sew, you can knit.

Okay, maybe I'll keep trying.

You go for it. mean, I went to that, I had this, I did this little workshop on Fair Isle because I was, I was basically, my thought was if I'll go into it with a jumper because I can't go into things casually, I have to go full steam into the full outfit. And I thought if I knit half a jumper and the Fair Isle's bad, I'll be so angry.

It's just about the tension. As long as you can get the tension right, it's fine.

keep trying. So tell us about applying for the sewing bee and what made you want to go on there.

Speaker 1 (17:07.987)

Well, the sewing bee, yeah, it was a bit of a like, it was a bit of an impulse decision really. It was when my kids are quite, they were still really young and so I've got a daughter and a son. Gosh, I can't remember their ages because well, actually, no, I do remember Iris had just started school when we did filming. So she would have been four, nearly five and Ezra's two years younger.

And I felt like I was at a point where we'd come out of lockdown and stuff and people have commented on the fact that they consider me an extrovert since doing the show, which I would say I'm really not an extrovert at all. I'm probably like more the opposite. And we'd like had lockdown and stuff and like Ezra was like, I'd had the two kids as babies and

I suppose I felt like I was quite struggling with my confidence and being anxious about things and doing things. I'd had a lot of time at home and I think I was sort of, it sent me a bit backwards with my confidence and stuff like that. So I was quite aware that that's something that I was struggling with.

And I was also aware that Iris was getting a bit older and, you know, I was sort of saying to her, you know, you can do this, you can do that. You can try anything that you want to try. But I was aware that that was something that I was trying to teach her, but didn't necessarily believe about myself. So I basically really ran, well, I decided that I was going to stop telling myself I couldn't do things and I was just going to do it because I think you should lead by example.

And I also think that I needed to force myself to do things. Otherwise this was going to become more problematic than it was. So I went to the supermarket one day and for some unknown reason decided on the drive that, I'm going to apply for the Soambi. That'll be a great, like a great little show of goodwill and a great show of confidence to put this application. And, know, and I'll be able to say to the kids, well, you know, your mom tries to do stuff, you know, you shouldn't.

Speaker 1 (19:17.656)

beat, let people tell you you can't do things and blah, blah. And that's why I applied, which is really random.

It is, but obviously something in there wanted to do it.

Yeah, I don't really know what made me think that. Like I could have done a lot of other more casual things than that, but that's where I went. Yeah.

let's discuss about the whole process then. So, obviously you send your application in, then what happens?

So it's quite a long process really. I think it's different depending on when you apply because obviously the show's been around for quite a long time now, hasn't it? I think they've just, it'll be series 11, won't it? Probably in a few weeks or something.

Speaker 2 (20:04.558)

Hmm, think it's May. Yeah.

should be really soon. And they had a gap, didn't they, when they swapped, I think, from whatever channel it was onto the BBC and stuff. So I do think it depends on when you apply in the series that you did. But for us, it's a really long application process. have to, it's a really like a good few months of doing like little bits and answering little questions and doing little interviews and stuff. But then.

You're only told about a month before that you threw. So it's very quick. I know people are always like, I don't know why they didn't practice more for the challenges. But it, mean, you've got normal life, haven't you? And also you get a month's notice. And in that time you do, you have to prep the made to measures and you've only got four weeks and there's eight made to measures that you're expected to have planned and prepped and practiced prior to.

start of filming as well as doing whatever your normal life is. So it is very intense, And then, and obviously it's just a bit strange, isn't it? Because you can't tell anyone what you're doing. It's so strange. It's just really strange. I think for me anyway, the whole thing feels surreal. I mean, I know, obviously now I did it, but it's kind of just a bit, I don't know, I just think it's a bit surreal really. And you still a bit like, is this real or is it a big joke?

is how I felt a lot. then, so you get this like month lead up and then you just feel like you've vanished off the face of the earth to go do filming and you act really strange with everyone you know because you can't tell anyone what you're doing and it's just a bit odd. And we filmed over a six week period with a few days home in between some of the episodes. But yeah, it's a really intense process. And then you come home and you just act like it never happened for nine months.

Speaker 1 (22:03.414)

And then it gets announced and you're like, and then obviously it's strange as well, because you can't, you still can't talk about it because you don't want to let anything slip that hasn't been on TV. So then you spend like the 10 weeks it's on TV, not talking about it. But it's just so surreal because to everyone else it's current, but to you, it was really quite a long time ago. So it's quite odd.

quite odd.

It does sound strange and that whole pretending that you don't know what's going to happen is just weird, it?

And people like wish you good luck, but like it's really weird because you're like, thanks. And I know where they're coming from because obviously to them, but I'm like, I already know what's going to happen. And people are obviously trying to predict, aren't they? Cause they're excited and I'm just like trying to give nothing away with my face.

And then once you're out, you can talk about it. I felt like once I'd been eliminated or whatever you want to call it, you feel more relaxed about talking about it because you're not going to give anything away then, are you really?

Speaker 2 (23:20.846)

Yeah, that's it. But you went really far, didn't you? So that must have been quite hard.

Do you know it was and then people like say to me, you know when the semi finals are coming up people then even more alike. I think you're going to get through to the finals and you know, and you just like, don't be disappointed.

Speaker 2 (23:44.034)

Bless.

So strange. mean, yeah, it's just strange, isn't it?

What do you think was the most surprising or sort of unexpected thing about being on the show?

That's a hard question. The whole thing is really surreal because obviously it's a TV show, isn't it? But the reality is that it's a set. you know? it's just like, it's just not how you see it on TV. It is how it is on TV, but it's not when you're there. And I think it just feels really surreal. There's just so many cameras.

Sorry.

Speaker 1 (24:24.822)

And so I think that's probably the most like strangest thing I found was the amount of production because you just don't see any of that when you watch it. Like the room's much bigger than it looks on the TV. And like the perception of a TV show is just not real. it like, remember watching it was strange because when I watched it, I watched it at the same time as everyone else live on TV. And there's stuff that I can't even remember happening.

because it was so busy. Like there's stuff that I said that I don't remember saying. You don't really see what everyone else is doing either. So all of that is like a surprise to see what other people are doing. And there's moments where you'll hear someone's voice but the camera is looking at someone else. And you would think that like I could hear what that person was saying because that's your perception of watching on TV. But the reality was I didn't know that person had said that.

for example, that was a bit like, it's just a bit like surreal, isn't it? Because you are watching that on TV, but it's not the same when you're there and it's all perception, isn't it? It's just a bit skewed, I suppose. And there's a lot of production people that you just don't know are there because you don't see them on the TV.

Yeah, so strange. And like you say, you were probably learning stuff that happened even though you were in the same room just by watching it with everyone else.

Yeah, and like, I don't know, there'll be bits where someone will be saying, you need to do this that way, but you're watching someone do it the wrong way. And people will be like, well, everyone's talking about it, that that's not the right way to do it. But you're like, yeah, but you can't hear that when you're there sewing. But the perception is that the person can. So it's just a bit, it's so strange. Yeah, it's just bit strange.

Speaker 2 (26:22.242)

You must have really good concentration because I always think how on earth do they talk and get the thing done in the time because you're being asked questions and stuff, aren't you?

yeah, sometimes it's so distracting and usually they want to talk to you and stuff's not going well. That is very real. People do always say to me, is it real that they come to you at bad times? yeah. Like they know you're mic'd up all the time, aren't you? You're permanently on a mic. They're permanently listening. So they know if you've just burnt a hole in something.

It's really hard to hide it when stuff's not going well. I feel like I was at a little bit of an advantage though, because of my job. Like I'm used to talking to multiple people at once, so I'm a police dispatcher. So I think I'm very used to listening to the radio, listening to my colleague and typing and talking. Do you know, so I feel like I'm probably at a bit of an advantage because I am quite that element.

I'm quite used to. Because people did say to me, seem so calm. I'd be like, I feel like I work in a really stressful environment where I multitask in that very specific way. So I suppose it's kind of almost like I can go into that headspace, I suppose, maybe. Because people did comment on the fact that I seemed really calm. And I was like, I think I'm just, I think I'm just okay with it.

So if you're a good multitasker, apply for the sewing bee.

Speaker 1 (27:58.958)

Well, I mean, don't know that I'm good at multitasking in my home life.

Speaker 1 (28:05.666)

But I am in very specific situations.

Looking back, what's like one challenge or garment that you're most proud of that came out of that time on the show?

I probably, oh, do you know, I probably got a few actually. Probably the supermodel week dress. So I did, that was the made to measure. I chose to have a curvy model because that was something that I felt strongly about. Like I wanted there to be, I don't think there's much representation of different body shapes in the fashion industry. So I was really determined that I wanted to have someone that was.

by fashion standards classified as curvy or plus size or whatever word you want to use. so for that week, we were meant to be doing a supermodel dress inspired by the nineties, which originally when I got the brief, was like, oh, this is really like not inspiring for me. I mean, at that point, especially it was not.

a good representation of different bodies. it was, I think it was very unhealthy, incredibly unhealthy. People were, I mean, not eating, weren't they? And wearing incredibly slinky things and then still getting called, you know, negative names and things like that. And it was very much then they were wearing a lot of slip dresses and very like figure hugging things. And that's not the sort of garment that I enjoy making anyway.

Speaker 1 (29:42.958)

So originally I was a bit like, I don't know if I feel very inspired by this because it's not, it's really not a good representation of genuine people's bodies and stuff. Or it's only represents one very specific shape of body. But actually when I got over that.

I decided that it was quite a good challenge, especially to have a curvy model for, because I thought this is a really good time to celebrate someone's body that wasn't represented then and make something that fits them beautifully and celebrates a different shape of body. So I did a corset bustier body strapless, and then a skirt on the bottom. And I worked really hard on the fit for that.

really hard. did a lot of fit adjustments and it fitted us so well. I was really proud, really, really proud. So I was quite pleased that I got to do that one.

That's really inspiring. And I'm really glad that you did that because it's sort of stayed true to what you believe. And I remember seeing it actually. And I was like, yeah, this is great because different body shapes are totally unrepresented. And actually I'd never thought of the nineties like that, but you're absolutely right.

Yeah.

Speaker 1 (31:03.438)

Yeah, I just think it was especially toxic around people's bodies and it just wasn't, it just wasn't how I want to view people. yeah, so I felt like I wasn't looking forward to it. And then actually when it came up, I thought, do you know what? Yes, I'm glad I'm here for this because this is a good, good challenge to show something. I think I was worried that I couldn't represent the nineties.

because I didn't want to make that sort of thing. But actually I could take inspiration in a different way. And I did a lot of research around the lady's name has gone from my head, but there was a, around that time, there was a lady who was the first like plus size model to get a big contract in America and lot of research about her and she'd done, like she'd worn this garment. It was beautiful. And it had all the lines.

or lines down it where you would like typically sort of measure yourself like in a corset. that was where, cause I'd done exposed bias bound boning on the corset. And that was where that sort of inspiration had come from that it was sort of highlighting where we would measure ourselves and that, you know, it's beautiful, whatever shape you are sort of thing. So yeah, I was pleased with that one.

Were there any funny moments or memorable behind the scenes moments that you can share with us?

I mean, we had a lot of, feel like being offset was probably more fun sometimes than being on set because we did all get on really well. And we all sort of, I don't know, you get close to each other very quick, I think because you're put into like a real intense situation where you're not around your usual comfort zone and stuff. We spent a lot of time getting locked out of our rooms, which was always quite funny.

Speaker 1 (33:02.754)

because we stayed in this block of flats and we all had these key cards. And you know, you just get silly sometimes, don't you? So we all had these key cards. And for some reason I locked my key card in the room, but I don't know why I was saying to Matthew, let me try your key card. And he was like,

What? was like, let me try your key card. He was like, why would my key card work? I was like, I don't know, but can I try it? And he was like, no. And then him and Mia were just like on the floor laughing about it. And you are, I don't know, just silly stuff. We spent a lot of time driving to this office to get new key cards because we'd locked ourselves out of our room, which was always quite funny. And we went to the local pub quite a bit as well. The Cardinals had.

for drinks after episodes and on the breaks and stuff. And yeah, we just got on really well and had a lot of fun. And we used to, we were always really conscious when we went out for meals that it was an unusual selection of people to be going out for food. So we used to make up stories about how we all knew each other in case anyone asked, which was always quite funny and very random.

Yeah, we had a lot of fun together.

And what do you think one piece of advice would be for any prospective Sewing Bee applicants?

Speaker 1 (34:27.054)

I think just be yourself because I think you can try and like guess what the judges want and what's going to go well and stuff like that. But I just don't think you can really know. And I think just be true to yourself and just try and enjoy the process. And yeah, just be true to yourself because you never know what they're looking for, you know, when you apply or when you go on it and you don't know what they are or aren't going to like. And I think that the best thing you can do is be true to yourself and enjoy it.

You've recently released your own fabric collections as well, haven't you? Can you talk us through your creative design process for them?

Yeah, so I really, really like prints and I suppose I don't always feel very excited about fabrics, which is why I decided to start designing. I do feel excited, but I quite like just really random stuff. I like prints and I like quite random stuff and I don't always see stuff that makes me feel super excited to sew.

And I really loved drawing. did a lot of drawing and painting and stuff when I was a teenager, really, but it was something that I haven't done for a long time. I started drawing outfit ideas on the iPad, digitally drawing them, and I really enjoyed it. And I remembered how much I enjoyed drawing. And I decided to give designing some of my own fabrics a go, partly because I wanted to do them for myself. And I just thought, well, I might as well.

you know, give it a go. You've got to give things a try, haven't you? So I've done three now. I mean, they're all quite random, if I'm honest. They're just things that pop into my head and I think would be a good idea. And then I just really hope that other people will think they're a good idea. I enjoy doing it though. It's really good fun. And it's very, it's really cool to see something that you've drawn, like to see it.

Speaker 1 (36:33.102)

come to life as a garment or to see someone else wearing it is really cool.

Absolutely, you've done some amazing designs and they're all really bright and bold aren't they?

Yeah so I suppose I just try and make something that's a little bit different and I think that you can get a lot of like quilting cottons with detailed designs on can't you but I don't know that there's really as many dressmaking fabrics so I suppose I kind of hope that there'd be a bit of a gap and that other people would like them.

there any wands out of your collections that sort of hold a particular significance or is there a special one in there?

Well, the first one that I ever designed was the girls, which is, I have a real thing about, I really like faces. I really, really like faces. I've always been intrigued by faces. Like when I used to do art and draw, I used to love drawing eyes and hands. Don't know why. It just really fascinates me. I think they just, I don't know, they tell a story, don't they? And everyone looks so different. Everyone's face is just so unique.

Speaker 1 (37:44.332)

And they just, I don't know. It's like the windows to the soul, I suppose. And so the first one I ever did was the girls. And I spent a lot of time drawing different women's faces for that one. So suppose that'll always be a bit of a special one, because it was my very first.

And have you got any other exciting projects in the works, whether that's fabric designs or makes or anything like that?

I have too many ideas and it's really problematic because I am quite erratic. I sometimes think this, I have far too many ideas, like sometimes I'll share an idea on Instagram and people will ask me about it and then I'll be like, no, I'm off with some other mad idea now. I'll come back to it eventually. This is why things take me so long because I am quite, I really enjoy the idea process, the planning process.

but I get very distracted. So at the minute, I have got loads of sewing plans. I've not done any fabrics at the minute because I have just done one set of fabrics. And I feel like if I'm not careful, I distract myself too much, you know, basically. So I try and rein myself in a little bit. Cause I do get very like, I suppose quite fixated on an idea and then, you know, I go off on a tangent.

But at the minute, am, what I'm going to be doing next is my Glastonbury sewing because I'm going to Glastonbury festival at the end of June. And I do like to make a few things for that. So my next project should be for that. I bought some really fancy sequins to make a bomber jacket and maybe bomber jackets for the kids. And then I've also had got this other

Speaker 1 (39:38.58)

idea of a dress, which I don't even know if I can explain it in words because it's really random, but I've basically got organza and I want to make a design on the organza and turn it into a dress. But I feel like I can't describe with words the idea. And I also don't know if it's going to work, but I'm excited to give it a try, basically.

Yeah, we'll have to keep an eye on that one then. Yeah.

And I've, yeah, I think they're going to be my next project.

So to sort of round off the interview, I like to play a little quick fire game of this or that, if that's all right with you. It's mostly sewing related, a couple of other things, but I think you've already told me some of these answers. So we'll start with tea or coffee. Bring summer or autumn winter.

Okay.

Speaker 1 (40:34.814)

Autumn, not winter. Can I just say autumn?

You can. Now I did have this one down already, but you said at the beginning, sewing or knitting. Knitting. Controversial.

It's so controversial. I almost feel ashamed to say it.

Sewing for yourself or others. Organized stash or creative chaos.

myself.

Speaker 1 (41:05.131)

definitely chaos.

I thought you'd say that. Scissors or rotary cutter?

Do know, I use my rotary cutter more, but I love my scissors more. Do you know, I really, really love my scissors, but I do tend to use the rotary cutter more, so.

A bit of both. A of both. A meal out or a takeaway?

Take away. Love saying hi.

Speaker 2 (41:31.118)

Fair play. So do I. Again, you've already answered this, so I kind of know the answer, but prints or solids? Yeah, you're a girl. Podcasts or YouTube? And one project on the go or multiple?

Prince.

Speaker 1 (41:45.102)

podcast.

Speaker 1 (41:49.346)

thousands.

Speaker 2 (41:53.07)

Thousands are just scattered everywhere

I have projects for years.

And I kind of wish that was a joke, but it's really not.

Well, Vicki, you've been amazing. Thank you for joining me. Where can people find you?

So I'm the same on everything, what Vicki made. Easy to find.

Speaker 2 (42:13.236)

easy to find. Thanks again and you take care.

Thank you. Bye.

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