An interview with
BROGAN SOMMERVILLE
Life after The Great British Sewing Bee
The much-loved UK TV series ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ is set to make its long-awaited return on the 24th May and we couldn’t be more thrilled! In the show, amateur sewers compete against each other in a range of sewing challenges, from creating garments from scratch to upcycling old clothing.
In anticipation of the show’s return, we had the pleasure of catching up with Brogan Sommerville, a finalist from last year’s season. We chatted with Brogan about all things sewing, her love for Liberty fabrics and delved into life after The Sewing Bee! So sit back, grab a cuppa and join us for an insightful conversation with one of The Great British Sewing Bee’s finest talents!
How are you? How has life been post-Sewing Bee?!
“I’m good, thank you! With a wedding and a baby all in the same year as the Bee airing on TV it’s safe to say it’s been a busy one!“
Congratulations on your new baby boy! How excited were you to start sewing for baby?!
“Thank you so much! I was so excited to get sewing for him and made him some super cute newborn outfits. However we’ve now reached the weaning stage which means food down EVERYTHING – so Im steering clear of precious handmade outfits for now!”
We love keeping up with all your projects on socials, what projects do you currently have on the go?
“I’ve just finished sewing my dream holiday wardrobe for our first family holiday to Tenerife which was super fun. But I’m even more excited to get started on some more casual pieces when I get back. Since becoming a mum I’ve realised I have a few gaps in my handmade wardrobe for every day, so I’m really looking forward to sewing some more separates for summer.”
As a fellow Liberty lover, what do you love about Liberty fabric? Do you have a favourite?
“I literally love everything about Liberty- the colours, the prints, the buttery soft cotton lawn. It’s so hard to choose a favourite but I don’t think you can beat a classic Betsy. I made a Marnie blouse in the neon pink colourway and I think it’s one of my all time favourite makes- so much so I have a metre of the fabric framed in my sewing room!”
Do you have any sewing must-haves?
“I couldn’t live without my set of Milward Extra Sharp scissors and snips- they make cutting out fabric so easy. I also love my loop turning set from Prym, it saves me a lot of time when making narrow straps and drawstrings.”
Any top tips/words of wisdom for new sewers and beginners?
“Trust the process! Sewing can take years to master and it can feel frustrating when you make mistakes as a beginner. But don’t give up! Every mistake is a learning moment and one day you’ll look back and realise just how much you’ve developed as a sewer.”
And lastly, will you be watching this year’s Sewing Bee?
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world! I can’t wait to meet this year’s group of sewers through the screen.”
Go and give Brogan a follow over on Instagram @the_crafty_pie to keep up with all of her latest sewing projects – you won’t regret it!
What Brogan is wearing:
Liberty Tana Lawn Fabric Felicite F
£26.50 Mtr
Liberty Fabric Tana Lawn® Strawberries And Cream B
£25.75 Mtr
Liberty Tana Lawn Fabric Empress A
£26.50 Mtr
