The victor of “The Great British Sewing Bee” has expressed feeling “totally overwhelmed” following her triumph on the BBC One program.
Caz, hailing from Staffordshire, was declared the winner of the show’s 11th series by judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant on Tuesday’s broadcast.
This achievement follows the 60-year-old’s prior success in securing garment of the week honors on three occasions, specifically during design icons week, Korea week, and kids week.
“I am totally overwhelmed, and I still feel quite emotional about it all; it hasn’t quite sunk in,” she stated.
“Of course, my husband and family knew, but I only confided in one friend, so it will be a surprise to many who know me. Even my parents were unaware.”
In the final episode, remaining contestants Caz, Orla, and Yasmin were challenged to craft a bias-cut slip dress, transform sheer garments into a finale ensemble, and produce a winning Trompe l’oeil outfit.
The dress designed by Caz drew inspiration from NHS staff at the Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent, where she underwent open-heart surgery four years prior.
Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, she described the staff as “absolutely outstanding.”
“I can’t explain how beautiful they all were – from the surgeon to the anesthetist to the cleaners, who would come in and chat to you,” she elaborated.
“You need the staff; they are what keep you going. You’re lying there and can’t do anything for yourself.”
“Those smiles and words of warmth are so valuable.”
Caz admitted that she “wanted to give up” on the dress design multiple times but was determined to complete it and showcase it on television.
“It means a lot. It was a big moment for me,” she added.
Young expressed being “really pleased” for Caz, adding that she admired her final garment.
Grant commented: “Caz pulled it out of the bag in spectacular fashion with so much courage, so much flair, so much beautiful technique. It was amazing.”
Caz began sewing at the age of 11 and even crafted her own wedding dress 28 years ago. Although she took a break, her passion was rekindled during the Covid lockdown.
“I have gone and won something; I never win anything,” she remarked. “I didn’t think I would be able to do it. I remember after that very first catwalk, I rang my husband saying I am literally in awe of these people.”
“When I was a child, I loved sewing, and you have no fear; you just sew anything. I think it’s really important to get that fun back; that’s why most of us sew – we sew for the sheer joy and the love of it, and I have got a lot of love for it.”
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