Venturing beyond the comfort zone of designing kids’ clothing – a line which frees creators of the measuring and fitting complications “boobs and bums” present – Amanda’s dazzling creations for women became increasingly adventurous, more dramatic. The judges thrilled to her incredible attention to detail, praising her as the show ‘s ‘most technical seamstress’.

Serena Sews | Signed Copy | Hardback - Sew Confident Serena Sews | Signed Copy | Hardback - Sew Confident

Reader's Digest's popular Complete Guide to Sewing has become the standard stitch and seam reference book for both beginner and seasoned sewers. At the time I didn’t realise that sewing was acting as a distraction for me,” explained Baker, now 23 and about to enter her final year at medical school at the University of Edinburgh.From old curtains and towels to tablecloths and throws, you can use fabrics from soft furnishings in scrap fabric projects using techniques like patchwork or quilting, make fabric jewellery or even small purses and toys. Serena Baker, who is also the programme’s first Scottish winner, is to appear in a special event hosted by Sew Confident in Broughty Ferry on Monday. It’s where people make friends, exchange phone numbers and arrange to meet up, and they can share the things they have made amongst themselves through a private Facebook group.

Serena Sews - Mostly Books Serena Sews - Mostly Books

As the projects get more complex, you'll practise and perfect the skills you've learned, and build your sewing confidence. People have come here, made items of clothing and gone on to wear them on holiday and to weddings, and they’ve made clothing for their kids,” said Amanda, who gets great satisfaction from the rewards her students reap from their new-found love of sewing.

Serena Sewsis the new sought-after guide to the popular craft by Serena Baker, the 2021 winner of The Great British Sewing Bee. The brand new series of The Great British Sewing Bee kicked off on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 9pm on BBC One. Now a hive of activity, Amanda and four additional tutors offer classes for all abilities, running every evening and at weekends. Sewing a soft toy is less daunting than making a garment so if clothesmaking doesn't appeal but you're still keen to get your stitch game on try one of the adorable projects in this sewing book. Serena thrilled the programme’s judges with her attention to detail and wowed viewers with her distinctive ‘refashioning projects’.

Serena Sews (Hardback) - Serena Baker | Jarrolds, Norwich Serena Sews (Hardback) - Serena Baker | Jarrolds, Norwich

Sew You Can encourages its pupils to follow ‘indie’ patterns from British designers, manufactured in small batches by UK companies. Season two winner, Heather Jacks, continues to sew and has designed her own fabric ranges for The Craft Cotton Company. Now, with stunning photography and design, this book breathes fresh life into the craft of sewing to make one-off, versatile, long-lasting items to cherish. With Amanda’s firm having outgrown the Brandon House space, she claimed the keys five months ago to a building on Hamilton’s Guthrie Street.

They’re a great way to practise your sewing skills and with Christmas around the corner, it’s worth taking a moment to see which sewing books you’d like to add to your Santa wish list.

Serena Sews: How to Make Beautiful, Interchangeable Serena Sews: How to Make Beautiful, Interchangeable

Judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young will decide the top sewer of the week and which of the contestants will be sent home. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. There are many books in the Sewing Bee library but this is one of our favourites as it explains the different techniques every seamstress and tailor should master to ensure their clothes are of the highest quality that even Patrick Grant would be impressed by. Projects include blinds, bed throws and table linen – all made by hand using your favourite fabrics and sewing machine.In Serena Sews, you'll learn how master must-have skills - from zip insertion to pressing perfection - to boost your sewing confidence and give your garments a professional finish- work with basic pattern blocks to adapt and rework as you build your repertoire- 'refashion' existing items like an oversized shirt into a summer dress, or an old pair of jeans into a cute crop top- save money and work sustainably by choosing pre-loved garments and fabrics for your projectsSerena Sews breathes fresh life into the craft of sewing to make one-off, versatile, long-lasting items to cherish.