From hand-sewing clothes for Barbie dolls using her dad’s old socks to stepping into the sewing room on The Great British Sewing Bee, Angie Hinksman’s sewing journey has taken her to some unexpected places.
Sewing has been part of Angie’s life for many years, first influenced by her mum and gran and later rediscovered as a creative passion in its own right.
We caught up with Angie to hear where it all began, what encouraged her to apply for The Great British Sewing Bee, and what life inside that famous sewing room was really like.
Where My Sewing Story Began
My sewing story started when I was quite young, when my mum taught me to sew. We would make clothes for my Barbie dolls by hand, sometimes using my dad’s old socks!
I started sewing properly when I was pregnant with my first child. I made maternity clothes for myself and then clothes for my growing children, until it eventually became far too 'uncool' to have your mum make your clothes.
Over the years, I mostly sewed things for the house, including curtains and cushions. Then, during lockdown, I returned to sewing clothes for myself and began making quilts and other craft projects for friends and family too.
Inspired by Mum and Gran
Both my mum and my gran were inspirational when it came to sewing.
My mum could make a dress in a day without using a pattern. She would simply freestyle it. My gran, meanwhile, was a skilful quilt maker.
It was my mum who really taught me to sew, although I also had sewing lessons at school. Those I hated!
Looking back, though, sewing was always there.
My First Proper Make
My first proper make was a Chanel-inspired cape in black wool with cream braiding.
I made it the week before I flew to England for the first time, more than 40 years ago, and I can still remember it.
Today I sew on a pre-loved BERNINA B770QE with an embroidery module. My sewing now covers everything from dressmaking to quilting and embroidery, which is probably a good reflection of how my interests have developed over the years.
Taking the Leap and Applying for The Great British Sewing Bee
What made me decide to apply for The Great British Sewing Bee?
That is a tricky one. I am still not quite sure what possessed me to do it. I think I simply loved the idea of spending time with a group of other people who were every bit as passionate about sewing as I was.
It was definitely one of the bravest things I have ever done.
The audition process was quite long, with several different stages, but it was exciting too, and, of course, there were lots of conversations about sewing, which is something I could happily talk about all day.
Inside the Sewing Bee
One of the things viewers perhaps do not see is just how much detailed critique and advice Patrick Grant and Esme Young give the contestants.
They were such an amazing double act.
A good friend summed it up perfectly when he pointed out that I was effectively receiving a masterclass from a Savile Row tailor, alongside advice from one of Britain’s most influential fashion designers and teachers.
That experience was priceless.
Friendships Beyond the Sewing Room
One of the loveliest parts of the whole experience was the friendships.
I formed some wonderful friendships with the other contestants. We became like one big family, and we still talk regularly and have met up several times since filming ended.
Sewing brought us together, but those friendships have continued well beyond the programme.
My Favourite Sewing Bee Challenges
My favourite, and probably scariest, challenge was the made-to-measure in the very first episode, when we had to make a garment for ourselves.
Dancing down the catwalk afterwards was so much fun.
I also particularly loved the Adaptive Pattern Challenge. It is something I feel strongly about, and it was wonderful to work with Victoria.
Adaptive clothing can make an enormous difference to people’s independence and confidence, yet there is still far too little choice available.
Favourite Makes From My Fellow Contestants
Choosing one favourite make from the other contestants is almost impossible.
Beth’s Bag for Life outfit was amazing, and watching Sam strut his stuff in the chinos he had made himself was brilliant.
Heather’s Barbie outfit was fabulous, Tim’s vegetable garden skirt was wonderfully imaginative, Dawn’s made-to-measure dress was dreamy, and Anna’s hatbox transformation was incredibly clever.
Then there was Rebecca’s dress with its seemingly endless pink godets, Lewis’s beautiful organic smock and Minnie’s zero-waste, hand-stitched outfit.
I also loved Emma’s swimsuit-and-trouser combination and Adele’s green made-to-measure cord outfit.
Everyone brought something completely individual to the sewing room, and that was part of what made the experience so special.
From Barbie Clothes to the Sewing Bee
When I look back, it is quite extraordinary that sewing has taken me from making tiny Barbie clothes with my mum to appearing on The Great British Sewing Bee.
But perhaps the thread running through all of it is simply the enjoyment of making something yourself.
There is always another technique to learn, another fabric to try and another idea waiting to become the next project.
And after all these years, that is still what keeps me sewing.
About Angie Hinksman
Angie Hinksman appeared on The Great British Sewing Bee and has been sewing for much of her life.
Her sewing interests now span dressmaking, quilting, embroidery and creative projects, with her BERNINA B770QE at the heart of much of what she makes.
From childhood sewing with her mum to competing in the Sewing Bee, her story is a lovely reminder that sewing is something we continue to learn from, enjoy and return to throughout our lives, as well as a wonderful way to build lasting friendships along the way.
You can follow more of Angie’s sewing on Instagram at @angiehinksman.
