Bee Creative Be Bold By Caz

04/08/2026

I have no idea what they are going to make on this weeks Great British Sewing Bee.
But it is Mexican week.

These would be my ideas.

A pattern challenge
a peasant style blouse, with colour and Ric RAC.

A transformation Challenge
Upcycled jacket made from Mexican inspired embroidered textiles.

A made to measure challenge
A beautiful big skirt, with lots of swing and flounce.
Tassels and embroidery.

I love Frida kahlo, so I hope she gets a mention.

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

🐝 Bee-Hind the Seams | Sewing Bee Week 3 Review 🐝

This week’s theme on The Great British Sewing Bee was Reduce, Reuse & Recycle.

As always, I’ve set myself the challenge of making what I would have created if I’d been in the Sewing Bee workroom, using only materials I already own.

🩲 Pattern Challenge – Completed!

I made my first pair of handmade knickers from a yellow T-shirt that had been sitting in my wardrobe. I kept the original “Bee Kind” design on the back, giving the T-shirt a completely new purpose while preserving its lovely message.

I’d also planned to cut up my black and white Mountain Warehouse bee T-shirt, but I changed my mind. I still love wearing it, and sometimes the most sustainable choice is deciding not to upcycle something that still has a place in your wardrobe.

🩶 Transformation Challenge

I’d transform a pair of silver faux silk curtains that once hung in my own home into a short cocktail dress, featuring the original curtain eyelets as a dramatic lace-up back, curtain cord, oversized tie-back bow and a hint of reclaimed vintage lace.

The finishing touch would be a handcrafted bee brooch.

The bee brooch would be made entirely from scraps and bits and bobs found in my sewing room. Old buttons, broken jewellery, wire, beads and lace would all be given a new purpose, proving that even the smallest forgotten pieces can become something beautiful.

🌼 Made to Measure – Save the Bees

For my made-to-measure, I’d create a tailored Meadow Collection co-ord from upcycled tea towels that had never actually been used and had been sitting at the bottom of my tea towel drawer waiting for the perfect project.

The tea towels already celebrate pollinators, with bees, butterflies, ladybirds, dragonflies and wildflowers woven into the design, making them the perfect fabric to tell the story.

The outfit would feature a square-neck top with frill sleeves and beautifully tailored trousers with a proper front zip fly, waistband and button fastening, curved front pockets and back pockets. No drawstrings, no embroidery—just careful tailoring and letting the original print be the hero.

To complete the look, I’d make a matching beekeeper’s hat, built over a reclaimed bag-for-life for strength, covered in the same meadow fabric and finished with a veil made from an upcycled white net curtain.

Everything in my Week 3 collection comes from materials I already owned:

🖤 Clothes from my wardrobe.
🩶 Curtains from my home.
🌼 Tea towels from my drawer.
🐝 Scraps and treasures from my sewing room.

Because sustainability doesn’t always mean buying something new. Sometimes it simply means looking at what you already have… and imagining what it could become.

🐝 Bee Creative. Bee Bold. Make something new from something old. 🐝

03/08/2026

Knickers made from last weeks sewing Bee Challenge
From a yellow T-shirt, the Bee Kind is on the Bottom.

03/08/2026

I took on the sewing bee challenge and made a pair of knickers.

03/08/2026

2 Shirts made from upcycled duvet covers for Rob and Steve to wear at at Festival.

02/08/2026

🐝 Bee-Hind the Seams – Week 23

Bee-ing Busy, One Stitch at a Time

Well, what a week it’s been! If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that life is a bit like sewing—
sometimes you have to piece lots of different things together to create something beautiful.

This week has seen me buzzing between nursing, sewing, knitting, swimming, family, teaching and even a little moonlight magic.
So, pop the kettle on, pull up a chair and let me take you behind the seams…

🩷 Saturday – Bee-ginning a New Project

The week started with a wash… not mine, the towels!

Every towel destined to become part of my “Meet Me by the Sea” collection had a trip through the washing machine before becoming something completely different.

I also enjoyed a lovely day with Elsie, making memories together, before catching up with my in laws.
It’s always lovely to spend time with family—it really does fill your cup.

🏊 Sunday – A Breath of Fresh Air

Sunday started with one of my favourite things—an open water swim at Cromhall Quarry.

There’s something incredibly calming about being in the water.
Whatever is swimming around in your mind seems to drift away with every stroke,
leaving you refreshed and ready for the week ahead.

Later, I drafted Ruby’s and Elsie’s Cornwall hoodie patterns,
ordered the hoodie drawstrings and started planning every detail of my little beach collection.

I also spent time with June and visited Mum, making Sunday a lovely balance of creativity and family.

👩‍⚕️ Monday – From Uniform to Sewing Machine

Monday saw me back on the ward before swapping my uniform for an apron.

The rotary cutter came out and the sewing room quickly disappeared under a blanket of fluffy towelling.

I cut out Ruby’s beautiful hibiscus hoodie and Elsie’s fruity hoodie, carefully arranging every pattern piece like a giant jigsaw puzzle to make the very best use of every towel.

I also prepared the contrast bands and rethreaded the overlocker to white.

As every sewist knows… measure twice, cut once… and expect fluff to appear in places you never knew existed!

✂️ Tuesday – Every Stitch Counts

After another day at work, I continued preparing the collection.

I embroidered “Meet Me by the Sea” onto both girls’ hoodie sleeves and down the side of their matching shorts.

It’s amazing how a little embroidery can stitch a whole collection together.

I also designed my own Carbis Bay Hoodie, which will match the navy striped towel shorts I made recently. Every hoodie will have its own contrasting cotton hood lining while sharing the same seaside theme.

Slowly but surely, the collection is taking shape.

🌊 Wednesday – Making the Most of Every Hour

After another busy shift on the ward, I met Stacey for an evening swim at Cromhall Quarry.

Fresh air, open water and good company… exactly what I needed before another evening in the sewing room.

Back home, the hoodies continued to grow as more pieces came together.

Sometimes all you need is a needle, thread and a little determination to patch together a busy day.

Later sleep and I weren’t the best of friends rather than counting sheep,
I decided to count completed training modules instead! All of my mandatory e-learning was complete, and I was back to 100% compliance. A rather satisfying way to end the day and then sleep.

🧵 Thursday – Stitch Happens!

Thursday was a proper making day.

The girls’ hoodies continued to come together beautifully, and I also finished adding the final personalised touches to Rob’s and Steve’s Marvel festival shirts.

Each shirt now has its own embroidered initial alongside my signature little bee.

They’re all packed and ready for a weekend of music, camping and making memories.

A tiny bee… but a big smile every time I stitch one.

🧶 Knitting – Climbing New Heights

My Lake District Cardigan has continued to grow beautifully this week.

All five pieces are now on the second row of the mountain section, and the words “THE LAKE DISTRICT” are all knitted in across the back using the intarsia technique.

It’s certainly keeping me on my toes, but every row brings the landscape a little more to life.

Just like walking in the Lakes, sometimes the climb is the best part.

🌕 Moonlight Magic

One of the most unexpected highlights of my week wasn’t something I made at all.

The beautiful Buck Moon was so incredibly bright that it actually woke me during the night, flooding the room with silvery moonlight.

For a few sleepy moments I genuinely thought someone had left a light on outside!

Of course, I couldn’t resist getting up to admire it—and take a few photographs.

Sometimes nature reminds us to slow down, look up and appreciate the beauty that’s quietly shining above us.

📺 The Great British Sewing Bee

Another week means another episode of The Great British Sewing Bee.
I watch and get ideas, proud of the things I’ve made similar and ready to have a go at a challenge or two.

My “must make” list definitely grows faster than my fabric stash disappears!

👵 Friday – Nana Day

Friday is always one of my favourite days because it’s Nana Day.

I spent the day with little Ari, enjoying cuddles, playtime and plenty of smiles.

We also visited June and Mum, and I managed to catch up with Julie & Jett too.

Family really is the thread that holds everything together.

👩‍🏫 Teaching & Nursing

This week I worked Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nursing , while also enjoying time teaching sewing.

I love helping people discover new skills and watching their confidence grow.
We make shorts with pockets in 2 hours. Seeing someone complete a project they’ve made themselves is every bit as rewarding as finishing one of my own.

🚗 Errands & Little Wins

In between everything else there were parcels to post, errands to run and sewing bits to sell as I continue saving for my dream sewing machine.

Every little sale brings me one stitch closer.

Looking Ahead

Next week I’m hoping to finish Ruby’s and Elsie’s matching beach outfits, begin sewing my own Carbis Bay Hoodie, and keep climbing those knitted mountains on my Lake District Cardigan.

Life may sometimes feel like a tangled bobbin, but with a little patience, a good cup of black coffee and a positive attitude, everything has a way of coming together in the end.

Until next week…

Bee Creative. Bee Bold. Bee Kind.
And remember… life’s too short not to make something that makes you smile. 🐝💛

28/07/2026

The Buck Moon 🌕✨photo taken at 22.00

Tonights night’s sky put on quite a show.
The July full moon, known as the Buck Moon, takes its name from the time of year when male deer begin growing their new antlers.

As it rose through the clouds, the golden light created an incredible display,
with silver linings and dramatic colours that only nature can paint. Moments like these remind us to slow down, look up, and appreciate the beauty that’s right above us.

Did anyone else manage to catch the Buck Moon?
I’d love to see your photos! 📸🌕

26/07/2026

The Great British Sewing Bee –
Week 2: What I Would Have Made 🍓🪡

Week 2 was all about putting my own spin on each challenge while keeping practicality, beautiful finishing and thoughtful design at the heart of every make.

For the Pattern Challenge,
The adaptive top would have used strawberry-print using just the one fabric, with meticulous pattern matching throughout.
The neckline and armholes would be finished with red binding for a crisp contrast,
while a pattern-matched pocket on the left front would blend seamlessly into the print.
To make the top more accessible,
it would feature invisible zips in both side seams that open from the bottom,
making dressing easier.
The curved hem, shorter at the front and longer at the back,
was designed specifically for someone sitting in a wheelchair, reducing excess fabric while maintaining comfort,
dignity and style.

For the Transformation Challenge,
I’d have chosen a brown corduroy jacket and transformed it into a stylish mini skirt.
The original jacket pockets would be reused on the front and back, complete with luxurious purple silky pocket bags,
while purple belt loops would hold a coordinating silky tie belt.
The inside would be fully lined in purple silky sateen,
creating a garment that’s just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.

For the Made to Measure,
I would have recreated my Folia Dress in my much-loved navy koi fabric.
My version is calf length with a distinctive tulip-shaped skirt, flattering belt loops,
a matching fabric tie belt and practical side pockets.
It perfectly balances elegance with everyday wearability,
allowing the stunning koi print to take centre stage.

Week 2 reflects what I love most about sewing—
thoughtful design,
inclusive fashion,
clever upcycling and
creating garments that are both beautiful and practical.
Every detail has a purpose,
from invisible adaptive fastenings to luxurious hidden finishes,
proving that accessibility and style can go hand in hand.

Bee Creative. Bee Bold. Make something new from something old. 🐝✂️


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