Sewing Bee Champ Caz Stuns with Heartfelt Designs and Big Win!

Caz from Staffordshire was announced as the winner of the 11th series of The Great British Sewing Bee, and she described feeling 'totally overwhelmed' by her victory. The judges, Esme Young and Patrick Grant, crowned her the winner after she had already won garment of the week three times during the competition, specifically in design icons week, Korea week, and kids week. Caz shared that the news of her win was kept secret from almost everyone except her husband, family, and one close friend, making it a huge surprise for many people who know her. She admitted, 'I am totally overwhelmed and I still feel quite emotional about it all, it hasn't quite sunk in. '

The final episode was a tough challenge for the three remaining contestants: Caz, Orla, and Yasmin. They were asked to create a bias cut slip dress, transform sheer garments into a show-stopping finale outfit, and design a Trompe l'oeil garment, which is a piece that tricks the eye with its clever design. The show was hosted by Sara Pascoe, with Esme Young and Patrick Grant as judges. Caz's final dress was inspired by the NHS staff at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, where she underwent open-heart surgery four years ago. She spoke highly of the staff, saying, 'I can't explain how beautiful they all were - from the surgeon to the anaesthetist to the cleaners, who would come in and chat to you. ' She emphasized how important the staff were to her recovery, saying, '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 revealed that she struggled at times with her dress design and felt like giving up, but she was determined to finish it and see it on TV. 'It means a lot. It was a big moment for me,' she said. Judge Esme Young expressed her happiness for Caz and praised her final garment, while Patrick 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 age 11 and made her own wedding dress 28 years ago, but she stopped for a while before rediscovering her passion during the Covid lockdown. She said, 'I have gone and won something, I never win anything. I didn't think I would be able to do it. ' Caz believes that sewing should be fun and full of joy, and she has a deep love for it. The show encouraged viewers to get in touch and share stories from Staffordshire, and it highlighted the creativity and dedication of the contestants.