My face... covered in egg (metaphorically)

Last year when I was avidly watching The Great British Sewing Bee, some of you may remember that my mum joined in the CftC Facebook page conversation with some comments about how she'd have approached the challenges differently. My response was something like "if you're so bleeping clever, you go on there" and I sent her the application form for series two. I didn't really think she would apply but reminded her of the closing date and refused to help her complete the application, her being such a clever-clogs and all. 

Fast forward to today's magazine supplement in The Telegraph...


...yep, that's my mum Lynda (on the right) with judge May Martin, in a still from the new series.

I have to tell you that despite the egg on my face, I am SO proud of Mum for taking up my challenge and making it through the rigorous selection process and onto the show. If you didn't notice her hearing-aid, she is deaf. Mum can only hear very high- or low-pitched sounds (e.g. a high-pitched whistle or heavy bass/ low-flying aircraft) but not the human voice. She relies on lip-reading, unless there is someone to sign for her. Things we take for granted such as phone interviews,  screen tests, travelling alone to London by train, etc were a HUGE challenge for her when she embarked on this journey. (The production company were amazing and did everything possible to make this a really incredible experience, accommodating her with video-calls and an interpreter etc.) On top of this, despite making clothes since her teens, she hadn't done much sewing immediately prior to submitting her application. 

This has all been a very hard and very exciting secret to keep - 'background' filming began the first day back from our holiday last August - it has felt like forever! Now that it's official, I am happy to tell you that we can't wait to watch it along with you when the series starts on BBC2 on February 18th (although there is rumour of my mum singing - a deaf person singing isn't always such a great thing so I hope that's been edited out!)... except for my interview.... where I cried... I hope that was edited out too! Of course I already know the outcome of the series, but I haven't seen any of it on screen. 

As last year, I'll be watching and reviewing the series here on the blog. I hope that you'll get to see just how incredible my mum is and why I am super proud of her.

31 comments

  1. What wonderful news. Your mum must have been thrilled and you must be so proud. Can't wait to watch the new series.
    Ali x

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    1. We can't wait and also we may be cringing a little too! :D

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  2. Thats lovely ill be watching x

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  3. Oh wow! Talk about putting your money where your mouth is ...lol. Good for your mum.
    I cant wait to see the new series. I missed out watching Series 1.

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  4. That is so cool. Your mum is a rock star. She go!

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  5. How unbelievably exciting! I can't wait to watch the series :-)

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  6. Hugest kudos to you mum ... and yes, I shall be watching :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Annie, I think she gained so much just from putting herself 'out there' - a massive confidence boost.

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  7. I remember you mum from seeing her around our home town. I'm routing for her. Awesome news. Crafting must be a family trait! Xpob lwc!!!

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  8. Looking forward to watching her and being able to tell people I know her through someone on the internet lol

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  9. Oh how wonderful! Kudos for your mum - she showed you, didn't she? ;) No wonder you are so very proud. I'll put the 18th in my diary!

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  10. Wow that's amazing!! I loved the show last year! Mums are fab!

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  11. Wow! How exciting! I thoroughly enjoyed the last series, but it'll be even more exciting 'knowing' someone on there....your kids must think she is super cool nanny being on the tv! I bet even though you know the outcome you'll still be on the edge of your seat, I would be!

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  12. Oh my goodness, how exciting! I missed last series but will definitely be watching this one. Can't wait to see how your Mum gets on.

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  13. You must be super-proud! I loved the first series, and will enjoy this one even more as I'll know who to 'root' for.How wonderful. x

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  14. How Amazing! That must have been hard to keep a secret. I was going to be watching anyway, but now I'll have someone to root for.

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  15. Amazing, massive well done to your mum, I will be cheering her on!

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  16. That is such great news. I have a hearing problem too (although not as bad as your mum) and know what a challenge life can be at times.
    My hat is off to her and I can't wait to see her in the show which will be all the more enjoyable for having a favourite to cheer on.
    I think this is the first time I've left a comment on your blog but I'm an enthusiastic follower.
    Your adventures in drop spindle spinning got me started and I'm enjoying it very much so a big thank you for the inspiration.
    Margaret

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  17. How fantastic! I will be watching avidly and cheering your Mum along. x

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  18. That's so amazing. I shall be team lynda for sure!

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  19. Your mum rocks!! Good for her xx

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  20. That is so exciting! How brave your mom is!

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  21. How cool is that! Congrats to your mum. :)

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  22. Obviously I've not met your mother but I used to live with a girl with similar hearing loss. This affected her speech quite a lot which had a big effect on her confidence so good on your mum! I know that it's a bit late now what with the filming over and all but POB LWC LYNDA x

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  23. amazing...your mam is amazing...go lynda xxx

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  24. Hi Sarah, Lynda was fab on the show, I like many others thought she brought something extra. In one of the episodes Lynda was wearing a multicolour wrap/scarf - any change of a link to the pattern please? Many thanks Renate

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    1. Hi Renate,
      There is a whole post on the shawl here: http://www.craftsfromthecwtch.co.uk/2014/03/my-knitting-secret-invisible-zip-gbsb.html

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  25. Fabulous! Thank you very much, did have a look around but couldn't see the wood for the trees.

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  26. Would you mind if I posted this link in an FB German knitting group? With the picture of Linda wearing it? Off on holiday now but back in a week.

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