I’m absolutely thrilled and bursting with excitement to share some fantastic news! Becoming an Ambassador for JUKI is an incredible honor, and to top it off, I’ve also been invited to join the JUKI Club as a guest contributor. After such a fulfilling sewing year last year, I truly believe this year is set to be even more spectacular. For those who may not know me, I’m Mercedes Ferrari-Plumridge, and I had the wonderful experience of being a contestant on Series 5 of the Great British Sewing Bee. Dressmaking is my passion, and I’m eager to share my sewing adventures with you all.
From Childhood Crafts to Dressmaking Dreams
My journey into the world of sewing, crochet, and knitting began in my early years, deeply influenced by my Italian grandmother. She was an exceptionally talented crafts woman and lovingly passed down her skills to me from a very young age. Growing up, I was a rather well-fed child, and during my teenage years, when fashionable clothes caught my eye, I realized I needed to learn to make them myself. This necessity blossomed into a love for dressmaking, allowing me to create unique pieces that stood out from mainstream trends. My grandmother firmly believed that sewing was a valuable life skill, and when I moved out at 16, she equipped me with a bed and a second-hand sewing machine – a gift that kept me stitching for years to come.
However, life’s adventures and responsibilities temporarily shifted my focus away from garment creation. Leaving home, starting my first job, navigating new experiences, and then joining the Territorial Army (now the Reservists) at 18 meant that sewing time became scarce. I managed to create a couple of long dresses for our Annual Squadron Dinners, but dressmaking took a backseat for a while. One particular dressmaking experience in 1981 slightly dented my confidence. It was my first attempt at working with stretch fabric, and my sewing machine struggled, constantly missing stitches and causing them to snap. Lacking internet access and guidance on ballpoint needles or stretch stitches, I persevered and finished the dress, but my confidence was shaken. It wasn’t until 2014, watching Series 2 of the Great British Sewing Bee, that I decided to overcome my fear of stretch fabric, and since then, I haven’t looked back.
Costume Design and Sewing Revival
For many years, sewing was limited to occasional garments, home furnishings, and curtains for my children’s rooms. My career path led me to a creative, problem-solving role as an IT project manager. After redundancy, I took a part-time position as a Drama Technician at my children’s secondary school. While staging, lighting, and sound weren’t initially my strengths, costuming the students became a passion. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so that I joined the students and pursued GCSEs in Drama & Performing Arts, focusing on costume design. I began designing and creating costumes for the annual school productions. Although time constraints prevented me from making all the costumes, I always ensured at least one special, standout piece. During this period of renewed sewing opportunity, the first series of the Great British Sewing Bee aired, reigniting my love for all things sewing.
The Great British Sewing Bee Experience
One evening, I stumbled upon a promotion for a new TV show – a show dedicated to sewing! From the very first episode, I was captivated, particularly by the stunning haberdashery. The show was incredibly inspiring, and the winner, Anne, was a true master of quality and finishing. It sparked a realization: I wanted to sew not just occasionally, but at every possible opportunity. Soon after, supermarket shelves were filled with sewing magazines offering tips, advice, and details of sewing workshops. Attending these workshops allowed me to connect with other passionate sewers, and I made lasting sewing friendships. We began following each other on Instagram and expanding our network within this amazing sewing community, all thanks to that one little sewing program.
As for my own experience on the Sewing Bee, I honestly applied on a whim to see how far I could progress. Initially, I even considered declining if I were selected because we had a holiday booked. I submitted my application late on the final day and answered some questions quite casually. At each stage of the selection process, I doubted I would advance further. I still vividly remember the phone call confirming I was through; after the initial shock wore off, I was overwhelmed with the realization of what I had gotten myself into. Sleep evaded me for four days! However, meeting my fellow Bees made every panic attack, sleepless night, and moment of self-doubt completely worthwhile. We remain close friends, and I speak to at least one of them almost daily. They are all incredibly talented individuals and sewers, and I often feel I’m not in their league, but I am always eager to learn and improve.
Becoming a JUKI Ambassador
To support my ongoing pursuit of sewing excellence, I’ve invested in three new JUKI machines. As my primary sewing companion, I’ve treated myself to the top-of-the-line JUKI NX7 model. This machine is truly exceptional, packed with features that I am excited to explore fully and share my findings with you all. I also acquired the JUKI MO-654DE overlocker. While not an air-threading model, it came highly recommended as a highly capable machine. I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces, especially as I frequently work with stretch fabrics and appreciate its seam-finishing capabilities on woven fabrics. Completing my JUKI trio is the JUKI Cover stitch MCS-1800. I recognize that a cover stitch machine is a luxury, but given my love for creating garments in stretch fabrics and the professional finish it provides, it’s an invaluable addition. I also intend to explore other creative applications for it in garment construction.
Wishing you all a wonderful 2020! I am genuinely excited to share my sewing experiences with you here on JUKI Club.
Mercedes lives just outside Brighton with her husband Graham and their two cats, Maggie and Erica. Although their two children have flown the nest, Mercedes still uses them as guinea pigs for new designs and fabrics she wants to try out. Having worked in IT for over 20 years, Mercedes has a keen interest in all things technical and wants to know the ins and outs and whys of everything. 5 years ago Mercedes conquered her fear of stretch fabric. Now it’s her passion. Developing new techniques and encouraging others to use and love this fabric has become her crusade.
Mercedes was a contestant on series 5 of the Great British Sewing Bee and can be found at @ohsewthatmercedes on Instagram, read her Blog at ohsewthatmercedes.wordpress.com
