Patrick Grant says ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ has stopped local haberdasheries going bust.
Patrick Grant has revealed the positive impact the show has had on real-life businesses
The Scottish fashion designer, 51, a judge on the BBC’s sewing battle reality show, credits the series for giving a platform to local businesses on the verge of closing down.
He told Radio Times: “I had a letter from a haberdashery in Essex. They were on the verge of going out of business but now they’ve rented bigger premises.”
Season nine of the arts and craft show was recently announced, and will see a new set of 12 amateur sewists compete.
Each week, the wannabee dressmakers will take part in three sewing challenges to test their technical and creative skills and create a number of garments ranging from affordable apparel to fancy high fashion.
On 'The Great British Sewing Bee' Instagram account, a snap of Sara Pascoe, Patrick and Esme Young was captioned: "The Bee is back. Join @Sara.Pascoe, @PatrickGrantism, @Miss_Esme_Young and a haberdashery full of new sewers. Wednesday 24th May. 9pm. BBC One. #SewingBee."
Presenter Sara is buzzing to be back presenting her second series, after taking over from Joe Lycett.
She told the Metro: "It's a really, really fun show to film. The production company are very, very lovely people.
"Some of those shows can be quite hard for their competitors. There are tears and recriminations! But Sewing Bee is really, really respectful."
Series nine kicks off on BBC One on 24 May at 9pm.