THE popularity of a TV sewing show has led to an upsurge of interest in people who are curious about the craft.

The Great British Sewing Bee returned to our TV screens last week introducing a new host and 10 new amateur contestants.

Sue Simmons runs craft workshops from her Sooz in the Shed base in Atlas Works, Denton Holme.

Sue and guest tutors teach craft skills including knitting, crochet, machine-sewing and patchwork. She has been crafting since childhood.

She started teaching in 2005 when she opened her first business, The Bead Shed. She then worked at Hobbycraft and was invited to the company’s head office to feature in some of its YouTube videos.

At Sooz in The Shed there are general classes and mother and toddler sessions, after-school clubs and children’s parties.

Sue said: "The TV show Sewing Bee is definitely popular.

"I'd say my most popular courses are crochet and learning how to use a sewing machine."

Sue is a fan of the Sewing Bee show.

She said: "I think the show is popular because it's a bit like Bake Off. The format of producing something from nothing appeals like the upcycling challenges.

"I met the show's presenter Patrick Grant at a Harris Tweed exhibition at Rheged. He's a very charismatic man."

Sue is keen to attract all kinds of people - men and women - to her workshops. She said: "I'd like to see more men. I get a lot of retired women and working women and ladies who have mental health and anxiety problems. Getting through the door is the hardest thing for them and once they're here it's like one big comfortable family. They know where the kettle is and they put it on themselves."

Sue says people are keen to repair their clothes rather than go out and buy new ones.

She said: "I think people are thinking more about things like that. You could spend 10 minutes repairing an old coat rather than going out and buying a new one. Sometimes it's just having and learning the skills to be able to do that."

In her bid to encourage sewing, Sue is putting on a special class learning how to make a pin cushion.

It will be held on March 19 from 10am to 11am; 11am to 12pm; 12pm to 1pm and 1pm to 2pm. The cost is £3 and includes the materials.

Sue said: "Anyone can come and make a pin cushion, using a sewing machine which will be already threaded and the fabric of our choice. You will learn how to cut your fabric, piece it together and sew to join them all up. It is sure to get people addicted, but if not you will still have a handy pin cushion to take away. The class will give people a taste to see if they would like to continue."

To book a place visit Sooz in the Shed on Facebook or https://www.soozintheshed.co.uk/

The Great British Sewing Bee airs Tuesdays at 9pm on BBC Two.