Material world

The Great British Sewing Bee is back, and the 'make do and mend' philosophy is on our radar.

These days, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to shopping. The internet means that everything is at your fingertips. You need a dress for a party? Click. A shirt? A cinch. A pair of trousers for work? Easy.

But you have to admit, nothing ever truly fits, does it? If you work out, you might find that your trousers fit your thighs but leave your waist gaping like a windsock. Or maybe you've got a big chest, or short arms. Or you're just shaped like you and not like a shop mannequin.

Sound familiar? Join the club.

I've been looking for the dream dress for years, but nothing ever fits well. I'm a curvy size 16, buying off the rail doesn't work for me very well and as a result, my options are limited.

I've got a posh do coming up and I really wanted a dress to wear that fit. There's quite a big difference between my waist and my bust, and so I always have to buy something in a stretchy material to accommodate both.

It's a pain, because I can't wear what I want – something structured and beautiful – and some shops are an absolute no-go, like Topshop, where I feel everything is pretty straight up and down.

Inspired by the originality of the Sewing Bee and keen to find something perfect, I sought a dressmaker that wasn't going to cost me an arm and a leg.

After searching online for something perfect (shopping around does help, after all), I tracked down Becci Bayliss, a dress maker and sewing instructor from Codsall.

The 33-year-old mum of three has been making clothes for 17 years after her grandma, 83-year-old Beryl Johnson, taught her the skill. Beryl used to make bears for Aston Villa Football Club to sell in the club shop and she passed her needlework skills down to her granddaughter.

Now teaching sewing at Stafford College, Becci, like her grandmother, is sharing her abilities with the world and has made a successful career of it.

When I saw Becci's dresses, I loved them. They're very vintage in style – big circle skirts with petticoats, bright and unusual designer materials, and a real element of originality. I had to pay her visit to see what she could make me for my party."

Becci's workshop is fun, bright and very homely. Based in the conservatory of her house, the room is awash with colour – fabrics of all designs adorn every nook and cranny, along with mannequins bearing shining examples of her work. On her table sit huge machines – for sewing and embroidery – and there's something effortlessly warm and welcoming about it.

This is Becci's home, where she lives and works. Her own outfit is a delight of fabric and embroidery – unique, fun and unlike anything else. As if by magic, a tape measure appears in her hand like it's a natural part of her person and Becci takes my measurements. So far, so great.

She says: "When I first started sewing, I was just customising things and amending them to fit me. My grandma showed me how to make a pattern from a pair of trousers on sheets of newspaper, and I amended it to make my own.

"I started to get material from the market and make my own clothes, like huge trousers that completely covered my shoes! I did courses on and off, in adult education and things, but it wasn't until my youngest son Frankie was born three years ago that I started properly making clothes.

"I made bibs and appliquéd onesies and booties and stuff, and people started asking where I'd got them and asking if I'd make some for them."

When Frankie was one, Becci began her business. She makes clothes under the brand Zombunny Designs whilst teaching at home and running an evening course at Stafford College.

"I make things that are a bit quirky and different – nothing too nicey nicey really. I take inspiration from the retro, rockabilly eras and I try not to make anything I don't like! I have to love it.

"I know what a pain it is to find things you like and making my own things was just more affordable. I enjoy making clothes for other people and I get joy from making them something they love.

"I'd love to design something for Helena Bonham Carter, or see plus-size model Tess Munster in one of my dresses," she adds.

That's part of the beauty of Becci's craft. Everything about the experience feels special – being measured, hand choosing the material and having something crafted just for you.

"People can order online from me or pop in and I'll measure them up for something. If they see something they like but want it adjusted to fit them, then I'll do it!"

So how much does it cost? To have a local designer hand sew a dress just for you, to your measurements and requirements in a designer material of your choice?

Well, you might be surprised. Becci has two popular designs – the slash-neck Maria dress with sleeves, and the high-neck sleeveless gown called the Ruby.

The Maria dress is priced from £55 and the Ruby starts from £45 depending on the fabric.

I was lost in a whirl of delightful fabrics so chose one of each design. I can't believe my luck having two dresses that fit me perfectly in every way.

And now I can't wait to wear them, and it feels even more special that it was made locally and with love. It's so important to champion local businesses and so I'm going to wear my dresses with pride.

Whether you have something created just for you, or you want to learn how to sew yourself, Becci is sharing all her skills.

For more information, or for details of Becci's sewing classes, email her at becci@beccibunnymakes.com

The Great British Sewing Bee is on BBC Two on Thursdays at 8pm.