Debra might be a self-admitted messy sewer with lots of random fabric and assorted projects all over the place, but she was definitely a fan favorite on The Great British Sewing Bee season 8. Furthermore, after winning the first “Garment of the Week” title of the season, she was able to earn herself even more love from the audience as well as the judges.
Learn more about her as this “British Sewing Bee Debra Bio” proceeds.
Meet Debra From The Great British Sewing Bee
BBC Two’s The Great British Sewing Bee returned for its 8th installment on April 27, 2022, and it saw a group of talented home sewers including Debra, ready to impress judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant.
Joining Debra this season were her co-contestants — Man Yee, Annie, Cristian, Mitch Bridgewater, Marni, Steve, Brogan Sommerville, Richy, Gill, Chichi, and Angela.
Unfortunately, Mitch was the first one to be sent home.
On the other hand, Debra won the first “Garment of the Week” title of that season after sewing a dress described as “stunning” by the judges who also loved the material’s intricate watercolor detail.
After the win, Debra expressed her humility, “The other guys are incredibly strong, a lot better than me. I was really impressed with what everybody else had put together, it was really inspiring to see the creativity.”
Continuing her brilliancy from the first week, Debra again impressed the judges with her “Zebra’s” soon-to-be patented term for her intricate, ripple effect pleats. However, this time, she secured second place while Man Yee won the Pattern Challenge.
Sadly, leaving this week was Chichi.
After watching the first ep of The Great British Sewing Bee, Debra took it to her IG to share that the filming started back in September 2021 in Leeds. She recalled that she was excited and nervous, but most of all, thankful for being selected and not catching COVID before getting there.
British Sewing Bee Debra Job
Debra is undoubtedly a sewer at heart. But prior to appearing on The Great British Sewing Bee, she had a job as a Communication Lead and Personal Assistant for a multi-national company.
Holding her first needle at the age of 9, Debra initially started out by making outfits for her dolls. She then eventually worked her way up to full-sized garments for herself.
Besides the passion for collecting vintage designer accessories, this talented sewer is also inspired by designers whose clothes are out of her reach such as Erdem, Gucci, and Chanel. She prefers to develop her own designs and freestyle rather than rigidly follow a pattern.
No wonder, her “Zebra’s” featured on the second week (Sports Week) of Sewing Bee was on its way to being patented for her intricate, ripple effect pleats.
However, later Debra confessed she wasn’t much of a “sportswear” person. It wasn’t something she wore. But she “thoroughly enjoyed coming up with a jacket for the hero in the house: Wales and British Lions captain”
In case you missed the second ep, the contestants were given four hours to create a pair of trainers. They had to be robust and wearable, with a decent color combination to boot.
As for her icon, Debra is a big fan of Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld. She believes that it was Coco who revolutionized how women dressed — “She believed in freedom of movement, so off came the corset and jersey were utilized for comfortable, loose-fitting garments,” Debra explained.
So, taking inspiration from Coco, one of Debra’s outfits comprised of a long-length skirt with a simple top. Both – no pattern.
Also, Debra is “hugely interested” in the history of fashion. Most of her pieces took inspiration from deadstock wear from the past.
British Sewing Bee Debra Age
Debra was 51 years of age in 2020.
She was the season oldest constant on season 8 of The Great British Sewing Bee, with the oldest being Angel — 63 years of age then.
Is British Sewing Bee Debra Married?
Yes, Debra is married. She often was found sailing or snorkeling in the chilly waters off Anglesey with her husband and son.
Trivia: Sam Squires (a retired Administrator & Design team member) could be her relative.
What Is The Great British Sewing Bee Debra Last Name?
The Great British Sewing Bee Debra’s last name wasn’t revealed as of 2022.
Did you know: An average Communication Lead (Debra’s job) in the UK made around $66 thousand per annum. So, that was probably what Debra earned before her sewing career lit up.
British Sewing Bee Debra Height
Debra stands tall at a height above 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm).
Her distinct features include — a long triangular face, brown eyes, and big prescription glasses.
Related FAQs
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Where Is British Sewing Bee Debra From?
Debra is from the Isle of Anglesey, Wales, UK.
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Is British Sewing Bee Debra On Instagram?
Yes, as of May 2022, find Debra on Instagram @debragoldenzebra with 1.1K followers.
Most of her posts then featured her sewing works and designs.
