About Me
Hi I'm Clive. I started sewing when I was around 10 years old. My mum and I made some curtains for our home on an old hand cranked Singer sewing machine that was given to us by a relative. BEST GIFT EVER!
Ever since I’ve always been interested in sewing. I went to college and studied textile design. From there I went to university to study a Fashion BA Honours Degree at University college for the Creative Arts in Epsom. This is where I really honed my skills as a sewer and pattern cutter.
Sadly this is where my journey came to a temporary halt as I had to come back to Warwickshire. I found work, paid the bills, got married, had two lovely pooches and settled down in our lovely home town of Kenilworth.
Over the past few years with the support of my family and friends I was encouraged to start my own business. Unfortunately like everyone else my business was badly impacted by COVID 19 and the lockdowns in the U.K. But despite the pandemic I’ve been extremely lucky with new exciting opportunities over the last couple of years. This included a regular guest slot on the tv programme Sewing Street and along with my husband Mark we've attended many sewing shows and exhibitions. Together we've built up Marks successful brand and released lots of sewing patterns too.
I'm excited for 2023 as I'll be launching my new We Sew Too! patterns and nothing makes me happier than being at my sewing machine and being creative.
In 2019 he applied to appear on the Great British Sewing Bee (with a helpful BIG nudge from me) and in April 2020 he made his TV debut getting through to the quarterfinals of series 6.
His skills have really amazed me and I couldn’t be prouder.
He’s also a very accomplished Pianist and has been playing for 35 years. We’ve shared lots of lovely evenings sat at the piano listening to his wonderful music.
Following the Sewing Bee Mark’s been able to pursue his creative passions full time. He has a thriving business, selling patterns, working on bespoke commissions, as well as dabbling with his joy of everyday cosplay and it’s great that we’re able to share this together. Go check out all he's been up to at sewmarkfrancis.com.
