We Won BBC Radio 2’s Pitch Your Passion!

Well, this is something I never expected to be writing…

K&B Sewing Machines has just won BBC Radio 2’s Pitch Your Passion!

Today I had the slightly terrifying but incredibly exciting experience of going on BBC Radio 2 and pitching something I care enormously about — sewing and the positive effect it can have on our mental health and wellbeing.

And somehow… I WON!

Why I chose to talk about sewing and mental health

When I was asked to pitch my passion, there was really only one thing I wanted to talk about.

At K&B, sewing machines are obviously our business — but sewing itself means so much more to me than simply making things.

I've experienced first-hand how creativity can help when life is difficult. Sewing gives us something to focus on, something to achieve and sometimes simply a little bit of quiet when our heads feel anything but quiet.

And the wonderful thing is you don't even have to be particularly good at it to benefit from it.

There is something incredibly satisfying about sitting at a sewing machine and creating something with your own hands.

Then there's the social side of sewing. Classes, workshops, sewing groups and simply sitting around a table making things together can bring people into our lives and help combat loneliness and isolation.

That's something we've always tried to create at K&B Sewing Machines in Hampshire. I don't just want us to be somewhere you buy or service a sewing machine. I want K&B to be somewhere people feel welcome, learn something new, meet other creative people and rediscover the joy of sewing.

Pitching to Romesh Ranganathan on Radio 2

I had just 45 seconds to explain all of that!

No pressure then. 😂

I spoke about why sewing matters, the benefits creativity can have for our wellbeing, and why I believe more people should give it a try.

And, of course, I managed to get K&B Sewing Machines into my pitch too!

Then came the waiting, the voting… and the absolutely wonderful news that I'd won Pitch Your Passion.

I still can't quite believe it.

A rather special day for K&B

Running a small independent business isn't always easy. K&B has grown from our love of sewing machines, engineering and helping people get more enjoyment from their sewing.

So hearing our little Hampshire sewing-machine business mentioned on BBC Radio 2 felt pretty surreal.

But what made me happiest was being given the opportunity to talk to a national audience about something I genuinely believe:

Sewing isn't just about what you make. Sometimes it's about what making does for you.

If hearing the programme encourages even a handful of people to dust off an old sewing machine, join a class, learn a new skill or find a creative outlet when they need one, then I'll be very happy indeed.

And to everybody who listened, supported me and voted for my pitch- thank you.

You helped a small Hampshire sewing business have a rather extraordinary day. ❤️