Sewing Bee winner Annie Phillips answers Telegraph Recommended reader questions

How did your sewing journey start?

Lorna, South East

My sewing journey started when I was around eight. My grandmother is Ghanaian and it’s a part of her culture to make her own clothes. So she, without question, said: “You’re learning! You’re learning how to sew!” to me and all my cousins. But I was the only one that pursued it. I’m really glad I did as it gave me a different outlook on dressing, clothing, altering and vintage that I continued into my adult life.

What inspired you to innovate with sustainable dressing?

Charnjit, West Midlands

For me, reworking from home is something that’s always been in my family. My dad has upcycled furniture for a long time. I can’t remember anything that we had from new, so it wasn’t a conscious choice. As a student it was out of necessity but also being experimental. Then, working in the fashion industry, I saw how much waste there was and I thought this is something I can practically do as a conscious choice to try and tackle waste.

Should sewing be a core part of the school curriculum?

Lisa, South East

It’s a necessity to hopefully change people’s concept of how disposable clothing is. It’s really surprising seeing people unable to change a button or expand the lifespan of something really, really simply. I think it would be amazing to see sewing go back into the curriculum for children.