Mark Francis is guest designer on Sewing Street TV, an ambassador for Vlieseline, Juki and Native Lighting and was a quarter finalist on The Great British Sewing Bee 2020.

Mark came to sewing later in life, but his fascination began in childhood with an old treadle-powered Singer sewing machine owned by his grandparents. 

Around the same time, Mark fell in love with Doctor Who, often dressing up as the Doctor in improvised costumes. While he longed to make his own clothes and outfits, sewing wasn’t something encouraged for boys in the 1980s. Instead, he explored creativity through music, art, acting, and dance—always carrying the quiet desire to sew.

Years later, Mark finally learned to use a sewing machine, and his passion quickly took flight. Though the old Singer is long gone, his love for sewing and costume-making—especially inspired by Doctor Who—continues to grow, fuelled by imagination and a dedication to lifelong learning.