But the cakes were not of interest for Vickie Lane, of Middlebie, who was instead glued to the screen to get a glimpse of the blankets in the famous tent.
It’s not that she doesn’t like gateaux, pastries and biscuits, but as the owner of Solway Blankets, she was more excited to see some of her woollen products being used as props.
Explaining how it came about, the mum-of-two said: “The Great British Bake Off approached me directly as the set design team are equally as passionate about British made as I am, and they were keen to include some homely comfort into the tent this year.
“The idea being the blankets are not only to decorate, but for the use of the bakers to wrap themselves in after a long day baking.”
And she was thrilled to spot some in the first episode last week, saying: “It was fabulous to get a couple of glimpses during the first episode. It’s a great feeling to have been asked to provided several blankets by such a prestigious programme.
“Solway Blankets is a small business but nonetheless passionate about what we do, and having established this connection, I hope to do more in the future.”
It’s not the first big name connection Vickie has made and she is proud to have previously worked with other well known names, providing over 100 blankets to Jaguar/Landrover to be gifted to international delegates at a corporate event, as well as on location fashion shoots for British Vogue magazine and Crew Clothing.
It’s also the firm’s second TV appearance after donating blankets for an episode of DIY SOS.
News of Vickie’s Bake Off blanket appearance has been spreading and she said: “It has caused a buzz on social media and resulted in some new customers which we are delighted to welcome and serve.
“Solway Blankets will continue to bang the drum for fabulous British designed and woven blankets as textile mills have had a rough time and many have closed permanently.”
She is also working on developing the corporate side of the company and is looking towards Christmas and also tweaking her systems as coronavirus rears up again.
Vickie said: “Emphasis will be placed on our gift box service and direct delivery to loved ones meaning less handling of items during these Covid times.”
