Sewing Bee episode 5 wardrobe ideas
Are you watching the new series of The Great British Sewing Bee? We were thrilled that the TV show has returned with ten new contestants battling it out to be named the best sewer in Britain. This year the show has a new judge, Joe Lycett, who joins Patrick Grant and Esme Young. If you haven’t seen all the latest news about the show, take a look at the BBC’s dedicated site about all things Bee! You will find contestant profiles, interviews with the judges and episode guides. Also take a look through our blog for other sewing bee posts.
We will be continuing our blog series about the sewing bee today and each week we will be sharing our pattern picks here and also listing them in our shop for easy browsing. All the patterns have been selected for their similar design features and styles to help you recreate these looks at home for your own handmade wardrobes.
Week five: recycled fabrics
Challenge 1
In the fifth episode of the show, contestants had three challenging tasks starting with sewing a pussy bow blouse. Take a look at our pattern suggestions below to recreate this look at home.
Vogue® Patterns V8772
This is a fitted blouse with collar, sleeve and hem variations. Versions A and B have a pussy bow blouse collar that extends into tie ends. Versions A, B and D have a continuous lap with pleats and button cuffs on sleeves. All of the versions C, D, E and F have a collar and collar band.
Vogue® Pattern 9029
This fitted blouse has princess seams, front button bands, sleeves with continuous lap, pleats, button cuffs, and French seams. It also has a narrow hem and sleeve ruffles. To recreate the sewing bee look try version E and F, which has a bias collar extending into tie ends.
Challenge 2
The second challenge was reusing fabric scraps from previous challenges. A range of styles were used by contestants so we have shared our favourite patterns inspired by the show for you to peruse below.
New Look 6507
Easy to make off the shoulder ruffle top and dress in two lengths can be worn off one or two shoulders and straps can be added for more support. All garments have a flounce at neckline that can be double layered and trimmed. Just extend this top to create a dress version as seen in the show.
Vogue® Pattern 8956
This wrap skirt is semi-fitted with a button and/or hook & eye closing, and narrow hem. Versions A,B,C and D also have a waistband. You can choose to have a dramatic drape to one side by using versions A,B,E or F. Just to note though that you will need fabric where you are happy to see the wrong side if you choose this option.
Challenge 3
The final challenge involved creating day dresses using recycled household fabrics such as curtains. There was a range of styles featured in the final challenge this week and we thought we would share some of our favourite patterns that could be hacked to create the looks in the show.
New Look 6341 – as seen on screen!
This dress was used by Leah on the Sewing Bee and it has princess seams and scoop back, which is perfect for any occasion. The dress can be just above the knee with or without lace sleeves, floor length with short sleeves, or sleeveless with floor length high low. We love the dramatic pleats on this dress.
Vogue® Patterns 9252
This dress is very similar to the one used by Juliet in the final challenge. It is a close-fitting dress, has front and back princess seams with a lined bodice. The dress also has in seam pockets and high low hemline. Just a note, the wrong side of fabric will show. The pattern also comes with A, B, C and D Cup Sizes.
Simplicity 8635
Whether you’re looking for a dress, jumpsuit or romper this pattern has it all. Featuring strappy back detailing with neckline options and invisible pockets. Combine this pattern with the one featured above to recreate Juliet’s complete look.
Gertie for Butterick 6453
The Butterick dress has a close fitting bodice with princess seams, a back zipper, adjustable straps with ring and slider. The full skirt gathers into the bodice to give this dress lots of swish. You could easily gather the hem on this dress to create the ‘bubble’ look by Mercedes.
Simplicity 4070
Add straps to this Simplicity 4070 dress to recreate the Sewing Bee look with bubble skirt. This dress has a fitted bodice with princess seam and optional waistband.
Simplicity 1080
Play with pretty prints and patterns with these “granny chic” frocks for Simplicity. The pattern includes cap sleeve dress with optional contrast band, or tunic, all with large contrast patch pockets. Designed by Dottie Angel for Simplicity.
New Look 6526
Be the best dressed at your next big event with this New Look dress. The pattern features sleeveless, drop shoulder, and long sleeve dresses that can be made short, maxi or high low. For a romantic look make your bodice in lace and add a bow around waist.
Don’t forget to share your latest makes with us on social media using the hashtags #simplicitybyme or #mccallsbyme. We can’t wait to see what you’ve been making. There are prizes to be won each month too!