Sewing Bee episode 6 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 six: British and Irish fabrics
Challenge 1
In the sixth episode of the show, contestants had three challenging tasks starting with sewing a linen worker’s style jacket. Take a look at our pattern suggestions below to recreate this look at home.
Simplicity 8697
Look chic in this oversized boyfriend blazer from Simplicity. The pattern includes four styles that will give you a one of a kind look that is uniquely you. Sizes for misses and women’s’ include 10-28W and the pattern features a notched or shawl lapel. This jacket would look great in a linen or lightweight tweed, alternatively go for a modern look and choose a floral print.
Vogue® Patterns 8988
This fitted, unlined jacket has a collar, collar band and shoulder pads. The front extends around the side to the back with welt pockets (in and out side), in side right button tab, back vent and interfaced, lined, two-piece sleeves with a button vent. We had to share this pattern with you to show how well a striped linen fabric would work for a jacket like this, perfect for summer holidays.
Challenge 2
The second challenge was reusing fabric from beach parasols and deck chairs.
Challenge 3
The final challenge involved creating a coat using British wool fabrics. 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.
Vogue® Patterns 9133 – as seen on screen!
This loose-fitting, unlined jacket has shoulder pads and stitched hems. Version A has a Collar and lapel. Versions A and B have side pockets whereas versions B and C have fold-back facings. Version A of this coat was used by Juliet for her final challenge. She made the coat in a stylish on trend camel wool for her real life model.
Simplicity 8749
This Mimi G Style wool coat has a notch lapel in two lengths. The pattern also include a straight legged pant requiring a zipper and one hook closure. Transition from day to night with ease in this polished look. There is also a sew along video available for this pattern to give you all the tips and tricks needed to make this coat, watch below. We love the modern cut of this coat designed by Mimi G and in this on trend camel wool fabric it could take you from work to evening, all the while keeping you warm.
Simplicity 8509
This coat has a shawl collar style and top-stitching trim is optional. Version A has three-quarter length raglan sleeves with turn back cuffs whereas version B has long raglan sleeves with turn back cuffs. Both versions B and C have welt pockets whereas version C closes with one button at neck and has a band at lower edge of the one-piece raglan sleeves. This is a Simplicity authentic vintage sewing pattern from circa 1950.
Simplicity 8298
The coat designer for Simplicity by Dottie Angie uses pre-quilted fabric and comes in sizes XS to XL. It features pocket variation, contrasting elbow patches, with hood or mandarin collar options. Edges are finished with 1/2″ wide double fold bias tape. It pairs perfectly with buttons or toggle closures. To save time look for double-faced pre-quilted fabrics.
Vogue® Patterns 1537
This coat is semi-fitted and lined featuring princess seams and front button closure. It also comes with a fitted lined dress with v-back and strap detail. You may recognise it from our previous cocktail dresses sew-along. This dress and jacket combination is ideal if you are looking for an outfit to make for a wedding this summer.
Butterick 6385
This fitted coat has princess seams, back yoke with forward shoulder seams, two-piece sleeve, collar and pocket variations. Version A includes the design for a round collar, whereas version B a pointed collar and version C a funnel neck. Separate pattern pieces are also included for cup sizes A, B, C, D. A classic style, this coat is ideal for everyday wear and will never go out of fashion.
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!