Sewing Bee series 6 episode 6 – wardrobe ideas

We’re back with a new Great British Sewing Bee update! Sadly, Ali had to leave the Sewing Bee last week and now there are only seven contestants remaining for episode 6. This week’s theme was reduce, reuse and recycle and it sure made everyone think outside of the box. We saw some great ways to reuse old garments (and bags!) and transform them into something new.

The episode kicked off with the pattern challenge which included making a men’s bomber jacket from four different women’s garments, then the contestants had to transform laundry bags into stylish and wearable garments, before making a made-to-measure winter dress from old knitted sweaters and jumpers.

To keep you posted on all things Great British Sewing Bee we will share our pattern picks every week here on the blog, so you can re-create the fabulous ‘Bee’ looks for your own homemade wardrobe! You can also browse the whole collection of specially curated sewing bee patterns with a special discount offer on selected patterns.

Challenge 1: Sew a men’s bomber jacket.

The first challenge is always a pattern challenge and this week the seven remaining contestants had to sew a men’s bomber jacket. To make it even more challenging they could only use and repurpose four women’s garments to make the bomber jacket. The pattern used in this episode had knit ribbing for the collar, cuffs and waist, an open-ended zip and two front pockets.

Did it inspire you to make yourself a bomber jacket? Or maybe for your partner, family member or friend? You might like the below patterns!

Pattern: McCall’s 7637.

This pattern is great if you want to re-create the exact look you saw on the show. You can chose from 2 different collar options and a hood, plus the cuffs and waistband are finished with ribbing. It’s designed for both men and women and the pattern includes different pocket options too.

Pattern: Burda Style 6351.

This classic loose fitting jacket has a centre front zipper fastener and 2 different pocket options. Choose from a stand collar of rib knit band and elastic at the wrists or add several rows of topstitching on the stand collar, hem band and cuffs for a more casual look.

Pattern: Vogue 9290.

Designed for two way stretch knits, Vogue 9290 will be very comfortable to wear! The jacket features a contrast collar, side front and side back panels, cuffs, a hip band and a centre front zipper.

Pattern: Butterick 6618.

Butterick 6618 is  a loose-fitting and unlined jacket designed for women. The pattern features a collar, side pockets, a two-piece elasticized hem band and elasticized sleeves. Make your jacket fit your style by choosing between a front button closing or an exposed front zipper.

Pattern: Simplicity 8418.

Create your own personalized bomber jacket with Simplicity 8418. Style it in a variety of ways using fabrics such as brocade, denim, solid or printed silky types, leather and wool. Stitch or iron on patches or add embroidery to elevate the look. Pattern for flower applique shown on view B is included.

Pattern: New Look 6545.

This classic letterman’s varsity bomber jacket with raglan sleeves includes directions for optional contrast sleeves. This pattern works really well with fabrics such as for brocade, wool or denim. It’s great for adding embellishments like patches, letters and trimmings.

 

Challenge 3: Sew a made-to-measure winter knit dress.

In the final and third challenge of week six, the Bee’s had to make a winter knit dress using recycled knitted jumpers they had brought from home. Several contestants drafted their own patterns or improvised as they went along, which was very impressive.

This week we have a few pattern suggestions for you if you want to try and re-create the look you saw on the show, and we’ve gathered some amazing patterns that would be perfect to make your own winter knit dress!

Pattern: McCall’s 8062.

Matt’s fabulous jumper dress was fitted at the top and then flared out with different bits of fabric that created an uneven hem. McCall’s 8062 has quite a similar shape which would be a great starting point for your own creation!

Pattern: Vogue 1634.

Liz cut into her daughters cardigan to create her multi panelled jersey dress. Did you love the look? Vogue 1643 is a multi-pieced dress with neckline and sleeve variations and topstitched seams. The different panels would be perfect for re-creating Liz’s dress!

Pattern: Simplicity 9014.

The fabulous cowl of Simplicity 9014 reminded us of Therese’s jumper dress! The pattern features dropped shoulders and loose sleeves. Make it as a dress or top with short or long sleeves.

 

If you want to stitch your own winter knit dress – with old jumpers or new jersey fabric – then you might want to consider using one of these fantastic dress patterns:

Pattern: Vogue 9108.

Great for re-creating this weeks ‘Sewing Bee look’ is this dress pattern by Marcy Tilton. This is a close-fitting, pullover dress and it features neck binding, shoulder strap variations, a pleated lower front, and side front pockets. The middle front is cut on the crosswise grain, it has a front hem band, and a shaped hemline.

Pattern: Vogue 8975.

Another fabulous design by Marcy Tilton! This very loose-fitting, pullover dress has seam detail forming draped pockets and a shaped hemline, plus the front is longer than the back. The pattern also comes with an unlined jacket that has dropped shoulders, front and back cut-in-one with no shoulder or side seams

Pattern: New Look 6632.

New Look 6632 is an amazing pull-on dresses with an even more amazing cowl-neck collar. The pattern comes in three different lengths, in-seam pockets, and two different sleeve styles.

Pattern: Simplicity 8911.

This loose-fitting caftan-style dress is designed for stretch knit fabrics and it looks incredibly comfortable! The pattern includes different neckline and length variations, and the option to add short, grown-on or dropped shoulder sleeves. You can also choose from a straight or lantern shape.

Pattern: McCall’s 7688.

A sweatshirt or dress with a twist! Go for plain or add ruffles, a hood, or the unusual channels with ties to give it shape and interesting features.

Pattern: Vogue 1482.

Vogue 1482 has some very pretty details such as the diagonal front seam with a hidden pocket! It’s a very loose-fitting, tapered, pullover dress with bias neck facing and loop, grown on sleeves with cuffs, a back neck slit and button/loop closing.

Pattern: McCall’s 7979.

This pattern is using the Palmer/Pletsch fitting method with is great if you want to make pullover top or tunic with a perfect fit! McCall’s 7979 features a drop shoulder and low armhole plus different sleeve variations. Choose from a cowl collar or a scoop neck.

Pattern: Vogue 1576.

Vogue 1576 is a very loose fitting dress that has the option to add contrasting fabrics. The design features a back slit, and hidden lingerie straps with snaps so it doesn’t fall of your shoulders.

Pattern: Simplicity 9011.

This is a simple but chic pull-on dress that comes in two lengths with grown-on sleeves. Choose between a straight, gathered or cuffed sleeve. The pattern is easy to sew and it’s designed and sized for stretch-knit fabrics.

Pattern: Simplicity 8947.

Simplicity 8947 is a loose-fitting sweatshirt mini dresses, with sleeve, neckline, hood, hem and kangaroo-pocket options. It is suitable for double knits, fleece and sweatshirt fabrics. The dress can be constructed using a standard sewing machine, overlocker or serger.