Sewing Bee series 6 episode 7 – wardrobe ideas

We’re back with a new Great British Sewing Bee update. Sadly, Peter had to leave the Sewing Bee last week. And with only six contestants remaining, the theme for episode 7 was the 1980’s! We loved seeing so many bright colours, shiny fabrics and voluminous garments.

The episode kicked off with the pattern challenge which included making a woman’s power jacket, then the contestants had to transform high-visibility clothes into stylish and wearable party wear, before making a made-to-measure cocktail dress to fit their model.

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 woman’s power jacket.

The first challenge is always a pattern challenge and this week the six remaining contestants had to sew a woman’s power jacket. The pattern used in this episode featured oversized lapels, a button closure, darts and shoulder pads.

Did it inspire you to make yourself a 1980’s power jacket? Or maybe for your partner, family member or friend? You might like the below patterns!

Pattern: Butterick 6738.

Butterick 6738 includes a jacket design that is very similar to the pattern they used for the first challenge on the show. It only features self-fringed edges instead of a facing. The pattern also comes with a dress, a top, a slim skirt and straight trousers. Perfect to create a little work wear capsule wardrobe!

Pattern: Vogue 1590.

This semi-fitted jacket includes a self-belt, big pockets and a contrasting upper collar. Great if you want to make an impact with a statement collar! Vogue 1590 also includes a close-fitting skirt that has an elasticized waistband.

Pattern: Vogue 1597.

Designed by Anne Klein, Vogue 1597 includes a semi-fitted, lined jacket with a collar and oversized lapel design, plus snap closures. The pattern also comes with straight legged fitted pants that sit 1″ below the natural waist, have pockets and a fly closure.

Pattern: Butterick 6570.

Butterick 6570 comes with a fitted lined vest and a jacket with the option to add a waterfall collar. All designs have a front hook and eye closure, and a peplum from the waist down. Choose from a rounded or straight front edge and add interest by using different fabrics.

Pattern: Vogue 9365.

This beautiful unlined jacket is fitted, has a notched collar, a shaped hem and snap closure with inside ribbon and snap. It features back neck darts and an asymmetric front with pleats. The pattern also comes with a top, a dress, a skirt and trousers.

Pattern: Vogue 1560.

The notched collar and oversized lapel definitely make Vogue 1560 stand out! The very loose-fitting jacket is lined and has a collar and collar band. It also comes with fitted trousers that have a fly front and tapered legs.

 

Challenge 3: Sew a made-to-measure 1980’s cocktail dress.

In the final and third challenge of week seven, the Bee’s had to make a 1980’s inspired cocktail dress that would impress the judges. And the contestants definitely succeeded with that!

We have listed a few pattern suggestions for you if you want to try and re-create the look you saw on the Sewing Bee, and we’ve gathered some other amazing patterns that would be perfect to make your own cocktail dress.

Pattern: Style 1627.

Nicole’s electric blue and white high shine PVC dress won garment of the week and you could re-create your own and hack the vintage Style 1627 (out of print).

Pattern: Vogue 1993.

Fell in love with Clare’s cocktail dress with silver pouffy sleeves and hem? Vogue 1993 (out of print) would be a great place to start!

Pattern: Butterick 4343.

Liz choose to make the beautiful Butterick 4343 and add a pouffy hem and bow for extra fabulousness! The pattern features 2 different necklines and 2 different lengths.

Pattern: McCall’s 6838.

Therese made her dress – with detachable peplum – using McCall’s 6838. The pattern features princess seams, a close-fitting, underlined and lined, boned bodice. There are different skirt variations included and you can choose to add an overskirt with a very narrow hem.

Pattern: Simplicity 9910.

The shiny purple and pink dress Mark made was created with vintage pattern Simplicity 9910 (out of print).

 

Are you inspired to sew your own 1980’s party wear? Or just want to make a beautiful cocktail dress for that special occasion? Then have a look at some of these fantastic dress patterns:

Pattern: Burda 6483.

Burda 6483 is an elegant evening dress or cocktail dress with a narrow silhouette. The strapless dress is constructed with boning tape and non-slip silicone band for a perfect fit. The long dress has a lace yoke and plenty of leg room thanks to a godet at the back.

Pattern: Burda 6388.

An evening gown like this one could be seen on a red carpet celebrity. The slender silhouette accentuates your figure with a bustier bodice. The draped folds on the bodice are true eye catchers as is the single strap. The shorter cocktail dress also features an asymmetric peplum.

Pattern: Vogue 1695.

Designed by Sandra Betzina, this loose fitting dress has dropped shoulders, a collar ending in ties, plus neckline and sleeve variations.

Pattern: Vogue 1676.

This fabulous dress by Zadra Rhodes for Vogue is loose fitting, and cut on the bias. It features a deep V neckline that is finished with bias binding, an invisible back zip and hem flounces with very narrow hems.

Pattern: Vogue 1675.

The gorgeous asymmetric front is definitely the eye-catcher of this dress. It is a fully lined, fitted design with right front drape gathered to the midriff, an invisible back zipper, and sleeve variations.

Pattern: Vogue 1673.

Vogue 1673 is a stunning design which features an asymmetric bodice. The dress is lined with a fitted bodice, and a centre back zip. The pattern includes different sleeve and contrast variations.

Pattern: McCall’s 7995.

More is more with McCall’s 7995! This loose-fitting dress comes with different collar variations and you can choose to add ruffles or extra flounces to the sleeves.

Pattern: Vogue 1632.

This gorgeous close-fitting top and dress design features front pleats, and drapes with gathers at sides. The dress has a back zip, long sleeves, and hem variations. The pattern also includes pull-on trousers with flared leg. Both garments are designed for two-way stretch knits.