Sewing Bee series 6 episode 8 – wardrobe ideas

We’re back with a new Great British Sewing Bee update. Sadly, Therese had to leave the Sewing Bee last week. And with only five contestants remaining, the theme for episode 8 was International Week! We loved seeing the contestants using patterns and fabrics that were inspired by other cultures.

The episode kicked off with the pattern challenge which included making a Filipino Terno blouse, then the contestants had to transform French table cloths into something wearable, before making a made-to-measure Flamenco skirt 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 Filipino Terno Blouse.

In the first challenge of week 8 the contestants had to sew a Filipino Terno blouse. Couture design has often looked towards traditional clothing for inspiration and the Filipino Terno blouse with its butterfly sleeve and flattering silhouette is no exception. We have some modern top sewing pattern ideas which feature a puff sleeve and square neck design details to inspire your sewing below.

Pattern: Vogue 1518.

This beautiful dress is designed by Zandra Rhodes and it features an exaggerated pleated sleeve reminiscent of the distinctive Terno style. 

Pattern: McCall’s 8040.

The fantastic sleeves of McCall’s 8040 are definitely the star of the show! The blouse features a V-neck, a button front, princess seams and it’s available in two different lengths. The sleeves feature little cuffs and you can choose from short sleeves or 3/4 length.

Pattern: Butterick 5538.

This blouse will take you to work, school or out for cocktails. This pattern comes with a 3 different sleeve designs and 2 different collar designs so you can create your own custom look.

Pattern: Butterick 6518.

Butterick 6518 is a very loose-fitting top with a stunning square neckline. The front gathers into a yoke and the back yoke features a button closure. The pattern also comes with sleeve and ruffle variations so you can make it suit your own style.

 

Challenge 3: Sew a made-to-measure flamenco inspired skirt.

In the third and final challenge of week eight, the five remaining contestants had to make a Southern Spain inspired Flamenco skirt. The judges were looking for a figure hugging fit, and dramatic ruffles using lots of fabric (and miles and miles of hemming)!

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

Pattern: Burda 2486 – Out of print.

Clare used old curtains to create her fabulous Flamenco skirt. If you would love to re-create her skirt you could start with Burda 2486 and add a waistband and more ruffles at the bottom for an even bigger impact.

Pattern: McCall’s 6770 – Out of print.

It was Liz who adapted McCall’s 6770 to make her red skirt with a contrasting black ruffle. As visible in the original pattern, it was fitted at the waist and hips and then Liz added 3 different tiers of ruffles to the bottom half.

Pattern: Simplicity 8606.

Mark chose to use Simplicity 8606 for his Flamenco wrap skirt and he added more ruffles to the hem for the extra wow factor!

 

Do you want to make your own skirt after seeing so many tiered skirts with endless ruffles and frills on this weeks episode of the Sewing Bee? We can totally relate! Below you’ll find a great collection of skirts that are inspired by this weeks challenge so you can sew the look!

Pattern: McCall’s 8102.

This casual summer skirt is perfect for summer! It has an elasticated waist and double ruffles at the high-low hemline. This pattern is easy to sew and it also includes a top with buttons at the front with pin tucks and a ruffle trim.

Pattern: McCall’s 8097.

The elasticated waist makes McCall’s 8097 easy to sew and comfortable to wear! Choose from 3 different lengths, all with different tier and flounce variations. Sew it with exposed frilly seams to add extra interest.

Pattern: Burda 6200.

Like Mark’s skirt, this wrap pattern is easy to fit! The pattern features front and back darts and it comes with 2 different length and frill options.

Pattern: Simplicity 8958.

This front-wrap skirt is fitted at the waist and hips with a yoke, then flares out with a high low hem. Add a button or fasten it with a tie at the side front. The pattern includes different length and hem variations.

Pattern: Vogue 1638.

Vogue 1638 is a chic asymmetric skirt with an uneven hem and flounce that goes round to one side. The skirt is fitted with front and back darts and has a back zip.

Pattern: McCall’s 7984.

This pattern comes with a asymmetric skirt that is fitted with darts and features a front button closing. There are different flounce variations included. The pattern also includes a fitted wrap top with darts, various sleeve lengths gathered to binding, a waistband with front button closing.

Pattern: McCall’s 7933. 

This skirt is designed for stretchy fabrics. It’s a pull-on asymmetrical skirt that is loose-fitting through the hip and worn 1″ below the waist. It features an elasticized waist, front elastic ruching, shaped hems, and length, ruffle and fabric variations.

Pattern: McCall’s 7725.

This fabulous asymmetric skirt pattern comes with 3 different flounces to choose from, so you can make it fit your own style! It features front and back darts, a waistband and a it closes with a zipper at the side seam.

Pattern: McCall’s 7606.

Sew this wrap skirt from McCall’s with or without extra frills. It closes with a tie and a small rolled curved hem. This pattern also come with an off-shoulder bodysuit pattern with 2 different variations.

Pattern: New Look 6400.

This skirt is easy to sew with only 2 back darts and a side zipper. Different variations include a knee length slim skirt with optional lace overlay, midi skirt with flounce, midi flared skirt, and midi straight skirt.

Pattern: Burda 6834.

Burda 6834 is a panelled skirt which you make in midi-length without the extra flounce, or you can choose from 2 different lengths and go for the extra added flounce. This is a great pattern if you want to experiment with pattern matching and pattern placement!

Pattern: New Look 6288.

New Look 6288 is made for stretch knits only, so this pull on maxi skirt is not only comfortable, but perfect for any occasion. It is easy to sew and you can choose from 4 different styles: slim, full, full with slit and draped with ruffles.

Pattern: Vogue 9349.

Choose from 3 beautiful skirt styles with full flounces for extra impact. Vogue 9349 is a fitted and lined wrap skirt with a yoke, back darts and hook and bar closure. The pattern features different lined flounces and length variations.