The Bee is Back!!
So last night the Great British Sewing Bee swooped its way back onto our screens, and how lovely is it to see the gang back together? Just so you know, there will be no spoilers about contestants or who leaves in this post, so you're safe even if you've not watched the show yet!
Usually the patterns and garments made on the Bee are things that we are all familiar with in our wardrobes, and to some extent this time around was no different. It was 'wardrobe staples' week and as such the new season kicked off with a shell top, simple in principle, not so much in execution! The tricky all-in-one facing proved a challenge for some sewers, and its really is something you need to get the hang of. However once you do, you'll never look back, it gives a really neat, professional finish to all your garments without the need for endless hemming and topstitching, perfect!
We love shell tops in crisp summer cottons that will hold their shape. These tops are an opportunity to use some bold prints, as the minimal pattern pieces and seams means you can show them off to their full potential. Why not try one of these fabrics?
L-R Royal Blue Gingham Polycotton, Mustard Floral Viscose, Dusky Blue Embroidered Cotton, Blush Pink Spot Satin, White Broderie Anglaise, Lady McElroy From the Veranda Cotton Lawn.
The final challenge was where we saw something a little bit different. Contestants had been asked to make a 'Buffet Dress' using any pattern and fabric. But 'what is a buffet dress?' I hear you cry? Well we wondered the same and it turns out its exactly what it sounds like; the kind of dress you could go to an all-you-can-eat buffet in, and still be comfy enough to hit the shops afterwards! In principle, the style is a loose fit, smock style dress, usually with tiers and gathers to hide a multitude of sins. The sewers on the Bee interpreted this challenge in a lot of different ways, but we saw a lot of familiar patterns cropping up again and again.
These dresses are fabric hungry, as they have a lot of gathers and are usually a maxi or midi length, so we think it would be best to opt for something floaty, drapey and economical such as a viscose or cotton lawn, like most of the sewers did. We think one of these would also look marvellous in a gingham! Have a look below for out Inspo pictures as well as our patterns nd fabric combos.
Friday Pattern Company Wilder Gown can be purchased from the designer here. Dutch tulips bubble crepe can be found here.
Scarlett Lena Crepe can be found here.
Tilly and the buttons Indigo Dress can be purchased here. The maxi add-on pack can be purchased from he designer here. Monochrome Brush Stroke Marrocaine can be purchased here.
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