As with previous series of The Great British Sewing Bee, we're here each week with an inspiration board of patterns and fabrics, plus tips and tricks, inspired by the week's episode. This week we met the new sewists and got off to a roaring start, taking things back to basics...
Sewing Bee Style Guide - Series 7, Episode 1
Pattern Challenge: Shell top
The bees went back to basics this week with a simple yet stylish shell top. Classic shell tops feature sleeveless arms, and an uncollared neckline for a clean and smart finish. Most are made from woven fabrics and fitted around the bust area with darts, some have extra fun flourishes for a bit more personality!
Fabrics inspired by the challenge picks...
Dashwood Circle Line Paint Blue Rayon Fabric
Dashwood Circle Line Temple Rayon Fabric
Riley Blake Grl Pwr - Main Multi - 100% Cotton Fabric
Multi Stripe Printed Stretch Crepe Fabric
3 Wishes Good Kitty - Painters Palette - Digital 100% Cotton Fabric
Makower Michiko - Foliage Pink (metallic) - 100% Cotton Fabric
Sew Simple Stamped Batiks - 351-11-21B Red - 100% Cotton Fabric
Michael Miller Playdate with Friends - Favourite Flower Red - 100% Cotton Fabric
Made-to-Measure Challenge: Buffet dress
The first made to measure challenge was an eventful one! This week they were asked to make a buffet dress - (no, we didn't know what this meant either) a long, flowing dress that often features multiple tiers and/or ruffling. Designed for eating plenty of food and still being comfortable!
Here's a few of our favourite patterns - in different lengths, with both tiered and non-tiered, if that's not really your thing!
Friday Pattern Co Westcliff Dress
Fabrics inspired by the challenge picks...
Dashwood Silk Roads - Paisley - 100% Cotton Fabric
Ditsy Floral Pink Cotton Poplin Fabric
Blossoms Grey Cotton Poplin Fabric
Multi Streaks Printed Viscose Fabric
Ditsy Floral Red/Pink Cotton Poplin Fabric
Makower Pamper - Handbags White (metallic) - 100% Cotton Fabric
Riley Blake Glam Girls - Dresses White (metallic) - 100% Cotton Fabric
Mustard Linen-Look Ramie Fabric
Beginner-friendly, buffet-friendly!
Tilly and the Buttons Stevie Dress
Tilly and the Buttons Bettine Dress
Want to learn more about the fabrics you see on the show?
If you're new here, you may not have seen that we have made our very own fabric sample guides. They're a way to help you learn to identify different fabrics and how they feel and behave. The books include 52 samples of common fabrics, alongside useful info like composition, what to use them on and needle type required.
