Sewing Bee Style Guide - Series 7, Episode 6
This week the Bee goes green, with a focus on recycling and sustainable sewing - a REAL challenge for many of us! All the garments were made from donated clothing this week so we thought we'd use this space to talk to you about more sustainable fabric choices as well as pattern inspiration from the show...
Sewing Bee Style Guide - Series 7, Episode 6
Pattern Challenge
The first challenge was to make a gentleman's waistcoat using some donated garments. This was a gentle introduction as the waistcoat didn't have TOO many large pieces to account for in construction when trying to find a bit of clothing that could fit the whole pattern piece on! It was a lovely classic style, and the bees made some really chic waistcoats in the end.
Made to Measure Challenge
This may have been the hardest challenge yet - to use old jeans to make a denim dress! There were some really inventive takes on this, some of which you'd never have even guessed were made from old jeans... Here's some styles similar to those made in this episode:
Sustainable Sewing Supplies
If you're looking to make your sewing a little more planet-friendly, there are lots of small ways you can make your choices a bit more environmentally friendly.
Re-using fabric is the most green choice, but if that's not possible for your project, you can also opt for fabrics made from sustainable fibres. These fabrics typically take less strain on the ecosystem by not using harsh chemical processes and/or using less water to grow the plants they are made from.
Bamboo and Modal are some of the most popular sustainable fibres becoming available now in fabric now, and also have a gloriously soft feel that is a dream to wear!
Raspberry Plain Modal Jersey Fabric
Dark Mint Plain Modal Jersey Fabric
Navy Plain Modal Jersey Fabric
Ochre Plain Modal Jersey Fabric
Orange Plain Modal Jersey Fabric
Khaki Modal Bamboo Twill Fabric
Navy Ditsy Floral Printed Modal Jersey Fabric
Sew Simple Super-Soft 100% Bamboo Wadding
Another green choice is to use materials made from recycled fibres themselves - there are several options available that use recycled polyester from things like single use water bottles, and some recycled cottons are also on the market.
Sew Simple Super-Soft EcoBlend Recycled 70/30 Wadding
Gutermann Recycled rPET Sew-All Thread 100m - Col 800
Gutermann Recycled rPET Sew-All Thread 100m - Col 000
Gutermann Recycled Sew-All Thread Set 10pk - Basics
Gutermann Recycled Sew-All Thread Set 20pk - Basics
10mm NewLife Recycled Double Faced Satin Ribbon - White
Want to learn more about fabrics you see on the show?
