We're passionate about sewing and dressmaking at Sew Me Sunshine, and we love watching the Great British Sewing Bee every year. Every week we will break down the episode and sign post you to some sewing patterns and fabric.
The Great British Sewing Bee is back for 2024 and this year marks it's 10th season! We wish all the contestants the best of luck and know they will make some incredible garments.
This week we are looking at the final - episode 10 and it is time to crown Britain's best amateur sewer! The contestants were tasked with making opera gloves, transforming party paraphernalia into a party outfit and creating an outfit by draping the fabric on their model.
Pattern Challenge: Opera Gloves
This was a really hard pattern challenge. The contestants were asked to make opera gloves. There were only 3 pattern pieces per glove with curved gussets at each finger. These are sewn with only a 0.5cm seam allowance!
The contestants used different fabrics - stretch lace, stretch velvet + stretch satin
Fancy making a pair? Then head on over to this free tutorial from Mood Fabrics. You could opt to use our stretch velvets to make a pair!
Transformation Challenge: Make a party outfit out of party paraphernalia
In the up-cycling challenge the contestants had to make a fun wearable party outfit out of party paraphernalia. They were allowed to use extra haberdashery but no fabric.
Everyone's ideas were unique and creative and as no fabric or specific patterns were used we aren't able to signpost to specific patterns or fabrics.
Made To Measure Challenge: Draping on a model
In the made to measure challenge the contestants invited a close friend to be their model. They were tasked with making an evening outfit by draping their fabric on their model instead of using a pattern.
As no specific patterns were used we cannot signpost you to any. The contestants all used a variety of fabrics for their makes. If you are wanting to learn more about draping then we can recommend this book - 'Draping: The Complete Course: Second Edition by Karolyn Kiisel'.
All the contestants over the series have been incredible and we can't wait to see what they do in the future. We have loved watching this series and cannot believe it is the end of yet another season. A huge congratulations to this year's winner - Luke - they sewed well throughout the entire show and their final made to measure was breathtaking, we loved how they blended a masculine and femme design!
