The Great British Sewing Bee - Series 8 Episode 4
Posted by Phoebe on 20th May 2022
This week on Great British Sewing Bee, the theme was all about Reducing, Reusing and Recycling. We watched the contestants championing sustainability by creating some (on trend!) patchwork quilted jackets from fabric scraps, breathing new life into old coats and creating floral maxi-dress magic from second hand and vintage duvet covers.
At the Fabric Godmother studio, we were all very inspired by the patchwork jacket challenge as it's such a great way to use up all your scraps from previous projects. I know I've got a lot pieces of fabric lying around that would be perfect for a project like this. I've pulled together some of my favourite jacket patterns from the website that I think would work really well, and would also be a great introduction to quilting or sewing with bias binding if you've not tried some of these techniques before.
I love this jacket because it has several different variations and finished lengths. It is a boxy style with unique deep angled pockets. It features options for a tie closure and instructions or lining and quilting if you want the full Sewing Bee look.
The Pauline Alice Ayora Jacket
If bias binding isn't your thing, the Pauline Alice Ayora Jacket has a lovely wide neckband detail that would look amazing in a contrasting fabric. The stand up collar and optional snap buttons give a modern take on the quilted jacket.
If you want to expand your sewing skills and have a go at the mitred corners attempted on the show (it's not as difficult as it looks, we promise!), the Tamarack pattern by Grainline studio would be a great option. It also features welt pockets and a lovely curved hem.
If you love the look but you've already used your scraps in other projects, we have a several pre-quilted cottons that would work perfectly for any of these styles. A great option is the Serena Reversible Quilted Cotton - White. Choosing a reversible pre-quilted fabric means you don't need an extra for the lining and you can experiment by using different sides for pockets or neckband. If you're feeling fancy you could bind all of the internal seams for a premium finish - the matching Cotton Mix Bias Binding in Pale Sage is a great option for this.
The Transformation challenge saw the contestants reworking old coats and fashioning them together to breathe new life into them and create completely new coats and jackets. If watching this has left you wanting to try making your own, I've pulled together some of my favourite coat and jacket patterns inspired by the ones on the show.
The Trend Patterns Oversized Coat
Channel your inner Brogan and try a jacket with voluminous sleeves. The oversized coat is simple in shape, leaving all of the focus on those amazing sleeves!
We saw several contestants making variations on the shacket. New on the site, the Indy Shacket is a great transitional layering piece and would be perfect for the on-and-off British weather!
Friday Pattern Company Cambria Duster
And finally, a great transitional jacket, the Cambria Duster Coat is perfect for anyone wanting to make a smarter layering piece. Featuring a unique shawl collar details and different length variations, it's another great option for the unpredictable British weather.
The final challenge was the Made-to-Measure, and saw the contestants using the fabric from old duvet covers to create stunning maxi dresses. I've definitely been inspired by this challenge and I'm already planning my summer maxi-dress make!
I loved Annie's black 70's style maxi, featuring a deep V and gorgeous full length sleeves. For anyone looking to re-create this look, I'd suggest the Liberty Beatrix Maxi Dress pattern. Pair with a vibrant floral print fabric for a stunning summer look, perfect for wedding-guest dressing or a day at the races.
Named Kerttu Knot Dress and Skirt
A new pattern from Named clothing - this pattern can be made as a full maxi dress or a maxi skirt. Like Gill, you could choose to use a contrasting fabric for the top part of this dress for a really unique look.
Pattern Fantastique Teia Dress & Cami
For a modern, contemporary look I love the Teia Dress. This versatile dress would be the perfect summer dress for hot days in the city or thrown over a bikini on a beach holiday.
