It was 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' week on the Great British Sewing Bee and we all absolutely loved this episode! Sustainability in sewing is more important than ever and it was interesting to see this topic approached from all different angles during this episode.

The first challenge was to make a pair of drawstring trousers from a zero-waste sewing pattern. Zero Waste patterns are designed so that all of the shapes that make up the pattern pieces tesselate together so there are no offcuts of waste pieces. The contestants had to use measurements to draw lines directly onto their fabric to create their trousers. At Fabric Godmother, we're a big fan of Zero Waste sewing patterns and perhaps one of the most well-known brands for this is Birgitta Helmersson. If this challenge left you inspired to try your own, I've pulled out some of our favourite Zero Waste patterns on our website at the moment! 

Zero Waste Block Pant & Skirt

Zero Waste Gather Dress

Zero Waste Workwear Jacket

The refashioning challenge saw the contestants turn tote bags into garments, and it was really interesting to see them re-worked into all different pieces. Remnants are a great way of buying smaller pieces of fabric at great prices, and these can often be pieced together in a similar way to make colour block or patchwork garments. Look out for our next remnant sale to stock up or simply use the remnants from your own stash! 

The made-to-measure challenge was probably one of the hardest yet - taking vintage crochet blankets and re-fashioning them into new garments. A particularly tricky challenge, as crochet blankets are formed with loops of wool and can unravel if you cut them. Instead of running to your nearest charity shop, look no further than the SS23 Fabric Godmother print collection as we already have a wonderful printed granny-square design.

If you loved Mia's pastel two-piece, why not make a two-piece using our very own Fabric Godmother Pandora EOVERO Viscose Crepe in Ivory. It would be perfect sewn up as the Friday Pattern Company Saturday set or Saguaro set! 

Pandora ECOVERO™ Crepe - Ivory

Friday Pattern Company Saturday Skirt Set

Friday Pattern Company Saturday Skirt Set

If you fancy a more traditional colour granny square then our Pandora and Mini Pandora Cotton Lawn are perfect for blouses, shirts and dresses! 

Pandora Cotton Lawn - Black

Pandora Mini Cotton Lawn - Black

Happy Sewing! x