It was utilitarian week on the Great British Sewing Bee and it was definitely the most challenging week so far! The bee's were battling it out for a place in the final and it really was all to play for. Contestants were challenged to make a trench coat in five hours, rework cleaning products into a new outfit, and create boilersuits for the made-to-measure! 

The first challenge was to make a trench coat in only 5 hours - including cutting out all 30+ pieces! We love a trench coat at Fabric Godmother, and they are perfect for the summer we are experiencing in the UK at the moment! 

If you're looking for an advanced make, then look no further than the Isla Trench Coat by Named. This trench coat is fully lined, has a belted collar, cape, welt pockets, belt and tabs on the sleeve openings. It features a double-breasted button fastening and is finished off with double stitching. It has a classic trench coat look and feel and would definitely be worth taking the time to make (probably a few more than five hours!).

Named Isla Trench Coat (Advanced)

For a more casual take on the trend, we love the Merchant & Mills September Coat. This coat has a relaxed silhouette, rounded collar, is single-breasted and has patch pockets. It can be made lined or unlined depending on your preference. 

Merchant & Mills The September Coat SIZES 6-18 (Intermediate)

For a shorter silhouette, try the Trend Patterns Trench Jacket. This jacket features a concealed button placket fastening, belt, dropped shoulders and notched collar. 

Trend Patterns Trench Jacket PDF (Intermediate)

For the Made to Measure challenge, contestants had to make boilersuits for their models. We loved the ideas of using a sparky fabric like Asmaa to make a party look, or colour blocking different fabrics like Tony.

A firm favourite in the Fabric Godmother studio is the Closet Core Blanca Flight Suit. This boilersuit can be made in a range of woven fabrics and has a belt, zip and patch pockets. It can be made short of long sleeve and has optional tabs to narrow the legs! 

Closet Core Patterns Blanca Flight Suit (Intermediate)

We also love the Alice + Co Intrepid Boilersuit for another zipped option. This long sleeve boilersuit has a simple shape and construction but a really classic boiler-suit look and feel to it. 

Alice + Co Intrepid Boiler Suit PDF (Intermediate)

Finally you could try the Homer + Howells Lennox Boilersuit. A minimal boilersuit with a great cool shape and silhouette. It looks great in linen or heavier fabrics like denim. This would be a great option for a printed fabric as there aren't as many pockets or patches to break up the pattern!

Homer + Howells Lennox Boilersuit PDF (Intermediate)

Hopefully this has inspired everyone to think about sewing some utility wear!