It was the final week of this year’s Great British Sewing Bee last week, which meant we were down to the last three sewists. Caz, Orla and Yazmin competed over three sewing challenges to win the Series 11 title.
The final always features dramatic and seriously creative designs, and this year was no different. The final aired last Tuesday, but don’t read on unless you’d like to see who won this year’s Bee!
The final pattern challenge
Patrick and Esme asked the finalists to sew a bias cut dress for the last pattern challenge of the series. Bias cut garments are with the pattern lying diagonally to the grain line of woven fabrics. This means the weave of the fabric is diagonal to the ground when you wear it, and the fabric pulls down and drapes across your body. Think silky slips and bias-cut skirts.
It’s been increasingly popular in the indie sewing world, and it was fun to see it in the Bee! It’s a bit more challenging, as the fabric is often slippery, and you need to be careful about not stretching the fabric before sewing.
The transformation
Caz, Orla and Yazmin’s last transformation challenge was to turn sheer fabrics into a chic piece of clothing. There was various layers of fabric, last minute decision changes and technical issues with the material!
The made to measure
Here’s where the Bee final always gets particularly creative. There’s always a bit of drama in the brief, and this year the judges asked them to create an illusionary outfit which would be modelled by a loved one.
Caz’s golden dress featured a prominent rib-like design, and a central-front zip which revealed a bright pop of red. It was a nod to her open-heart surgery four years ago and was very striking. She chose her daughter to model the creation for her:
Orla’s black, pleated dress celebrated non-binary people, and featured a hidden rainbow which was revealed as her sibling turned. Orla said ‘no matter how dark people present themselves, there can always be joy inside.’
Yasmin’s striking orange dress with the projecting shape was inspired by vintage Dior masks, and her Dad’s love of tailoring. I loved the effect and contrast of her design:
The Series 11 winner!
It was a tough decision, all three finalists were exceptional sewists, and it was such fun to see their journey over the last ten weeks.
Caz was crowned winner of the 11th Great British Sewing Bee! Her made to measure moved the judges and was executed with brilliant skill. Well done Caz!
Next year’s news..
Sara Pascoe will be stepping back from the Bee next year, and we’ll be joined by new host Sophie Willan! Sophie is an actor and comedian, and we’ll first see her on the Christmas special Bee episode. We’ve loved having Sara, but it’ll be lovely to see how Sophie presents the Bee.
Copyright: www.steveullathorne.com
Inspired by the Bee to start sewing?
The Sewing Bee always inspires people to start creating their own wardrobe. Seeing the contestants experimenting with different fabrics and styles is a lovely way to think about how you might tackle your own projects.
Ready to begin your sewing journey? Find your Sewing Bee Supplies here!
Thanks for following along this year!
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