This week sees the return of our favourite programme, The Great British Sewing Bee when we will see a new group of amateur tailors and dressmakers take on a range of projects in an attempt to become Britain's best sewer. This time of year always results in a spike in enquiries regarding the tools and materials shown on the programme and in particular, our Dressmaking Fabrics. Many customers enjoy emulating the patterns and designs shown on the programme and will go to great lengths to replicate their favourite pieces. Last series there were a number of projects that were particularly popular with our customers such as the 1950's vintage inspired designs from episode 3. Using old fashioned Singer sewing machines (with one straight stitch) the contestants embarked upon creating one of the most popular patterns of the 50's. Butterick released pattern 6015 in 1952 and it was a phenomenal success; named "the walk away dress" this dress was said to be so quick and simple you could "start it after breakfast....walk away in it for luncheon!" The design itself if is a classically elegant piece with a simple yet flattering wrap design using just one long piece of Dressmaking Fabric. This dress is particularly easy to construct with only back, waist and shoulders seams and made from only 3 pattern pieces and no facings. As a result, this has become a very popular choice for customers who are just branching out into the world of dressmaking or who are wishing to boost their confidence in creating well fitting, visually pleasing clothing items. Many of our Dressmaking Fabrics are perfect for creating this classic piece; for a casual, daytime look choose gingham or chambray for a fresh, feminine item ideal for shopping and lunching. This classic design also works particularly well for party dresses, for a more formal design choose from our more luxurious Dressmaking Fabrics such as crepe, taffeta and satin.
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Choose your favourite Dressmaking Fabric to create this classic design.[/caption]
In episode 4, the contestants had their talents stretched when they were tasked with creating a classic kilt for a male or female model. Many of the contestants chose to take the traditional route and create a classic kilt from tartan Dressmaking Fabric whilst others took a creative risk. Eventual semi-finalist Paul went for a Westwood inspired contemporary kilt constructed from denim Dressmaking Fabric and embellished with glitter. The most challenging part of this task proved to be the pleating, contestant Neil chose to hand sew all of his pleats and his perseverance paid off when Patrick Grant declared he was so impressed with his effort that he would be happy to wear it himself! Creating a kilt can be a complex task as perfecting your pleats is something that can take a lot of practice and pattern matching your tartan Dressmaking Fabric is also a very intricate and demanding task. However, if you do feel you are up to the challenge, our selection of tartan Dressmaking Fabrics are available to purchase in a wide range of traditional Scottish prints. Our selection of tartans are very popular all year round and particularly during wedding season as many grooms of Scottish heritage still favour traditional dress on their big day.
I can't wait to see what challenges the judges will come up with for this series contestants! Remember to keep an eye on our blog for details of the tools and Dressmaking Fabrics you will require to sew-along at home.
Choose your favourite Dressmaking Fabric to create this classic design.[/caption]
In episode 4, the contestants had their talents stretched when they were tasked with creating a classic kilt for a male or female model. Many of the contestants chose to take the traditional route and create a classic kilt from tartan Dressmaking Fabric whilst others took a creative risk. Eventual semi-finalist Paul went for a Westwood inspired contemporary kilt constructed from denim Dressmaking Fabric and embellished with glitter. The most challenging part of this task proved to be the pleating, contestant Neil chose to hand sew all of his pleats and his perseverance paid off when Patrick Grant declared he was so impressed with his effort that he would be happy to wear it himself! Creating a kilt can be a complex task as perfecting your pleats is something that can take a lot of practice and pattern matching your tartan Dressmaking Fabric is also a very intricate and demanding task. However, if you do feel you are up to the challenge, our selection of tartan Dressmaking Fabrics are available to purchase in a wide range of traditional Scottish prints. Our selection of tartans are very popular all year round and particularly during wedding season as many grooms of Scottish heritage still favour traditional dress on their big day.
I can't wait to see what challenges the judges will come up with for this series contestants! Remember to keep an eye on our blog for details of the tools and Dressmaking Fabrics you will require to sew-along at home.