The Great British Sewing Bee is definitely the highlight of my weekly TV. Its episode six and with eight brave contestants left every stitch counts. This week’s challenges are all about upcycling, renovating and recycling (we did this in week one of the Sewing Bunny so we are ahead of the trend). The challenges included making a men’s bomber jacket from four women’s garments, transforming laundry bags into stylish and wearable garments and making a made-to-measure jumper dress from knit fabrics.
The Bomber Jacket
The bomber jacket, also known as the flight jacket, is an icon and like most icons, it has a chequered past. from military wear to streetwear to a favourite of fascists and high school students alike. It has evolved into the biker jacket and the letterman.
Leslie Irvin first designed and manufactured the classic sheepskin flying jacket. In 1926 he set up a manufacturing company in the United Kingdom, and became the main supplier of flying jackets to the Royal Air Force during most of World War II. if you want to learn more on the history of the bomber jacket and how it made its way from war to runway I highly recommend reading this article from High Snobiety or this article from Hybebeast.
THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BUNNY
Preparing for the final
We have taken a week off from the sewing bunny to give out finalists some time to prepare the final garments of the competition. Each contestant has been sent a fabric pack so that everyone works on the same fabrics. To this pack, each must add some denim from your own wardrobe along with any embellishments you see fit. They must use at least some of each of our three fabrics and the denim to create an outfit for Luna or her friends.
There is no theme but we will be looking for an understanding of the design and good finishing. Each contestant may take as long as they wish to plan the design but only 6 hours cutting and finishing time.
ROSIE HIRST
Rosie made her white Luna a perfectly stitched dress complete with the collar out of a Christmas napkin, we loved how she used the edging of the fabric to make a really beautiful skirted dress, and look how wonderfully executed it is! I would wear this dress!
Rosie is an incredibly talented stitcher who has amazed us week after week with her wonderful creations, from a serene skater to a glorious fairy we can’t compliment her enough. She is keeping her final design mostly under wraps, all we know so far is that there will be denim.
CAROLINE GREAVES
Caroline made an apron dress complete with a pocket full of cleaning supplier and headband out of a j cloth! but it was the gloves that really got us! Hilariously creative and what a good use of trim!
Caroline has been a consistent contestant showing up with beautiful and clever garments ever week. As you would expect from Caroline she is aiming high with her design for the final. Here is a sneak peek at her inspiration. we can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Jeanette Clennell
Jeanette Clennell for Dr No- pressed pleat trousers, a perfect fitting mandarin collar and a rather mysterious and chilling gloved Fox.
After an instantly recognisable and unanimous win with Dr No in the Bond week, Jeanette has been planning something pretty special for the final, we can’t wait to see how all of this sketches and notes come together!
Christine Allinson
Christine Allinson for the one we wanted, the swimwear shot, but more importantly for the LBD- impeccably created and a perfect fit.
More details later or rewards and next weeks theme.
With her absolutely perfect LBD Christine set the bar very high for herself, she is taking her inspiration from her home town and the annual Horse Fair. we cant wait to see how she injects her garment with her talent and her connection to sense of home.
Linda Ford
Linda Ford’s Jareth the Goblin King was the fan favourite, and we couldn’t get over his leather pants. A remarkable entry and use of hard to work with fabrics.
Linda Ford is the dark horse of the competition, we have no clue as to what we should be expecting from her entrance. We do know however that after the incredible leather pants our hopes are high
Chris Mooney Abbott
Chris Mooney Abbott created a beautiful Daenerys Targaryen, mother of rabbits. the attention to detail was extraordinary, down to her posture and steely gaze. A well-deserved win for a talented stitcher who has impressed us week after week.
Chris is a solid gamble for the winner, her ability to pull tiny details together is second to none, just look at the bootlaces on Daenerys. We can see from the Luna mannequin that there are big plans afoot and what looks like a tricky sleeve attachment.
Will Leckey
Will created this sportswear/streetwear tracksuit for luna complete with lettering. We absolutely love the colour combinations and fabric choice. Beyonce will be channeling this look for her next Ivy Park collection
Will Lecky is one to watch, every week he has brought fun and originality to the table. We love his drafts for the final and can’t wait to see how he is going to bring his clothing to life.
Katrina Bacon
Katrina created Freddie the Eagle, the stunt skiing badger. We love the attention to detail in his costume, his perfectly fitted hat and all those tiny racing stripes. a brilliant contribution and a well-deserved win.
Katrina’s stitching has shown us there are no limits to her ability to create on the nose and beautifully made garments and costumes. Her carefully construction means that we have high hopes for her final entry especially after seeing her plans.
We have been absolutely thrilled with the response and its heartwarming to see people come together to share creativity and good fun.
Enjoying the sewing bunny fever!
Hahahahah, looks cute though.