With just four sewists left, it was semi-final week in the Great British Sewing Bee! The judges set three challenges inspired by world renowned fashion design houses – Balenciaga, Gaultier and Chanel.
Episode 9 recap
In this post I recap the ninth 2024 episode – there are spoilers underneath, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know what happened last week!
The pattern challenge
This pattern challenge was a little different – the judges took inspiration from Cristobel Balenciaga and his love of pattern cutting, which Esme is also passionate about.
The dress features unusual back shape involving lots of draping and loose shaping, with a hidden belt underneath that brings in the waist so the front half looks fitted.
It’s certainly an unusual construction, and I imagine would be quite the challenge to sew! The sewists all chose crepe – a mid-weight fabric with lots of drape.
The transformation challenge
Jean Paul Gaultier inspired this week’s transformation. He was known for using a variety of objects for his catwalk creations, including neck ties. The sewists had to create their garment from neck ties and haberdashery only, with no extra fabric.
The made to measure
The ultimate fashion design icon, Coco Chanel, was the focus for this made to measure. Long associated with chic outfits, it felt appropriate that she inspired the judges to create an evening wear challenge in her honour. The judges were looking for the sewists to complete their garment, finish it well, and make sure it had the impact of a haute couture piece.
It was Suzy’s last GBSB challenge this week – the judges said her sewing was very good, but her makes just weren’t quite up to the level of the others (although it seemed like Patrick would have rather kept Suzy in the competition!)
What’s happening next?
Next week is the series 10 final! Tune in on Wednesday 24th July to see challenges including opera gloves, party paraphernalia and a draped evening outfit. One sewist will be crowned the winner of the 2024 Great British Sewing Bee! Who do you think it’ll be?
Ready to start your sewing journey?
The Sewing Bee has made sewing accessible, and inspired the nation 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.
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