Have you seen the latest Sewing Bee? I was a little late watching it this week, but it was a good one. Episode 4 was reduce, reuse and recycle week – where the sewists focused on using second hand materials and fabric scraps in each of the challenges. They sewed a quilted bag, transformed discarded clothes into a new outfit, and made a party outfit from pre-loved wedding dresses.
It’s great that the Bee highlights the importance of sustainability when approaching our makes through their reduce, reuse and recycle week – though it’s a good practice to keep in mind every week.
Haven’t seen it yet? You can catch up on BBC iPlayer whenever it suits you, and tune in for Episode 5 at 9pm on Tuesday 18th June on BBC 1.
Episode 4 recap
This post is a recap of the fourth 2024 episode – there are spoilers underneath, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know what happened last Tuesday night!
The pattern challenge
In the first challenge this week, the contestants were asked to make a quilted bag – with a twist. The sewists had to fill two layers of organza with fabric leftovers, then quilt this into a new fabric. They then used this quilted fabric to make their bag. The fun thing about the organza, of course, is that you can see the fabric scraps through it, creating a lovely effect.
I’ve seen this done online, but it’s never something I’ve tried myself. It looks like it’d be great for using up even the smallest of scraps! Have you ever tried making a project with this technique?
The transformation challenge
This challenge is particularly suited to reducing, reusing and recycling. Fashion’s contribution to global waste and pollution is huge, with unimaginable amounts discarded on a daily basis. The Bee highlighted some shocking facts about textile waste, while the sewists sorted through discarded clothes to find pieces to transform into a new outfit.
There was a vast array of options for the contestants to choose from, which allowed them to get really creative with their fabric and colours. Pacha’s black and gold ‘dracula dress’ won the top spot for this challenge – the judges loved how she’d used the different fabrics to create drama in the dress structure.
The made to measure
This week’s final challenge was one we’ve never seen before on the Bee – the sewists used second hand wedding dresses to create their showstopper garments! Wedding dresses can hold huge sentimental value, but often they’re only worn once.
It wasn’t just a transformation challenge, though. The contestants were tasked with reshaping, dyeing and painting the dresses, before fitting their new garments to their models.
Alex’s party outfit won her garment of the week – I loved that she completely redesigned the shape of her dress and created a contemporary fabric with the paint splashes.
We said goodbye to Don this week – he’s done so well, but just ran out of time. They challenges really are so quick!
I always think this week is one of the most creative. It feels like every challenge is a transformation, and this year’s was no different. I loved the surprise of using the wedding dresses – I think that’ll make this episode one of those iconic ones that sewists discuss for years to come.
What’s happening next week?
Tune in tomorrow (Tuesday 18th June) to see the sewists celebrate India, with Nehru jackets, calico and Madras fabrics, and garments inspired by saris.
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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