This week the Sewing Bee took its inspiration from the world of art. It challenged the sewists to be extra creative as they tackle modernist skirts, painted canvasses and surrealist made-to-measure dresses.
Check out our recap for Episode 4 if you missed Reduce, Reuse and Recycle week.
Pattern challenge
This week’s pattern challenge came in the form of a Modernist skirt. This was essentially a voluminous skirt with applique shapes and a large waist bow. The judges wanted to see the sewists capturing the spirit of the movement, using colours and bold shapes to make their skirts stand out.
It was a close race between Asmaa and Lizzie! In the end Lizzie won the challenge, finishing her skirt well, and choosing a great combination of colours. The judges thought Tony W’s was too low contrast and that the applique was a bit messy.
The same was said for Laurens’s and Fauve’s skirts, but personally I like a bit of low contrast, especially in a deeper colour!
Transformation
We had something a bit different for the transformation this week! The sewists were presented with painted canvases from Leeds art students, and asked to take one painting to turn into a garment.
We were assured the show had commissioned the students, and that they were aware what was about to happen to their artworks!
Canvas is pretty stiff and robust as a fabric, especially once painted. The judges said they need to incorporate both the elements of the canvas and spirit of the paintings into the piece. It would allow them to create sculptural makes. Esme said they should “go with what the fabric is telling them to do”.
Lauren’s was really well thought through and particularly structural – the judges said it looked like armour!
Asmaa won for her wonderful creativity – she really used the shapes and colours on her canvas well. Tony W also came bottom of this challenge – Esme said “he just didn’t go for it.”
Made-to-measure
For this week’s made-to-measure, the sewists created show-stopping outfits inspired by surrealism. This is where they got to be really creative.
Surrealism is known for its illogical scenes, so I was interested to see how they would work this into their garments, while still making sure it was finished well.
Mia’s cloud dress with raindrops was inspired! It looked so light, fun and magical.
Tony did better with the made to measure – it was well fitted and paid homage to his original painting. Patrick said it had impact. It certainly did!
How did it all work out?
Fauve won garment of the week with her made-to-measure – the judges said it was a fantastic reference to the surrealist movement.
Tony W went home this week – despite nearly pulling it back in his made-to-measure, the judges said his creations weren’t bold enough, and a couple of sewing details let him down.
We enjoyed seeing Tony’s makes in these last five episodes. It seemed like he’d had a really positive experience, saying that it’s made him realise he can do more than he thinks he can.
Join us next week for a recap on Kids’ Week!
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