Great British Sewing Bee Episode 1: Pattern and Fabric Inspiration

Did you watch the show this evening? We are already in love with a couple of the contestants (we're look at you Tony R and Asmaa).

Challenge one saw the contestants tackle a twist front top, the construction of the twist was the primary challenge. A twist or a knot or cross over at the front of a garment is not only great fun to sew, but gives you something to get your teeth into technically. Asmaa won this challenge despite using a more challenging fabric with her satin choice.

The second challenge was all about turning office wear: 'boring' shirts (although truth be told we love a classic shirt) into something much more fun. We saw trims and cut-outs, but of course the star of the challenge was the belts, buckles and braces garment from Matthew.

The final challenge was the first time these guys got to work with their models, and the brief was 'cut-out dress'. We saw a variety of styles with a variety of different cut outs.  We love the way a shapely peek of skin adds interest to a garment.  Many of these dresses were created using drapey viscose or rayon in fun prints... something we have a lovely selection of here at Backstitch.

Well, it was a great start to the new season and we look forward to seeing what comes next. See below for some of our pattern picks.

See below for our product picks from this weeks show.

The Named Clothing Kerttu Knot Dress & Skirt Sewing Pattern, then the Named Clothing Sisko Interlace Dress & Top sewing pattern. Both great examples of interest at the front of a dress, and creating cut-out detail.

This Satin 'Vintage Panache' which is for those of you wanting to get that slinky look and the Papercut Mirri Jumpsuit sewing pattern which has this beautiful twist front.

The final challenge saw cut-out dresses. We've a couple of patterns the jump out at us for this. As above, the Papercut Tide Dress and Top sewing pattern with this lovely back shaping and the Papercut Axis Dress and Skirt sewing pattern which has an option with these ties that create a bow and interesting cut out detailing an the back.

Lots of the Bees used swingy viscose dress fabric for their final challenge. We've a lovely selection in the shop, we have picked out these two. The Viscose Polka: Navy Blue and this Atelier Brunette Sandstorm Night.

So, there rounds up that episode one of the Great British Sewing Bee. We hope you are inspired to get sewing!