Great British Sewing Bee 2024 Pattern Picks - Week 1

Check out our blog post with all the latest from the Great British Sewing Bee: thefoldlne.com...
We'll be bringing you weekly updates on all the latest from the sewing bee, find out more here:
TECHNICAL CHALLENGE:
GRAINLINE STUDIO REED SKIRT: thefoldlne.com...
MADE TO MEASURE:
AILSA: MERCHANT & MILLS ETTA DRESS: thefoldlne.com...
ALEX: MERCHANT & MILLS HATTIE AND ELLIS DRESSES: thefoldlne.com...
COMFORT: SIMPLE SEW COCOON DRESS: www.simplesewp...
DON: BUTTERICK DRESS B6850: thefoldlne.com...
GEORGIE: BIRGITTA HELMERSSON ZW GATHER DRESS: thefoldlne.com...
LAUREN: KNOW ME DRESS ME2032: thefoldlne.com...
LUKE: VIKISEWS ELONORA DRESS: vikisews.com/v...
MARCUS: MEGAN NIELSEN DARLING RANGES DRESS: thefoldlne.com...
NEIL: MAUDELLA 5977
PASHA: VIKISEWS NOLA DRESS: thefoldlne.com...
SUZY: FROLIC FROC GRACIE STEEL: graciesteel.co...
You can find us on:
Instagram: / ​​
Twitter: / thefoldline​​
Facebook: / ​​
P8615 men’s vintage jumpsuit and overalls sewing pattern from Simplicityinterest: / ​​
Music: www.bensound.com/

[@kimhandy1861]

Rather than calling it a technical challenge, they should name it the speed challenge. Thanks for searching for these patterns!

[@TheFoldLine]

Absolutely!

[@jacmary6580]

Simplicity 9543 is the pattern for Janet's dress 😊

[@sheilaholter4489]

I came to say the same thing. I have the pattern, so I recognized it right away.

[@Kate-wf6hh]

I love these videos because they keep the excitement going after each episode is broadcast. Yes, the time slot for the denim skirt was just plain crazy. I think they will have to be careful that they are not setting people up to fail just to hype up the 'competitive' element. I don't really think people watch it for that. I love seeng how capable people are with their sewing and I love the tension between skill of execution and level of design confidence that creates really good sewers.

[@leannewarren]

Agreed, I think the producers are purposefully making it harder... I prefer to see them achieve the finished product.

[@Lazydaisy646]

​@@leannewarrennext year, spin straw into gold

[@TheFoldLine]

So true. They all seemed to reach the same point with the skirt so it just just a very tight time frame 😅

[@leannewarren]

@@Lazydaisy646 😂

[@mitrajordan]

Completely agree, a failure in their choice with that first challenge - if NO ONE can complete the challenge, that’s an unreasonable one to set.

[@louloureads3953]

Really enjoyed this! I agree, I think it was too hard for the first week - part of the pleasure of the show is watching people get better week by week.

[@lynnshepard7485]

We aren’t able to watch The British Sewing Bee where I live, so I really enjoy these videos, Kate! 😘🌸

[@TheFoldLine]

I'm so glad I can bring you a little flavour of the Bee 🐝

[@WickfieldManor-fx9ky]

I found the 1st episode on KZbin when I was searching for this video. Don’t know how long before it’s taken down but I just watched it from Brisbane. 😊

[@patgottshalk8808]

Thanks, I was able to watch from the US.

[@lana7422]

So So So disappointed that we can't get this series in the U.S. I did get to see the first few series that were posted on KZbin, but haven't seen anything the last few years. Loved that show so much. Am so so so disappointed!!!

[@juliabarrett4757]

I see you are using images from the show now which makes it so much better! I take it they have given you permission at long last. Let us know the story! I would also love to know how you search for the patterns. Perhaps you could do a video on this.

[@foxynannabev]

I loved the winning dress 👗 (sorry can’t remember her name) the black & white dress 👗 she made with a duvet cover 😂 I thought the play with the black & white was really good 👍🏻 & I just loved ❤ it 😁 xx

[@TheFoldLine]

Suzy! I am excited to see what she brings to the show. She definitely has a creative flair!

[@annebrown886]

I wish that the contestants didn’t have to leave in week 1, I feel they need a week to settle in first 🧵✂️🪡

[@TheFoldLine]

Totally agree a warm up week!

[@janspenno2241]

I TOTALLY agree

[@robinhudson6800]

Thank your adding the contests picture when talking about their makes.

[@kathrynsweetzer7438]

3 days for that skirt for me, no way in 3 hours.... 😬😂

[@TheFoldLine]

Agreed! 😆

[@katejames6439]

Love these videos Kate. Totally agree about skirt timing. It would have taken me 3 hours to get the buttons right!

[@TheFoldLine]

Right?! That was my exact comment when I was watching 🤣

[@jeanettedemosthenous2685]

The fact that every sewer failed to finish the denim skirt SHOULD tell them that the challenge was impossible. I understand that it is a challenge but they have to make it achievable. Love Sewing Bee but another 1/2 hour would have sorted "the men from the boys".

[@karendiesner5008]

I look forward to your pattern picks every year, Kate - thanks so much! I’m aghast at how little time they have for the technical challenge as well. It’s insane! And how tricky the patterns are now compared to 10 years ago…., well!

[@TheFoldLine]

Yes! It's amazing to see the jump from the first series' challenge to now. The difficultly level has lept up!

[@jacquelinelittle8096]

I remember my Mum using Maudella patterns.

[@debbiesews]

Regarding Lauren's slip dress with princess seams - it might be the Butterick 5761 which is a slip dress by designer Connie Crawford. Looks similar with a v-neck too. Love your GBSB reviews- I really look forward to your perfect sleuthing skills! Wonderful job!

[@TheFoldLine]

Thanks for the info!

[@Nina-rx2eo]

Thanks Kate and Foldline Team for all that sleuthing. Some lovely patterns there and loved seeing all the new sewers this series. Agree with you and other comments about the time they're given. It's madness and such a shame. If they'd even had an extra 30 minutes we'd have had a few completed ones and it would have been more enjoyable to watch. I'll obviously still be watching of course :)

[@TheFoldLine]

It was tense but they were all in the same boat so it was the time that was just too tight 😅

[@nataliebateman6980]

Love that sewing bee is back and love your pattern round up! Thank you ❤

[@TheFoldLine]

So glad!

[@jenniferewart]

Thanks Kate, I think you’re spot on with the chosen patterns so well done to the team of sleuths !! Crazy 1st challenge, I don’t really understand why they decided to set an impossible challenge in week one. In actual fact I don’t think it could be accomplished even in week 10. So glad I'm not a contestant 😂

[@TheFoldLine]

Agreed! They all did so well, it was such a daunting task 😅

[@LostMyThread]

Really appreciated having the photos of the contestants. It made it much easier to remember which person/dress you were referring to. Thanks again for a great first ep!

[@TheFoldLine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lyndaseagrave417]

I agree that it is so much harder now - I went back and watched the first ever episode and they had 3.5 hours for the A-line skirt which was a very simple design, just a zip, no buttons or top stitching - 3hr 15m for all that work was a very tough challenge. Loved the zero waste dress made from a table cloth !

[@TheFoldLine]

Wasn't the tablecloth dress brilliant! We have some very talented sewers to watch 🐝

[@Lizann63]

I love watching Patrick and esme being a fashion designer and ex teacher myself I think sometimes the challenges are tougher than others on some of the contestants everyone is always at their own different sewing levels.

[@michelleholland8823]

So glad to see the Sewing Bee back on the tele and your pattern picks here!

[@janspenno2241]

For JANET try simplicity 9543

[@michellesamain]

I have several Maudella patterns. They existed from 1937 to mid 80s so they have a great range of eras. They also did children’s patterns. From my understanding, they were more of a budget brand who specialised in copying the fashion/trend of the time into home sewing patterns. No innovative or original designs here. They are the pre-cut, no printed markings type with only punched holes and notches. For some reason I thought they were the ones that appeared in newspapers and that you sent in to the paper for the pattern. I can’t quickly find evidence of that however so I may be wrong.

[@Angela10226]

Kate Thank you, thank you so much for including the pics of the contestants for those of us who don't have the ability to watch the show. . I wish you could say who did the garment of the week but I understand why not. Oh maybe the following week??

[@tess7972]

Suzy won this week's challenge 😀

[@Angela10226]

Thanks for the info

[@maz9917]

I love these videos Kate, thank you.

[@TheFoldLine]

You're so welcome!

[@leannewarren]

Loved the Hattie/Ellis neckline - gorgeous!

[@TheFoldLine]

Me too!!

[@carolebarter6624]

Great finds 😊 I think the buttoned skirt may be from the Chelsea pattern collection by Simple Sew..

[@juliadroy1179]

I think you were spot on with the patterns, I was so pleased to see Merchant and Mills patterns being used I'm a great fan xx

[@TheFoldLine]

We were too! I think my message to the group read "TWO MERCHANT & MILLS PATTERNS 🥳"

[@elizabethanstuff4430]

Yay! love these videos and really appreciate all the work that goes into making them.

[@TheFoldLine]

Yay, thank you!

[@amandamartin824]

Thanks for finding all patterns (and adding to my endless to sew list😂) would also be great if you could share/find what the contestants were wearing too x

[@kathrynsweetzer7438]

Have a look at the foldline socials, they've picked out some on there 😍

[@TheFoldLine]

We shared that in our newsletter and here on Instagram! instagram.com/p/C7OFgqKNURv/?img_index=1

[@published1789]

Thank you for your (quick!) work. 🙂

[@TheFoldLine]

You're welcome!

[@susanhemion2981]

I wish we could at least see the last season in the US

[@sheilaholter4489]

I watch from a Reddit thread.

[@shelaghd6004]

I think the Pauline dress by Closet Core Patterns has a bit of the essence of Janet's dress

[@andreabush1742]

Love this series!

[@judithjensen2457]

Love this wrap up! Utah, USA cannot receive😂

[@sheilaholter4489]

I've watched the last several seasons from a Reddit thread. I was really happy to find it again this week.

[@ParsnipsMum1]

The only other similar cocoon dress I can think of is the Style Arc Adeline. Great video as always.

[@TheFoldLine]

Good call!

[@clairemurphy539]

Or the Lodo maybe?

[@ParsnipsMum1]

I think they were sewing with woven fabric

[@woogies37]

I think with some changes to the pattern, the Anna dress from By Hand London could be used for Janets dress

[@alisonpugin3401]

I heard someone say Maudella was a UK pattern company that was bought into what is now New Look??

[@louiset2079]

Yes I believe you are correct. I read the same somewhere a few years ago.

[@Jess-wk5jo]

Me and my mum knows Suzy from cafe shop in waterloo we go to in crosby waterloo

[@TheFoldLine]

Amazing! She's fab 😍

[@julsbendandi9374]

Thank you for a great episode. I really enjoy watching your picks! It used to annoy me that I can‘t watch the show either, but now Ithink watching your round up is better! I have become increasingly uncomfortable with the artificial time pressure and people being thrown out at the end of each episode. I’d prefer a point system where it’s all counted at the end and we can watch how everyone develops. That’s what’s it about, right? The love of sewing?

[@trudiroach]

Get yourself a vpn and watch 😂

[@TheFoldLine]

Glad you enjoy these updates! The sewists are working under extremely tight time frames. I couldn't do it!

[@julsbendandi9374]

Btw Kate, the shirt you are wearing is sooo nice! I love the collar…Please tell me it‘s from a pattern I can buy?❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@catrionamowat8397]

Megan Nielsen River is another cocoon match.

[@nerllybird]

EIGHT buttons!

[@nerllybird]

Maybe Simplicity 9543 fir Janet's dress.

[@heyspeckle8782]

When Patrick told them to manage their time better in the first challenge it made me genuinely mad lol. If literally no one could finish, maybe give them more time?

[@TheFoldLine]

It was an impossible task 😅

[@ppuyle1]

I love your pattern round up Kate. I’m in the US and can’t watch….unless anyone has found a way? 🙏🏻

[@kathleenstencel3081]

I'm in the US too and wish I could watch

[@sheilaholter4489]

I watch from a Reddit thread.

[@sandyklingenstein1856]

@@sheilaholter4489is it live?

[@Lazydaisy646]

The time limit for the challenges have got ridiculous. They actually have to chose fabric, cut and sew for the first challenge, it would take me that long just to cut out .

[@SewVeryLaura]

Glad it’s not just me thinking that!

[@majsmarken118]

Do you have a suggestion to a pattern for Alex’ yellow gingham-blouse?

[@TheFoldLine]

Yes! I think it's a hacked version of the Cielo Top thefoldline.com/product/cielo-top-and-dress/

[@elsbethgotts3982]

Great video! Thank you. The first episode was so hard! I know each year the level gets higher, but I think they pushed them too far. Not many of the poor people had finished garments for the pattern challenge or made to measure.

[@TheFoldLine]

It was seriously high pressure sewing!

[@marathorne6821]

I was struck, when I watched the original series of GBSB on catch-up, that the projects were much more practical and relatable, and the contestants were given enough time to do them properly. As time has gone on, the tasks have become more "out there" and (in my view) gimmicky. Although I still love the programme, it is becoming more about sewing quickly than about sewing well. The fact that none of the ten managed to complete the denim skirt in the time allowed speaks volumes.

[@TheFoldLine]

It was a vast task!

[@eileenroth9868]

❤

[@vickyesme]

I love Alex’s trousers. Any idea what pattern they are.

[@TheFoldLine]

I think that are the Pomona's. I've made them and spotted the patch pocket! thefoldline.com/product/pomona-pants-and-shorts-pdf/

[@Knittynatter]

What was Janet’s pattern loved that dress

[@sheilaholter4489]

Simplicity 9543. I have it to make a dress for my sister, but haven't got around to it yet.

[@Knittynatter]

Thank you ❤

[@katieg2161]

Is this show available in the US?

[@lynnshepard7485]

Not that I can find. 😔

[@Lazydaisy646]

​@@lynnshepard7485you have to use a VPN to view outside of UK , I am in New Zealand and watch it that way.

[@TheFoldLine]

It's not but if we do hear any news we will share it!

[@sheilaholter4489]

I watch it from a Reddit thread, and have for the last several seasons.

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

xXX👍👍👍

[@elizharber3564]

🧵✨

[@debbiecarter6430]

Great stuff, thanks Kate. 😊 I think Don drafted his own pattern. Lucy at Sew Essential nailed Janet’s pattern kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6HUlapslJp0j9ksi=N2VllGMZ62x3gruZ

[@heyspeckle8782]

Luke uses they/them pronouns, please don't misgender them!