The Great British Sewing Bee

by Tessa Eveleigh

The Great British Sewing Bee is the official tie-in to the BBC TWO series. The TV series looks for the nation's best amateur sewer, watched over by judges Savile Row tailor Patrick Grant and doyenne of the WI May Martin while host Claudia Winkleman offers encouragement.

Capturing the creative energy of the series, the book provides an irresistible collection of over 25 projects covering garments and homewares that will delight sewing enthusiasts everywhere. As in the series, the projects offer something for both sexes and all ages. Garments include a flattering tea dress, pencil skirt, unisex pyjama bottoms and a waistcoat. The homewares and accessories include aprons, a stylist tote bag, laundry bag, a selection of cushion designs and three different window dressings. All are complete with instructinos and patterns for sizes 8 to 16 - the patterns are also available as a PDF download free with purchase.

Including a number of designs from the TV series, technical know-how and insider sewing tips from the judges, this book will help the beginner achieve professional results.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2013

Reviews

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some pretty pictures (ahem) and some patterns look manageable. Don't want that waily blonde bint who cries too much to win.

[Minka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cool bow tie step by step guide!

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Just a shame you have to down load the patterns and that they only go up to a size 16.

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really lacking motivation to sew. This book inspired me to start.

[Lafrog8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Season 1: Best curtains guidance I ever encountered, I have used the instructions to make lined curtains with success. Other projects which might be worth a go: Basic dress and contains other basic projects which are always useful like a floor cushion, a laundry bag, a man's apron.

Season 2 (2 different books under same entry in Goodreads....): Masterclasses concept seems interesting: for example matching bold prints and sewing stretchy fabric for making leggings. Wrap dress / slip dress projects could be interesting.

[Polly Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've tried a couple of the patterns and sewing is a lot harder than you think! With time and patience, I'm sure to use this book time and again. The sizes are a little scimpy for the fuller figure but there's a good mix of items to try your sewing machine with. There are clear photos for techniques you'll need to complete the projects and this book will make you want to immerse yourself into the sewing world. I love the Sewing Bee series and this is great for wanting to learn some of the projects seen in the series. My only criticism is that I would have liked some more personality from the contestants within the series.

[Rachel Bridgeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ism a lovely book containing full sized patterns for a variety of outfits ranging for the beginner to the experienced crafter. It contains a wealth of advice also regarding the essentials to start your own collection of sewing supplies and links to reliable websites to buy patterns and material.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well laid out book with great and easy to read chapters. Only issue is the having to print patterns out on serious amounts of paper.

[Nicola]

Didn't read the entire book! Read the opening pages and then skimmed over the patterns section at the back of the book.