The Great British Sewing Bee: The Techniques


Book Description

The BBC primetime series The Great British Sewing Bee, is back. Starting with the basics, from how to use a sewing machine and understand paper patterns, to knowing your fabrics and how to achieve that perfect finish – this is a go-to guide that you will keep referring back to. With a section that demystifies the fitting process, and with expert sewing tips on making alterations, you'll be able to choose from a variety of projects that will ease you into the world of sewing. For burgeoning sewers, this technique-focused book reveals the joys of sewing and the tools and skills required to progress. Interspersed with essential tips, from advice on finishing – tacking, hand stitching, hemming and more – to guidance on adding decorative finishes including piping, exposed zips, appliqué and more, this book is an indispensable reference that will encourage you to take the leap and start creating long-lasting projects to cherish.




The Great British Sewing Bee: Sustainable Style


Book Description

The BBC primetime series, The Great British Sewing Bee, is back. The companion book to the sixth series of this flagship BBC show, The Great British Sewing Bee: Sustainable Style accompanies sewers at all levels on their creative journey to reduce, reuse and recycle – ultimately creating their own considered closet. Starting with the essentials, sewers will learn how to maintain and care for their sewing machine, find out the secrets to using an overlocker (and what to do if you don’t have one) and the key to pattern matching. With a guide that demystifies the fitting process, and with expert sewing tips on making alterations, you’ll be able to choose from 27 projects, for both women and men, that will ease you into the world of sustainable sewing. For burgeoning dressmakers, this book showcases a vast array of sustainable and natural fabrics, reveals how to breathe life into old garments and entices the would-be sewer to dress handmade. Interspersed with sustainable tips, from advice on keeping an eco-friendly sewing space and how to better care for your garments, to guidance on recycling old clothes, using up fabric scraps and making repairs, this book is an indispensable reference to a more considered approach to sewing, that will encourage you to create long-lasting projects to cherish. With womenswear sizes ranging from 8 to 22 and menswear sizes ranging from XS to XL, along with five downloadable pattern sheets, expert sewers Caroline Akselson and Alexandra Bruce cover everything you need to build your sewing repertoire and grow in confidence as you sew yourself sustainable.




Great British Sewing Bee


Book Description




The Great British Sewing Bee: The Skills


Book Description

Learn how to build on your sewing repertoire as you take the next step on your making journey. The Great British Sewing Bee: The Skills is the second title in this brand-new, standalone series that celebrates dressmaking techniques. Building on the basics covered in The Great British Sewing Bee: The Techniques, this book includes chapters on: Preparation & pattern matching Working with different fabrics such as leather and lace How to take your sewing to the next level with finishes Specialist techniques including boning, swimwear and underwear Decorations & embellishments Interspersed with expert tips and step-by-step illustrations, The Skills is an indispensable reference for intermediate sewers that will encourage you to take your dressmaking to the next level.




The Great British Sewing Bee


Book Description

The Great British Sewing Book will do for sewing what The Great British Bake Off has done for baking. Brought to you by the same production company, the TV series will be looking for the nation's best amateur sewer. The Great British Sewing Book will provide amateur sewers everywhere with all the technical knowhow and inspiring projects they need to produce a core collection of 25 fabulous garments and homewares. From a child's sundress and a swinging circular skirt to unisex pyjama trousers, a tea dress and a waistcoat, the garments offer something for both sexes and all ages. The homewares and accessories include aprons, bags, cushions and window dressings. In addition to this core collection, 4 winning designs from the series are also included: a simple daytime dress, a child's party dress, a jacket and an evening dress - all with complete instructions and full-size patterns. Capturing the creative energy of the series, the book will also celebrate the rich heritage of sewing and give timely advice on recycling and customising existing pieces. Lavishly illustrated throughout, the photography reflects the atmosphere of the series, shows all the finished garments and includes full step-by-step shots to accompany the instructions.




The Great British Sewing Bee 3: Fashion with Fabric


Book Description

For burgeoning dressmakers the vast array of fabrics is what both entices the would-be sewer to dress handmade, but it is also what intimidates the first-time sewist when stepping into the haberdashery. Reflecting the episode themes of the third series of The Great British Sewing Bee, each chapter focuses on a type of fabric and demystifies its properties, suitability and uses as well as providing all the instructions and pattern pieces needed to make a collection of universally appealing garments from that fabric type. Many of the 30 garments in the book appear on screen, either as technical challenges faced by the contestants and designed by Claire-Louise Hardie or as projects devised and made by the contestants. The chapter on Cottons explains the properties of this common fabric and gives a variety of designs including a sleeveless shell top, capri trousers, summer dress and beach shorts. This is followed by chapters on wool and natural fibres, knits and stretch fabrics and then luxury fabrics, including lace and sheers. With womenswear sizes ranging from 8 - 20 and menswear sizes ranging from S - XL, as well as the core garment instructions, this book includes all the information you need to get started with your sewing machine and understand both your equipment and the pattern pieces. Claire-Louise's ultimate guide to fitting your own clothes and expert sewing tips from judges May Martin and Patrick Grant will ensure a perfect fit and stunning results.




Sew Your Own Activewear


Book Description

A sewing expert and marathon runner offers sewing patterns and blocks, as well as step-by-step instructions to help you create your own amazing activewear. Make your own unique activewear sewing wardrobe that’s perfect for your workout. Choose from thirteen different styles including yoga pants, crops top and running leggings designed by activewear sewing expert, and marathon runner, Melissa Fehr. Whether you’re a runner, a cyclist or a gym bunny, or you’re simply looking for the perfect pair of slouchy leggings for elegant lounging, this collection of sewing patterns is for you. Learn all about how to choose the correct fabric for activewear sewing and discover expert tips on working with performance fabrics like Lycra and spandex. Before you know it, you’ll have a truly unique workout wardrobe to wear while you work up a sweat!




House of Pinheiro's Work to Weekend Wardrobe


Book Description

Sew your own capsule wardrobe to see you through the week to the weekend! Revitalise your wardrobe with this capsule collection from sewing expert Rachel from the House of Pinheiro. The collection includes the perfect separates to take you through the working week to the weekend including a jumpsuit, day dress, trench two piece, kimono dress and versatile shirt dress. Rachel includes a main pattern for every day of week and then offers variations for how to dress it up for a meeting or down for the weekend. There is advice on how to change the look of the pieces through fabric choices and styling tips, as well as a techniques section featuring Rachel's tips on how to get the best fit for your body type and how to measure yourself correctly to ensure you get the perfect fit every time. Garments include on trend staples and reinvented basics to create an exciting collection of 7 patterns, which can be used to create numerous different outfits.




Make It, Own It, Love It


Book Description

Join Matt Chapple, the UK's top amateur stitcher and winner of the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee2015 as he shares everything you need to know about repairing and maintaining your attire in this non-nonsense guide. Focusing on making sewing easy and fun, it covers tools of the trade, essential repairs and alterations as well as complete step-by-step instructions instructions for making projects from scratch, such as a box-pleated skirt and adding bias binding to pocket edges for a splash of colour. Matt’s no-nonsense language strips away the complexity of sewing, as he gives practical advice on how to repair fabrics from denim and corduroy to tweed and wool, and offers tips to make wardrobe malfunctions a thing of the past. Written for the uninitiated stitcher, concentrating on common clothing issues we all face, be it a loss of a button, a hole in the pocket or something more serious like a fallen hem.




Learn to Sew with Lauren


Book Description

Lauren Guthrie was a very popular finalist in BBC TV's Great British Sewing Bee. Now Lauren wants to show anyone who has been bitten by the sewing bug how beautiful, useful things for your home, for yourself and for family and friends can be only a stitch away. Through a series of step-by-step projects that gradually increase in complexity, Lauren provides structured techniques that allow you to build expertise and confidence - and make some gorgeous projects in the process. The clothes and home wares reflect her own lovely pared-back style, and feature in particular the attention to detail and distinctive touches that she loves to bring to anything she makes, from an unexpected lining to a clever edging. From bags, belts and simple tops to blinds and cushions, each of the projects includes one or more variations to the design, fabric or embellishments, so that, once you have mastered the basic technique, you can create endless, stunning alternatives.