0:00:02 > 0:00:0440 years ago, there was nothing unusual about us
0:00:04 > 0:00:06making our own clothes. And then, for a while,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09it seemed we'd lost our passion for this very traditional skill.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Guess what? A quiet revolution is happening.
0:00:12 > 0:00:17We're buying sewing machines again, we're going to needlework classes,
0:00:17 > 0:00:20and sewing circles are popping up all across the country.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22We are launching the first-ever search
0:00:22 > 0:00:25for Britain's best home sewer.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29We've scoured fabric shops, cafes, workplaces
0:00:29 > 0:00:33and people's spare rooms to find the most talented sewers
0:00:33 > 0:00:36in Britain today to compete in The Great British Sewing Bee.
0:00:36 > 0:00:42I just need to be using my hands, creating things.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46Ideas going in my head. I couldn't do without sewing.
0:00:46 > 0:00:47No, it's just part of me.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51My daughter put me forward. My family are head over heels
0:00:51 > 0:00:54that I'm doing something like this for me.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Oh, my goodness!
0:00:55 > 0:00:58Thousands applied and eight were selected.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Over the next few weeks, they'll be making everything
0:01:02 > 0:01:05from a simple skirt to a stunning evening dress.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Each week, all their skills will be put to the test.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11First, they'll follow the same pattern, then they'll transform
0:01:11 > 0:01:14a High Street buy, and finally they're asked to create
0:01:14 > 0:01:15a made-to-measure outfit.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18I've been having a lot of dreams recently about sewing
0:01:18 > 0:01:21and it took me a while to get to sleep last night.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24They'll face two judges.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26Savile Row's Patrick Grant and sewing expert May Martin
0:01:26 > 0:01:30who's been teaching people to sew for 40 years.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33I have a real passion for my subject and I'm really looking forward
0:01:33 > 0:01:35to people showing me what they can do.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Some beautiful stitching, some lovely fitting.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Good construction, good finishing.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42I'm fortunate to work with the best sewers in the world
0:01:42 > 0:01:46and I want to see that same commitment to the craft of sewing
0:01:46 > 0:01:47from everyone in the sewing bee.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49I wouldn't normally machine the hem
0:01:49 > 0:01:51but there isn't time to do it by hand.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55Understanding the materials and understanding of shape and fit
0:01:55 > 0:01:58and all those things that go into making beautiful clothes.
0:01:58 > 0:01:59Who will cut...
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Panic. Sheer panic.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03..stitch...
0:02:03 > 0:02:05Coming out again. Coming out, coming out.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07..and iron their way to victory?
0:02:07 > 0:02:11My chances of winning are good.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Never judge a book by its cover.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14Agh!
0:02:14 > 0:02:17The sewers are ready, the judges are poised.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19Welcome to The Great British Sewing Bee.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48The first Great British Sewing Bee is being held in East London,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52once home to Britain's thriving rag trade.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Streets that were once filled with the noise
0:02:55 > 0:02:59of clattering sewing machines are about to come alive again.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Over the next two days, the sewers will make three pieces
0:03:02 > 0:03:08of clothing after which two of them will have to leave the sewing bee.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Welcome to the sewing room.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13I'd like to introduce you to your judges.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Brilliant tailor Patrick Grant
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and the best sewing teacher in the world, May Martin.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22It's time to give you your first challenge.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25We'd like you all to make the same item of clothing
0:03:25 > 0:03:30and it's an A-line skirt. May is going to hand out the patterns.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Massive, massive luck.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36You have three and a half hours. Good luck, off you go.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43Patrick and May's first challenge will test how good the sewers are
0:03:43 > 0:03:46at following a basic pattern.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Most women own an A-line skirt which is fitted at the hips
0:03:49 > 0:03:51and widens towards the hem,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54falling in the shape of a capital letter A.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56The faster the sewers complete the skirt,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00the more opportunity they'll have to add personal touches.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03Is the key to the first challenge
0:04:03 > 0:04:05to try to impress you to keep it simple?
0:04:05 > 0:04:08There's plenty of chances to demonstrate additional skills
0:04:08 > 0:04:10but I think in this challenge
0:04:10 > 0:04:13we're looking for something straightforwardly well executed.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16Basic sewing skills, putting in darts, putting in zips.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20Things that every home sewer needs to know, don't they?
0:04:20 > 0:04:22This skirt can be made from any fabric found
0:04:22 > 0:04:24in the sewing room's haberdashery.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26To have all these fabrics around you,
0:04:26 > 0:04:30you just don't know where to go first.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34I keep going from there to there to there.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38I think I've got what I need now so I'm just going to crack on
0:04:38 > 0:04:39and hope for the best.
0:04:41 > 0:04:4347-year-old married mum of three Sandra
0:04:43 > 0:04:46is a hospital cleaner from Wolverhampton.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50I've always made my girls' clothes since they were babies.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- What kind of thing are you looking for?- Something everyday...
0:04:53 > 0:04:55'My middle daughter Rebecca,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58'she had a sewing machine for her 21st birthday.'
0:04:58 > 0:04:59Look at that!
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Your nan made those and I made those for you.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06'I think I just want to carry on because my mum's always doing it and my grandma.'
0:05:06 > 0:05:10I think there's...a little bit of it's emotional there,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12as well as for pleasure, for myself.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18I tend to be a bit flowery and I just like the feel of that.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23Sandra's fabric is very light which means she'll need to line her skirt.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27I've made a decision to line it because I've picked a finer fabric
0:05:27 > 0:05:30so it's just got a bit of texture,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33a bit of weight to it so it's not going to...
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Stewart is also planning to line his skirt.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Are you going to have time to line your skirt?
0:05:38 > 0:05:42I don't know, so I'm going to cut it and then if I do have time,
0:05:42 > 0:05:44I'll line it and if I don't, I won't.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Stewart, have you made an A-line skirt before?
0:05:47 > 0:05:50I've never made a skirt before, Claudia, A-line or otherwise.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- Lovely to have you here. - Lovely to be here.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58Two on the right, two on the list.
0:05:58 > 0:06:0141-year-old Stewart is a fitness instructor from North Yorkshire.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05I got into sewing when I was 21, 22,
0:06:05 > 0:06:11and it was a case of first home and wanting to make it my own.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14So the first things that I made were things like curtains
0:06:14 > 0:06:17and cushions and I made a quilt for the bed as well.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Do you think three and a half hours is enough?
0:06:21 > 0:06:24I think I'll have had enough by three and a half hours.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- I suspect we all will!- Good luck.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- Thank you.- That's quite a lot of lining for a skirt.- Is it?
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Look at you, you're like Miss Marple!
0:06:35 > 0:06:37He might be making it floor-length.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40He might be making the longer length. I didn't think of that, Patrick.
0:06:40 > 0:06:46I'm beginning to look at the time now.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49The number of skirts like this I've made, I would hate to count.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52Dozens, I would imagine, over the years.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Ann from Birmingham goes to a yoga class twice a week
0:06:55 > 0:06:59and she's been sewing almost every day for 75 years.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02I started my sewing with small bits of fabric
0:07:02 > 0:07:05when I made dolls' clothes and I suppose my mother looked at them
0:07:05 > 0:07:09and decided I was good enough to be allowed to cut into
0:07:09 > 0:07:13some precious fabric and make something for myself.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16When I was about 11, I made myself a blouse.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- That's a very beautiful fabric. - It's lovely, isn't it?
0:07:19 > 0:07:21I love the bright colours.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Are you going to worry about lining your skirt?
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- I'm going to line this, yes. - Would you always line?
0:07:26 > 0:07:30I will always, always line this sort of skirt, yes.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Are you worried about time?
0:07:33 > 0:07:36I'm not sure. I'll tell you that in a couple of hours' time.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43The pattern for this everyday garment
0:07:43 > 0:07:47should be straightforward to follow.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49So many things could go wrong.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51I've made a few skirts.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55I tend to make quite full ones so I've never made A-line.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Once they've cut out the three pieces,
0:07:57 > 0:08:00one for the front and two for the back,
0:08:00 > 0:08:03the sewers insert darts to give the skirt shape.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05They sew an invisible zip into the centre back seam
0:08:05 > 0:08:09and then they join the front and the back together.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13When it comes to an A-line skirt which is basically a front and back,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16wouldn't you just go choose a nice heavy wool, cut it out,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18sew it together, done?
0:08:18 > 0:08:21Trying to take a piece of flat fabric
0:08:21 > 0:08:26and fit it to the shape of the body is hard for the inexperienced sewer.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28It's easier to start with a pattern.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31All these lines, every piece has to be cut out accurately.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Any additional space around the outside will alter the size
0:08:34 > 0:08:35and shape of the garment.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38These little pieces in here, this dart here,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40gets folded in together which creates shape in the piece.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- Why do you have different options? - These are different sizes.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- Depending on what size you are... - 8, 10, 12, 14, right.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49This is basic geometry.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53It's a simple straightforward blueprint, as May has said,
0:08:53 > 0:08:55for constructing this garment.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59What I'm doing is actually pinning the pattern on top of the fabric.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02I try and find car fabric and I find it very difficult
0:09:02 > 0:09:06and there it was staring at me. "Come and get me," so I got it!
0:09:06 > 0:09:08I'm chuffed to bits actually.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Jane from Kent was widowed 15 years ago
0:09:12 > 0:09:15and ever since has devoted her life to her passions.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Her grandchildren, her car and her wardrobe.
0:09:18 > 0:09:24The reason I make my own clothes is because nobody else is wearing them.
0:09:24 > 0:09:30I can go anywhere and I know I'm the only one with that item on.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33To go out in a classic car with a classic skirt on
0:09:33 > 0:09:38everyone will say, "Where did you get that from?" I made it.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Just about to put the needle to the fabric.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Excited and a little bit shaky.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Don't know why, it's only an A-line skirt.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50It feels like it's the first time I've ever sewn.
0:09:50 > 0:09:5331-year-old charity worker Michelle
0:09:53 > 0:09:57lives in London with her husband Eddie and seven-month-old son Noah.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01My earliest memories of sewing was sat at the feet of my grandma.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04She used to make wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, cushions.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Anything that the family would need.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09When I sew, I definitely get a feeling from my mum and my grandma
0:10:09 > 0:10:12because I know they're in every stitch that I make.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18Yay! I've done it. This is the dart that I'm putting into the skirt.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Darts are marked on patterns by triangles.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27This area of fabric is folded in on itself
0:10:27 > 0:10:30and then fixed with a line of stitching.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33It helps flat fabric fit around the contours of our bodies.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37I'm very happy with the two darts in that,
0:10:37 > 0:10:40then I think I should have a little gaze over the instructions
0:10:40 > 0:10:44cos I'm sure it'll tell you which way to iron the darts.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Sewers, just so you know, one hour has gone.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53You have two and a half hours left.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55When you rush something as much as this,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58it can't be as neat as you'd like it to be.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59With darts inserted,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02the sewers can now start constructing their skirts...
0:11:02 > 0:11:05It feels a little bit more real now, all of a sudden.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07..whilst Patrick and May watch their every stitch.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11We have various things that are quite interesting going on around the room.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15Can I just check with you, is that a nine-inch zip?
0:11:15 > 0:11:18The skirt needs to be fitted with an invisible sip.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20This is the tricky bit.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24If put in correctly, you shouldn't be able to see it from the outside.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27I need my line of stitching to be really close to the zip
0:11:27 > 0:11:30so if the stitching's too far away, you'll see it.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36This is the third zip I've ever done in my life!
0:11:36 > 0:11:38The costumes that I make are 18th-century,
0:11:38 > 0:11:42way before the zip was invented, so there's no need for a zip.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Mark is 41 and works as an HGV mechanic in Derbyshire.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52He makes costumes for his family to go to steampunk events at the weekend.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Steampunk is like a Victorian with a futuristic twist
0:11:55 > 0:12:00so there's a lot of gadgetry and a lot of strange things to look at.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03The items that I've made - waistcoats, breeches,
0:12:03 > 0:12:0717th-century frock coats, 18th-century shirts.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09I suppose, not everyday wear.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12When I'm sewing at home, I've got a picnic table
0:12:12 > 0:12:16with my sewing machine on, on my settee watching the TV.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Normally with a dog sat next to me.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21This is all modern for me.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25Almost all dressmakers use one of these.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28A pattern. They can either stick to it slavishly
0:12:28 > 0:12:30or just use it as a starting point.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34But even the most inexperienced sewer will know where to begin
0:12:34 > 0:12:35with one of these.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39In the late 19th century, home sewers didn't know where to start.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45Victorian Britain saw the role of the middle-class homemaker flourish
0:12:45 > 0:12:48but while sewing was popular, making your own clothes wasn't
0:12:48 > 0:12:51because there was no blueprint to follow.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Patterns, as we know them, didn't exist.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56We've got these families who were moving up in the world.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59The wives are very anxious to do things right
0:12:59 > 0:13:01and impress the neighbours.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04She wants to decorate the house right and she wants to dress right
0:13:04 > 0:13:08but it was quite difficult for ladies to buy ready-to-wear clothes.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12Normally, you had to go off and negotiate with the dressmaker.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16They only guide the Victorian housewife had to the latest fashions
0:13:16 > 0:13:18was expensive hand-coloured illustrations
0:13:18 > 0:13:21which they would buy and take to the dressmaker.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Although they show you what's fashionable,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26they don't actually tell you how it's made.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29One entrepreneurial publisher, Samuel Beaton,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31the husband of the famous Mrs Beaton,
0:13:31 > 0:13:34realised that what women needed was instructions
0:13:34 > 0:13:36that they could follow at home.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40In 1863, he published the first pull-out paper dressmaking pattern
0:13:40 > 0:13:43in his Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45What Beaton did that was clever
0:13:45 > 0:13:49was that he showed women the step in between.
0:13:49 > 0:13:55He gave them trace-it-off-yourself patterns that you could use
0:13:55 > 0:13:58to recreate the fashions for yourself.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01All the patterns he publishes are things
0:14:01 > 0:14:05where fit isn't that important, so it's a little boys' loose jacket
0:14:05 > 0:14:09or a kind of frilly wrap thing or some underwear,
0:14:09 > 0:14:14so even if the pattern doesn't quite fit, it's going to look OK.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18Women really never looked back, and by 1900,
0:14:18 > 0:14:21you've got entire commercial empires
0:14:21 > 0:14:26founded on people publishing dressmaking patterns.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29When Beaton made the groundbreaking decision
0:14:29 > 0:14:31to give away paper patterns in his magazine,
0:14:31 > 0:14:33it wasn't just canny marketing.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36It brought the fine art of dressmaking within the reach
0:14:36 > 0:14:39of home sewers and subsequent generations to come.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44One hour to go in the first challenge.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48How are you doing, Lauren?
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- I've been better but I'm all right. - We've all been better, love.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Once the sewers have constructed the skirts,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56they can add their own personal touches.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59I'm slightly worried that my skirt's going to be a bit plain
0:14:59 > 0:15:03because other people have done lining. I've not done that.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08At the moment I'm making some bias binding to be part of my hem.
0:15:09 > 0:15:1327-year-old Lauren from Birmingham is the youngest in the contest
0:15:13 > 0:15:17but she's got 22 years' sewing experience.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19I was given a kit for my fifth birthday,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21it taught you lots of different stitches
0:15:21 > 0:15:24so I remember coming home from school
0:15:24 > 0:15:26and my mum teaching me how to do stitches
0:15:26 > 0:15:29and then we'd put it in a frame afterwards
0:15:29 > 0:15:31and I've still got it now.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Lauren, how's it going? - It's going OK.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39I am actually finished my skirt but I feel like it's a bit plain.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42I think it looks beautiful, don't you?
0:15:42 > 0:15:44You've made your own bias binding.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48I haven't seen many other people doing so don't be too...
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- What words did you just use? - Bias binding.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Because it's cut diagonally across her fabric on the bias,
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Lauren's binding will be flexible
0:15:56 > 0:15:59and won't pucker when stitched to her hem.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- So that's clever.- It gives it that little stretch which you can see
0:16:02 > 0:16:05if you pull it on the bias, you've got the stretch.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07On the straight, it's stiff.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Project manager Tilly is also embellishing the pattern.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16I'm improvising a little bit. I've added some pockets to the pattern.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18I wasn't planning to do this originally.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21I just got out a bit of baking paper and drew a random curve.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Cut it out and stuck it in.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Tilly lives and works in London
0:16:25 > 0:16:28and only discovered her passion for sewing two years ago,
0:16:28 > 0:16:32but already she's sewn herself an extensive handmade wardrobe.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34I started sewing on a complete whim.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37I just suddenly felt like I really wanted to do something
0:16:37 > 0:16:40with my hands and make something.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44I wasn't sure what to do at first and then all of a sudden out of the blue
0:16:44 > 0:16:48I thought I'll give sewing a try and it was love at first stitch.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Sometimes I make sewing up as I go along.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53I also enjoy making my own patterns
0:16:53 > 0:16:58so it's a combination of mathematical skills and design and drawing,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01so any time I can change or adapt a pattern I probably will.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Once I turn this round the right way,
0:17:03 > 0:17:08you'll have a little pocket like that which will slightly peep out
0:17:08 > 0:17:11when you put your hand into it and I really like that sort of detail.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Sewers, you've got half an hour left. 30 minutes.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22I'm afraid I've had to forego the lining.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24I ran out of time.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28I totally underestimated the length of time that this was going to take.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30I did think maybe I would put a lining in
0:17:30 > 0:17:32but I've decided against that.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34I'm looking around at other people
0:17:34 > 0:17:38and everyone is looking like they're a bit close to the wire so it's fine.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42I really wanted to add a lining because I picked
0:17:42 > 0:17:46one of the flimsiest materials but it's pushed me with my time
0:17:46 > 0:17:53so if I don't get to line it, it might not look, you know...
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Panic. Just sheer panic.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02I have no idea how much time we've got left.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06Last ten minutes. My hands are sweating.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10Some people are handling the pressure better than others.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Certainly some people have got very anxious.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- I've never known time go so quick. - Just made a mistake.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17This is the first challenge.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20They need to demonstrate that they can do the basics well.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23I thought maybe that I was supposed to press open these seams
0:18:23 > 0:18:26before sewing the pocket but actually,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28I think that's going to be OK.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Setting yourself too big a goal in this challenge
0:18:30 > 0:18:33might well be the undoing of one or two contestants.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37At the bottom of the skirt, I'm just going to put a contrasting ribbon
0:18:37 > 0:18:38to brighten up the gingham a bit.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Sewers, you have two minutes to get your skirts on your mannequins.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43That's two minutes.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50I wouldn't normally machine the hem
0:18:50 > 0:18:52but there isn't time to do it by hand.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55The task was to make a skirt and I made a skirt
0:18:55 > 0:18:58and I think it's wearable.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02Just bits and pieces of finishing now, giving it its final press.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Making sure it fits her ladyship.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16OK, sewers, your time is up.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21Everyone's got a skirt. That's good.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30Each of the A-line skirts will now be scrutinised by May and Patrick.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Ann, please bring your garment forward.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- Beautifully inserted zip. Perfectly. - That is absolutely faultless.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- No gap at all there, wonderful.- The darts are well-managed.- Pressed out.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Actually on this fabric you wouldn't quite see it as well anyway
0:19:50 > 0:19:53but they have been really well treated.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- You're impressed?- Yes. - Yeah, I'm very impressed.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Nicely made garments. - Well done, Ann.- Well done, Ann. - Thank you so much.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06You've had a little bit of trouble, I think,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09controlling the cloth going through the machine,
0:20:09 > 0:20:10so your seam isn't quite even,
0:20:10 > 0:20:13which is just dragging the fabric a little bit.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15When you do things like top stitching,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18it needs to be completely even and symmetrical.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Don't use things that you can't do to a high standard.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26The trim round the hem is very, very even
0:20:26 > 0:20:28and that's quite difficult to achieve.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Top stitching it on takes skill and that's gone on really nicely.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36Tops of the zips are level.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Just a little bit of difficulty concealing it.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Yes, you shouldn't be able to see the zip at all.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46When you're adding an extra onto a garment,
0:20:46 > 0:20:48it needs to be perfectly applied
0:20:48 > 0:20:52and your ribbon is puckering the hem of the skirt slightly.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57I think this choice of fabric is great
0:20:57 > 0:21:00and I think the length and choice of fabric work well together.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Attention to details -
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- the fullness at the end of the darts, press them out.- Yes.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14The first thing really to notice here is
0:21:14 > 0:21:16because of the way you've done these pockets,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19you've turned it from an A-line into more of a tulip shape.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22If you are going to add something, make sure it doesn't detract
0:21:22 > 0:21:25from the overall impression of the garment.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28With these seams, we have a bulge and what's happened is
0:21:28 > 0:21:32this fabric has stretched slightly so the pocket area is distorted.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41It's struggling a tiny bit to hold it's A-line shape.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Because it's a softer fabric,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46it wants to go in down the sides of the legs.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49It doesn't give you quite the same shape, but it is a difficult fabric
0:21:49 > 0:21:52and you've handled it extremely well, actually.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- Shall we turn it round? - There's a lining!- Yes.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- There is a lining!- Clever girl.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58You're the only person who managed to fully line the skirt.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- It's quite a bit of additional work. - Oh, look at the zip! That's lovely!
0:22:02 > 0:22:05The zip, you see, and the zip is enclosed by the lining,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07which is a nice touch.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11So that everyone knows just where they stand
0:22:11 > 0:22:12after the first challenge,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15May and Patrick will now rank the A-line skirts.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20So in eighth place, sadly, Stuart.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25Just a general lack of finesse into some of the sewing you've got there.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Seventh place, Mark.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30The treatment of that zip just wasn't quite clean enough
0:22:30 > 0:22:33and I think a big part of the challenge was getting the zip right.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38Tilly's baggy pockets leave her in sixth place. Michelle is fifth.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Jane is fourth and Ann secures third.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42Second place is Lauren.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Beautifully made skirt, some nice processes in there.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50But sadly not first today, because our first place goes to Sandra
0:22:50 > 0:22:53because Sandra actually put a lining in.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56The work was finished off very well on the inside,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- so today you are our winner. - Well done.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02And don't be disheartened - I'm mainly talking to the boys here,
0:23:02 > 0:23:06no offence - because you've got two more challenges to do.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09# Talk about a moon
0:23:09 > 0:23:12# Floating in the sky... #
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Before the next challenge of the day,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17the sewers retire to the local cafe.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20My daughters will be like bottles of pop.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22I think they'll be really, really pleased.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25I didn't expect to ever be a challenge winner,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28to be there on the first week.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30I've just got to try and keep it up.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Absolutely fair comments from the judges.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37I thought, "Oh!" Yeah, it didn't look great.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40I don't think I'll ever do enough to impress them judges!
0:23:42 > 0:23:46One pattern, eight completely different skirts.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48And now it's time for the next challenge.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51They don't have to make something from scratch this time.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54We went out and bought eight simple tops.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56All our sewers have to do is transform them.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59But here's the problem - they've only got 60 minutes to do it in.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09You've all got one of these tops
0:24:09 > 0:24:14and we'd like you to alter and cut into the neckline, please.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18You can make a V-neck, sweetheart, scallop edge.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Whatever it is, you will have one hour for this task.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25So, go, alter, cut. Good luck.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29There are no instructions with this challenge,
0:24:29 > 0:24:31just a neckline that needs altering.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35When you're given a challenge with something so wide open
0:24:35 > 0:24:36you could do anything to it,
0:24:36 > 0:24:40then it's difficult to try and narrow it down and know what's best to do.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43May and Patrick will be looking for good ideas,
0:24:43 > 0:24:45creativity and a neat finish.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47The top should be easy to work with
0:24:47 > 0:24:50as it's made from a wrinkled seersucker cotton.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52If you're interested, seersucker gets its name
0:24:52 > 0:24:55from a Persian word meaning "milk and sugar."
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Totally out of my comfort zone again!
0:24:58 > 0:25:00I've got an idea for what I want to do
0:25:00 > 0:25:05and I just want to make sure that my execution is better.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08It's all going on up here. Yeah.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13I think I'm going to give it an edging of that broderie anglaise,
0:25:13 > 0:25:17threaded through with that little narrow ribbon.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Broderie anglaise literally means "English embroidery"
0:25:20 > 0:25:22and is a lace-patterned fabric
0:25:22 > 0:25:26that has been used to finish sleeves and collars since the 1820s.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28I think it is going to be quite fiddly,
0:25:28 > 0:25:32but I'm sort of working it out in my head as I go along.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Jane's going for something a little less delicate.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37I've cut in an inch and a half lower.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41Then, I'm going to attach this wild and wacky stuff round like that.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44Hopefully!
0:25:44 > 0:25:4640 minutes remaining to alter a neckline.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49Nothing like a little bit of pressure! Good for the heart.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Michelle is going for a square neckline
0:25:51 > 0:25:54with a lace panel insertion.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57I just have to detach the seam from here
0:25:57 > 0:26:01and see if I can bring it down to get box edges here.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03But we shall see. We shall see.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Mark's playing it safe with a simple V-neck.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08The neckline will be very similar but it'll just drop down slightly,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11because in the time we've got, it's not a lot of time.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Sandra's using a classic technique - facing.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17I'm making the neckline up as I go along.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20It's a neckline I think I've seen in magazines.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Sandra is adding a floral fabric border.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26She cuts her neckline into a scallop shape,
0:26:26 > 0:26:30she sews the border and neckline together along the raw edge and
0:26:30 > 0:26:33then she turns the border out and stitches it to the front of the top.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36This should both decorate and reinforce the alteration.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38My eldest daughter, she's a nightmare.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41She's always bringing me loads of alterations.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44I think she thinks that's my first job!
0:26:44 > 0:26:47I'm a little bit disheartened after the last challenge,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51so I'm just going to try and pick it up now and show them
0:26:51 > 0:26:55what I can do, so I'm going to, rather than just sticking things on,
0:26:55 > 0:26:58I'm going to very quickly draft a collar and see what happens.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01Totally different ideas. Isn't that interesting?
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Incredible creativity coming out. Really surprising.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07I'm going to say out loud now that I would like to buy Ann's shirt.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- Beautiful.- I think it's a great idea and sufficiently intricate,
0:27:10 > 0:27:12I think it can be done in the time.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14I also think if Tilly executes her collar,
0:27:14 > 0:27:18that could look extremely, extremely effective.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21I think it will make a substantial difference to the garment.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24What about our floral pattern lover over there, Sandra?
0:27:24 > 0:27:25I think that's going to be good,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28providing she doesn't stretch the scallops out of shape.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- Is a scallop, is that...? - I'm not a lover of the scallop.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Even if it's done well, I'm not a big fan.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39Sewers, you are halfway through. 30 minutes left.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Time is ticking, oh, my God!
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Most of the sewers have chosen to
0:27:44 > 0:27:46encase the raw edges of their altered neckline
0:27:46 > 0:27:49with a ribbon of material known as binding.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51This is folded around the new shape
0:27:51 > 0:27:55and is usually secured with a neat line of top stitching.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57I've not got anything to fix it if it's wrong.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59The ribbon that I'm using is a little bit slippy,
0:27:59 > 0:28:01so it keeps moving under the foot.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04I'm trying to keep stitching as straight as I possibly can.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08I don't know how even I've got it till I turn it the right way.
0:28:10 > 0:28:15- Oh, God! Goodness, I've sewn it on the wrong why!- Yes, you have.- Yes.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Oh, my word!
0:28:18 > 0:28:20Sandra has sewn her facing on back to front,
0:28:20 > 0:28:21so when she turns it out,
0:28:21 > 0:28:25the wrong side of her floral fabric will be on display.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Sandra's made what we call in the tailoring world "a bit of pork."
0:28:29 > 0:28:34Which is, she's made a pretty fundamental mistake.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37So now she's busy cutting it away, and she's got to restitch it.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39Once she's cut it away you've lengthened all that seam.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41So we could end up with a raw edge,
0:28:41 > 0:28:42with an edge that is completely un-neat.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- You are not going to like that, May? - No, not going to like it at all.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- A raw edge and you...- No.- Finished.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50I might have come top of the last challenge
0:28:50 > 0:28:54but I think I'll be bottom of this one.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Everybody, you have 20 minutes left.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59It's a bit of a disaster
0:28:59 > 0:29:04and I've lost one of my collar pieces as well. Is it gone?
0:29:04 > 0:29:08I'm adding a little gathered rose to the front of the neck.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10But my hands are very sweaty,
0:29:10 > 0:29:13so it's a little difficult to pull the needle through.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15I can't keep doing this.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17I'm almost there, actually.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20I'm just going to play around with the bow
0:29:20 > 0:29:23that I'm going to put on the front.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26It's there! Got it!
0:29:26 > 0:29:29I really should have learned from the last task,
0:29:29 > 0:29:31where I tried to impress the judges by adding pockets,
0:29:31 > 0:29:34and then what happened was it completely distorted the shape.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37I've probably just made the same mistake twice.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Having cut out her first attempt,
0:29:39 > 0:29:43Sandra has to make the best of what she's got left of the neckline.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47So, she's going to decorate it with strips of the floral print.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50If I can just get it top stitched on, it'll be a bonus.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54I don't think it looks right. I think it looks a bit ridiculous
0:29:54 > 0:29:57but it'll give everybody something to smile about, won't it?
0:29:59 > 0:30:04Sewers, you have ten minutes left on this alteration challenge.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07As soon as that time pressure came on
0:30:07 > 0:30:09we saw a couple of massive clangers.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12I think that Tilly was a little over ambitious.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16She gave herself a pattern drafting challenge as well as making
0:30:16 > 0:30:20the collar before it went onto her top. A lot to achieve in an hour.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24Conversely, I think Mark undertook something really quite
0:30:24 > 0:30:27straightforward in an attempt, I think, to bring himself back
0:30:27 > 0:30:29from a slightly shaky start.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Sandra really dropped the ball in a quite substantial way.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35I don't know whether it's going to lie right, whether it's going to look right.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38It'll take something quite special to come back from that
0:30:38 > 0:30:39without it looking really a bit weird.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42(You haven't got a gin and tonic in your bag, have you?)
0:30:42 > 0:30:45(I do not have a gin and tonic in my bag. Good luck.)
0:30:45 > 0:30:48The finish on Ann's garment is exquisite, it's beautiful.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52She set herself a task that was manageable within the time
0:30:52 > 0:30:54and she has done it superbly.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59OK, can everybody stop sewing, please?
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Put your tops on your mannequins and put them
0:31:01 > 0:31:03at the end of your sewing desks.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14Every stitch of every neckline will now be inspected by May and Patrick.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20You've balanced the weight of fabric
0:31:20 > 0:31:23with the fabric that you're altering of the blouse,
0:31:23 > 0:31:25so it doesn't overpower. It's very dainty.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28I think you needed to make this notch just a little bit smaller,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31cos it's just a little bit too big for the loop,
0:31:31 > 0:31:32and you don't want to make the loop big.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36The loop's the right size, but just having that a little bit smaller,
0:31:36 > 0:31:40cos what it's done is it's dragging it across the bust there.
0:31:40 > 0:31:41But I am being super picky.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Otherwise, you've actually done a terrifically neat job.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48Because this is square, I think
0:31:48 > 0:31:51if you'd just squared off the top of that and maybe just pleated
0:31:51 > 0:31:55that in, just cos you've got a bit of a round attached to a square.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Just be careful that you don't pull things out of shape
0:32:00 > 0:32:02when you're changing necklines.
0:32:02 > 0:32:03You've just got a little bit of puckering.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- I like the rose - you've clearly done that before.- Yes.
0:32:07 > 0:32:08It's sitting very nicely.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14I'm not even sure whether it's a V or a round.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18It's looking a little ragged.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20If you stand over there, it looks pretty cool.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- It's good from afar...- Yes. - ..but far from good.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Ann's neckline is exquisite.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Probably one of the simplest techniques in the room.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32It was a straight lace
0:32:32 > 0:32:34and you've shaped it beautifully to sit on the neckline,
0:32:34 > 0:32:37threading this ribbon through and putting on a bow.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43You clearly were up against it time-wise.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46We could see the fear in your eyes as you were getting towards
0:32:46 > 0:32:50the final stages there. I might have made them just a fraction deeper.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52They do look a little bit mean.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54You've actually got to stand back and think,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57"What can I do in the time? What can I do well?"
0:33:00 > 0:33:03You have stretched the neckline out of shape.
0:33:03 > 0:33:04You've lost your continuity,
0:33:04 > 0:33:06so that you've got a wider bit up there,
0:33:06 > 0:33:09you've got a narrow bit down there,
0:33:09 > 0:33:12so it doesn't flow nicely round the neckline.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- It looks very messy, doesn't it?- Mm.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17I mean, it really hasn't gone very well, has it?
0:33:17 > 0:33:19But you're not mad for scallop edge?
0:33:19 > 0:33:22I mean, I wasn't mad for it in the first place,
0:33:22 > 0:33:23I'm less mad for it now!
0:33:26 > 0:33:30What a brilliant first day of sewing. Go home, get some rest,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33we'll see you very early tomorrow.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37The day, as a whole, I've come from top to bottom.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41So, it's a bit of half and half.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Today was harder than I expected.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46I knew that time would be an issue but it really did fluster me,
0:33:46 > 0:33:50so I think that's something that I just need to try and get used to.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53I was happy to have pulled it back a little
0:33:53 > 0:33:57and hopefully I'll be able to continue that tomorrow.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04# Everybody
0:34:04 > 0:34:07# Loves a lover
0:34:07 > 0:34:09# I'm a lover... #
0:34:09 > 0:34:11One more garment to make,
0:34:11 > 0:34:15after which, two people will be leaving the sewing bee.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- So who's in trouble, May? - Mark's in trouble.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22His skirt was adequate, his neckline was appalling.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24I think Stuart's in a bit of difficulty.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27We're looking here for exceptional sewers.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29I want to quiz you about Tilly.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31She keeps pushing the bar too far,
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- adding in things that she hasn't got time to do.- She's over ambitious?
0:34:34 > 0:34:35She's over ambitious
0:34:35 > 0:34:39and she really, really needs to complete this challenge well.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41Are you ready to have everything turn around?
0:34:41 > 0:34:43It could turn on this challenge today.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46I want Mark to blow your mind and win and be crowned
0:34:46 > 0:34:49and we carry him through the streets of Dalston in a sedan chair.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52He'd have to do a really amazing job.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- Maybe he could make his own sedan chair?- Love it.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59For their final challenge, the mannequins are gone.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03Wow!
0:35:03 > 0:35:06This time, they're making clothes for real people
0:35:06 > 0:35:08and each sewer has their own model.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- Susan.- I'm Ann. Hello!
0:35:11 > 0:35:14Welcome back to the sewing room.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16Today, it's the big one.
0:35:16 > 0:35:21The judges want you all to create a casual dress.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26The judges are looking for excellent fit and excellent finish.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30You have seven hours. Your time starts now.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33It's time to find out if our sewers can make
0:35:33 > 0:35:37a made-to-measure dress fit a real person perfectly.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Almost empire line, so it nips in here.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43They've chosen their pattern and their fabric
0:35:43 > 0:35:44and have practiced at home,
0:35:44 > 0:35:48but this is the first time they've seen who they must fit the dress to.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Those patterns are designed to fit a standard form
0:35:51 > 0:35:52and with the best will in the world,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55not any one of these models are a standard form.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58Some have sloping shoulders, some have very square shoulders,
0:35:58 > 0:35:59some have rounded backs.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02All of these postural changes are not on those patterns,
0:36:02 > 0:36:05so they have to take those patterns and know how to manipulate it.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08- I'm going to go bust first.- OK, fine.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- It's a starting point, the bust line on a woman.- What is the bust line?
0:36:11 > 0:36:13- Is it midway? - Round across the nipples.- Right.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16And that's the fullest part of the bust.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20You haven't seen mine, love! All right, look, Sandra's doing waist?
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- Waist, seat.- Bust, waist and hips.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25But Ann is taking measurements from almost 20 more points...
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- Can you just do that with your arms? - Yes.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32..to ensure the perfect fit for her model.
0:36:32 > 0:36:39I make my own clothes for me and it's years since I made for anybody else.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Ann has chosen to make a round neck shift dress
0:36:42 > 0:36:45with a contrasting front panel from a crepe wool -
0:36:46 > 0:36:49a material that was first fashionable in the 1930s.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52Mother sewed her ordinary clothes.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55She had a dressmaker who made her best clothes.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59I can remember her being very disparaging about people who
0:36:59 > 0:37:03bought clothes off-the-peg. It was not the done thing in those days.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07So, I mean, I was brought up in a family where clothes made-to-measure
0:37:07 > 0:37:09were an absolute standard.
0:37:09 > 0:37:14- Head up.- Yet again, Tilly has drafted her own pattern.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17I've drawn the pattern on Swedish tracing paper.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20It's woven, so you can stitch it if you want to
0:37:20 > 0:37:23and you can use it to check the fit on the model.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24Tilly's making a vintage style
0:37:24 > 0:37:27scalloped neck dress in red raw silk.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31There are lots of different approaches to doing this
0:37:31 > 0:37:32and this is a good one.
0:37:32 > 0:37:33So, fairly happy with that,
0:37:33 > 0:37:37but I need to do a little more smooshing and... Sorry, Natalie!
0:37:37 > 0:37:40There might be an extra dart needed somewhere in there.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43You can see where the fullness is and it's sitting away.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46I'm just going to try my best with this, so, we'll see.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- Yeah, good. All right.- Thank you.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53He says there's another dart needed and I've got no idea where!
0:37:53 > 0:37:54Where was he looking?
0:37:56 > 0:38:00- What measurements did you take?- The bust, the waist and the hips.- OK.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- And have you made any adjustments to the pattern?- No, not yet, no.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- Do you feel confident that this pattern will fit her?- Yes.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08What I'm going to do is do the basic pattern,
0:38:08 > 0:38:10stitch the shoulders, and then fit it down the side.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13And if it all goes wrong, I can only blame myself.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16You certainly can, you certainly can!
0:38:16 > 0:38:19Mark is making a round neck shift dress from a cotton,
0:38:19 > 0:38:22with blue and white polka dot side panels and waistband.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25Dresses aren't my thing.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27If I make something, I normally make it for myself,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30so I know it's going to fit. I chose this sort of fabric.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33It's got a slight stretch to it, gives you a little bit more
0:38:33 > 0:38:36room for error, and also my wife helped me choose somewhat!
0:38:36 > 0:38:39My wife's got her own sewing machine, I've got a sewing machine.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42We sit in the living room, watch the TV, and sew.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45I suppose it saves arguing.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48# Hold me close... #
0:38:48 > 0:38:51Once the sewers are confident they've managed to adapt
0:38:51 > 0:38:55their patterns to fit their models, they can begin cutting their fabric.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58Many moons ago, I made a wedding dress.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00And I vowed I'd never make another one.
0:39:00 > 0:39:05That Christmas, we didn't have Christmas dinner on the table
0:39:05 > 0:39:08because of this wedding dress.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09They're divorced now.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12I absolutely adore this fabric.
0:39:12 > 0:39:17It's very modern and very striking but it's an elegant fabric,
0:39:17 > 0:39:19so I'm enjoying working with it.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23Stuart is making an empire line dress with a pleated skirt.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28I'm hoping that the thing that will impress the judges
0:39:28 > 0:39:32is the improved finish that I give to the garment.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34It's lovely, this is, for a real person.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38The downside, of course, is that she might say she doesn't like it!
0:39:38 > 0:39:42I think it's really interesting to see the change in the atmosphere
0:39:42 > 0:39:44in the room now that they've got models standing next to them.
0:39:44 > 0:39:50- Stuart seems much happier with the...- He's chatting. - ..emotional support.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53I'm really interested to see how that pattern works out.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54It's hard because it's a big repeat.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57It's a big repeat and it's going to be all over the place, isn't it?
0:39:57 > 0:40:00He's made a rod for his own back there, if he's not careful.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02That's your back piece.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Michelle has set herself the hardest task out of everyone.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Oh, my gosh. The stress is weighing.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11She is attempting to make a dress that is reversible.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Take your time, Michelle, take your time. It's fine.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16That's what Grandma would have said.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20The floral side of Michelle's wrap dress will be made out of pure silk.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23The reverse, a navy blue polyester.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26It's not going to be as demanding a fit,
0:40:26 > 0:40:29I think, as some of the other garments, which is to her advantage.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33But it has got a very long, straight front edge which, again,
0:40:33 > 0:40:35is always a bit of a giveaway.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37If she doesn't get the balance quite right,
0:40:37 > 0:40:40that front edge will be a real standout.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Just looking from a distance, she has got very slippery, slidy fabric.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45I think the blue is a bit crisper and a bit more stable
0:40:45 > 0:40:49so she has got the challenge of dealing with those two back-to-back.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56There are just four hours left to deliver a made-to-measure dress.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Each week on The Great British Sewing Bee,
0:41:00 > 0:41:04we give you a step-by-step guide on how to make something lovely
0:41:04 > 0:41:06and simple and gorgeous for the home.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09This week it is the turn of the laundry bag.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Start by cutting out four pieces of fabric -
0:41:15 > 0:41:19two for the front and back and two for the side panels.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23Sew along the side seam so you have a rectangular tube.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27Hem the opening and create a channel for the drawstring.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Cut an additional piece to fit the base
0:41:30 > 0:41:32and stitch onto the bottom of your tube.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37Cut out two strips of fabric for your drawstrings
0:41:37 > 0:41:40and snip off the ends at a 45 degree angle.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Feed the cut strips through a bias binding maker.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53Then stitch all along the edge. Repeat for the other drawstring.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59Use a large safety pin to thread one end of the drawstring
0:41:59 > 0:42:00through the channel.
0:42:01 > 0:42:07Repeat with the other drawstring and knot the ends
0:42:07 > 0:42:09and your laundry bag is ready to be used.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19The sewers are halfway through their final challenge but suddenly
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Jane has been taken ill and has had to leave the sewing room.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25As I was stood just doing some ironing I turned round
0:42:25 > 0:42:30and noticed that, you know, Jane just didn't look herself.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33Let's talk about Jane. She felt unwell. She's left.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37At the end of today, you were going to ask to people to go home.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41We will be sending one person home today and Jane will be coming
0:42:41 > 0:42:45back into the competition if she is well enough next week.
0:42:47 > 0:42:52OK, you have two hours left. That's two hours.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57I can see that one of my competitors has an actual dress on an actual
0:42:57 > 0:43:00model and I haven't even constructed any pieces properly yet.
0:43:00 > 0:43:05With a loosely construct dress on their model...
0:43:05 > 0:43:06And breathe in.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10..the sewers can see which seams need to be adjusted...
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Can you turn round?
0:43:12 > 0:43:16..to create the perfect fit May and Patrick are looking for.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Mark, we were really worried about him fitting his model
0:43:19 > 0:43:21because he didn't fit her at the beginning.
0:43:21 > 0:43:22How does that feel?
0:43:22 > 0:43:24He did lots and lots of the dressmaking processes,
0:43:24 > 0:43:27joined the shoulders together and slipped it over his model
0:43:27 > 0:43:29and it doesn't look a bad fit.
0:43:29 > 0:43:33When you actually see your work, and somebody else,
0:43:33 > 0:43:35it gives you a sense of satisfaction.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38The moment of truth.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40I've got to ask you about Tilly. How is she doing?
0:43:40 > 0:43:43The model she's got has a very full chest.
0:43:43 > 0:43:44She has got a very fitted bodice
0:43:44 > 0:43:46so she has had to do a lot of extra work.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49She has had to put additional darts into the pattern that
0:43:49 > 0:43:52weren't in there originally, just to get that shape in.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55- Let's talk about Stewart. - He has got a pattern issue.
0:43:55 > 0:43:56If you use a big design on your fabric,
0:43:56 > 0:43:59you have got to make sure it flows through the garment.
0:43:59 > 0:44:01Even if he didn't match it through the waistband,
0:44:01 > 0:44:03and obviously you can't match it through the pleats,
0:44:03 > 0:44:05it needed to start in the middle right at the top.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07You will look at it and the first thing that comes
0:44:07 > 0:44:11to your eyes is half a lantern wedged halfway up a V.
0:44:11 > 0:44:13If you can just hold your hair up
0:44:13 > 0:44:15and then I can see how the shoulder sits on you.
0:44:15 > 0:44:17Michelle looks like she is in real danger
0:44:17 > 0:44:19of not finishing this challenge at all.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23It looks a bit on the big side but we'll see.
0:44:23 > 0:44:27She has got to deal with the problem of joining two very different
0:44:27 > 0:44:29fabrics. She is yet to put the thing together.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31She is going to have a real job.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34All I need to do now is attach it to the silk.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37I don't have to fit it. I've done all the adjustments.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41This morning was spent with loads and loads of prep.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44I don't need to do the prep now because I've got the garment. Yes.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48One hour to go.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53Just enough time to embellish the dresses to make them stand out.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58No dress is complete without a bit of prettiness, is it?
0:44:58 > 0:45:00Well, as long as you have got
0:45:00 > 0:45:02the plain bit to flatter your figure.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04You're being true to yourself and you like it
0:45:04 > 0:45:07- and that's exactly the important thing there.- I'd wear it.
0:45:07 > 0:45:11I'd have to lose a few pounds for a size 12.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14Sandra is making a denim tailored shirt dress.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17Her floral fabric will form the cuffs and the collar.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22I'm just trimming round the edge of the collar where I've sewn.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25I'm trimming a lot closer to the point
0:45:25 > 0:45:28cos I want to chop as much bulk off as I can.
0:45:28 > 0:45:32When I push it through, you want it as sharp as you can.
0:45:32 > 0:45:36You see that's a little bit rounded there.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39I'm going to trim that a bit more down there.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42So I've trimmed all the inside there
0:45:42 > 0:45:44and I'm just turning it through.
0:45:44 > 0:45:45I'm happy with that.
0:45:45 > 0:45:49I keep having a quick look round at everyone else and thinking,
0:45:49 > 0:45:51"I'm not safe here. I'm not safe."
0:45:53 > 0:45:56Mark is planning to finish his dress with cap sleeves.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59It's not going on very well.
0:45:59 > 0:46:01To put a sleeve on, yeah, it is quite tricky
0:46:01 > 0:46:04cos as you're sewing it, you've got a slight angle to
0:46:04 > 0:46:06go around so therefore you've got a chance of puckering
0:46:06 > 0:46:09the fabric as you're going. And if you pucker the fabric,
0:46:09 > 0:46:11when you turn it the right way round, you're going to end up
0:46:11 > 0:46:14with little darts and puckers all the way down the seams.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17That is where the fabric's just not caught properly
0:46:17 > 0:46:19so what I'm going to do is just pull the sleeve back
0:46:19 > 0:46:23and just take the seam there so it actually catches it inside.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29Finishing Michelle's reversible dress might not
0:46:29 > 0:46:31be as straightforward as she had hoped.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33I have encountered a few issues.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37Mainly, you just can't overwork the silk. It is so fragile.
0:46:37 > 0:46:41Her silk has stretched and is no longer the same size or
0:46:41 > 0:46:43shape as the blue dress it needs to match.
0:46:43 > 0:46:45If it is overstretched
0:46:45 > 0:46:48then it's going to spoil the whole effect of the reversible
0:46:48 > 0:46:50dress thing so I'm just going to shrink it down with
0:46:50 > 0:46:54a bit of steam to the desired...
0:46:54 > 0:46:56The desired length.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00I really have no idea whether it is going to be good enough to
0:47:00 > 0:47:04keep me in because I haven't dared look at what everyone else has made.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06Tilly is still adjusting her bodice.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09I spent a long time doing fitting
0:47:09 > 0:47:12but that is what they are looking for - a good fit.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14I am really behind but I knew this would happen
0:47:14 > 0:47:18so I gave myself a sort of contingency 40 minutes.
0:47:18 > 0:47:21OK, everyone, you have half an hour left.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23Sod it, then, just do my own thing.
0:47:23 > 0:47:27I would have liked to have spent a little bit more time on the hem.
0:47:27 > 0:47:29I think it will do.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31I can live with that.
0:47:31 > 0:47:35I am just pinning the trim that is going to make the dress,
0:47:35 > 0:47:36that's going to accent the dress.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40I am pinning that to both layers of fabric.
0:47:40 > 0:47:43I am trying to remain calm because I am hand stitching.
0:47:43 > 0:47:47The last thing you want to do when you're hand stitching is panic.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51How long have we got left? About 20 minutes? I might just manage it.
0:47:51 > 0:47:56Just this little edge to sew down and that's it.
0:47:56 > 0:47:59My hands are going a little bit shaky but I am just trying to remain calm.
0:47:59 > 0:48:01I have a herbal tea in front of me.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03I'm trying to pretend I've got the music on
0:48:03 > 0:48:05and I'm just sitting at home on a Sunday afternoon.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08You have got 15 minutes. Are you going to be fine?
0:48:08 > 0:48:10I don't know, Claudia.
0:48:10 > 0:48:14I am just doing a final, final press.
0:48:14 > 0:48:15I have got it the wrong way.
0:48:15 > 0:48:18I'm coming out again. Coming out, coming out, coming out.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21Just forget the complete basics under so much pressure.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24Like which way to stitch.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27And a last-minute inspection to see that
0:48:27 > 0:48:31I have got no bits of tacking thread anywhere.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33My needle's stuck in my dress.
0:48:33 > 0:48:35What's on the inside isn't bad.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41I'm just trimming off all the straggly ends.
0:48:41 > 0:48:43We're there.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50OK, that is the end of the challenge.
0:48:50 > 0:48:55- You have to stop what you're doing. - Oh, is it?- Please, this minute.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59And please put the dress on your model. That is the end.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04Overall, I am really proud of myself that
0:49:04 > 0:49:06I finished a dress in seven hours.
0:49:06 > 0:49:12I've never done that before and it doesn't look too bad.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15I think I should just call myself the polyester girl cos I'm never
0:49:15 > 0:49:19going to work with silk ever again because it's been a nightmare.
0:49:19 > 0:49:23I've never made a dress before so I've not done bad.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25I know that I did a better job than yesterday
0:49:25 > 0:49:27and that's all I want them to say.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35Ann, please come forward with your dress.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42It's simple but it's very bold.
0:49:42 > 0:49:44The combination of colours is really good.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47- I mean, it's just an elegant piece of clothing.- Thank you.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51Gorgeous zip insertion and a lovely kick pleat at the back.
0:49:51 > 0:49:54- Did you fit the sleeve to that length?- Yes.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57I mean, if it was me, I honestly would have just finished it
0:49:57 > 0:50:00fractionally above the crease in the elbow.
0:50:00 > 0:50:03Either finish it below or above but it's just in that kind of
0:50:03 > 0:50:05no man's land in between.
0:50:15 > 0:50:16The balance is a little bit off.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18If you look at the dress from the side,
0:50:18 > 0:50:20it looks like it's running up to the front.
0:50:20 > 0:50:22It looks like it's just tilting backwards.
0:50:22 > 0:50:26That's what we mean by balance. I think if we lift it here,
0:50:26 > 0:50:29you should see that bottom hem straighten. What it is doing...
0:50:29 > 0:50:31Not only doing it to that bottom hem,
0:50:31 > 0:50:33it's doing it to this waistband here.
0:50:33 > 0:50:35It's making that run up at the front.
0:50:35 > 0:50:39- The pattern should run from the bodice, through the band.- Absolutely.
0:50:39 > 0:50:43The centre back seam. Can you see how we've split the pattern again?
0:50:43 > 0:50:46That centre back seam should be whole shapes.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48You shouldn't be able to see where the two pattern pieces join.
0:50:55 > 0:50:57This piping this really beautifully neat
0:50:57 > 0:50:59and actually you've done a terrific job on that.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03That's difficult to do and you've executed it really extremely well.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05There's a few issues on the fit.
0:51:05 > 0:51:06You're squashing her bust a bit.
0:51:06 > 0:51:08She does look squashed in, doesn't she?
0:51:08 > 0:51:11And your bust darts are a little bit too high.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17The fit is really, really good.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19These lines come down beautifully over the bust
0:51:19 > 0:51:22and also the back is fitting really well.
0:51:22 > 0:51:25This contrast collar stands out beautifully
0:51:25 > 0:51:27and this is very well executed.
0:51:34 > 0:51:37The shaping on the bodice is too baggy here.
0:51:37 > 0:51:39We've got too much fabric here.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42If you'd have taken out a bit more in the darts,
0:51:42 > 0:51:44you could have actually fitted all of that out.
0:51:44 > 0:51:48- Can you see the surplus here?- It's complicated geometry in there.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51It's taking flat pieces and working them
0:51:51 > 0:51:54into a very complicated three-dimensional shape.
0:51:54 > 0:51:57I think, you've got slightly the same issue as Stewart.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00Just a little bit of balance but not to quite the same extent.
0:52:11 > 0:52:13I think if we didn't have the slip underneath I think
0:52:13 > 0:52:16we would be looking at a dress that is almost a bit indecent.
0:52:16 > 0:52:20This, to me, looks as if it has either stretched or perhaps needs
0:52:20 > 0:52:23to be fitted slightly better. No, it still doesn't...
0:52:23 > 0:52:26Can you see how it is not sitting closely to the model?
0:52:26 > 0:52:28I also think this neck is sitting a little high.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31If that was me, that is too close.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34But will Michelle's dress work better on the reverse side?
0:52:34 > 0:52:37I wondered whether it would be less obvious this side
0:52:37 > 0:52:39because this wasn't the side you had stretched out.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42It could have looked better this side than the other but it doesn't.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45It's a shame because it is really pretty idea, actually.
0:52:55 > 0:52:59I think you've pulled off a bit of a coup here.
0:52:59 > 0:53:02We were talking earlier on about the process you
0:53:02 > 0:53:03followed for fitting this dress.
0:53:03 > 0:53:07It wasn't as methodical as one or two of your fellow sewers here
0:53:07 > 0:53:10but, actually, I think this is visually very arresting,
0:53:10 > 0:53:13it's two materials but they complement each other beautifully.
0:53:13 > 0:53:15It is pretty perfectly in balance.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17That bottom hem runs very horizontally.
0:53:17 > 0:53:21There is no drag across the bust, the waist is sitting nicely.
0:53:21 > 0:53:24Lovely little sleeves. I like that touch. My only criticism,
0:53:24 > 0:53:27we've got a little bit of buckling down the back of the zip.
0:53:27 > 0:53:30- But your fourth zip?- Yeah.
0:53:30 > 0:53:34Across this band, you have got the spots right on the edge.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37That spot of those three is sitting right in the centre there.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40That's the sort of execution on pattern that we are talking about.
0:53:40 > 0:53:45Mark, thank you very much. Well done. That was a huge challenge.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47Please go, relax.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51The judges are now going to decide who stays and who goes home.
0:53:55 > 0:53:58I was really surprised to hear such nice comments from the judges.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01I think I impressed them slightly.
0:54:01 > 0:54:04Perhaps it could have been looked at in a more favourable light
0:54:04 > 0:54:07but they are judges and it is their job to judge.
0:54:07 > 0:54:10I am having a really, really great time here
0:54:10 > 0:54:13so it would be really nice to come back.
0:54:13 > 0:54:17Very likely that this will be it for me. But I'm fine with that.
0:54:17 > 0:54:18Absolutely fine.
0:54:20 > 0:54:24The challenge today, the competition has just turned itself on its head.
0:54:24 > 0:54:29The dresses have really changed our view of our competitors.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32Having been sitting here for an extra day, the nerves have
0:54:32 > 0:54:36calmed and things have changed and, you know, maybe if you have a
0:54:36 > 0:54:39bad day, you think, "Well, no, I have got nothing to lose here,"
0:54:39 > 0:54:42and you relax and you actually start to sew to your true potential.
0:54:42 > 0:54:47- I am having a real job deciding who should leave.- Go on. Between?
0:54:47 > 0:54:49Michelle and her dress.
0:54:49 > 0:54:54It's hard to understand how the person that did this has done this.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56It is basically unwearable.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58Tilly's issue comes from the shape of the model.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01I hated the extra fullness round the bust here.
0:55:01 > 0:55:03I went in this morning thinking,
0:55:03 > 0:55:05"Stewart's in a bit of trouble here."
0:55:05 > 0:55:08You know, we said a lot about the pattern matching.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11We know that is not right. I think he knows that now
0:55:11 > 0:55:14and I don't think he will ever do it again in his life.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17- So, you have got your decision? - Yeah.- Let's bring them in.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30So, first thing to say is thank you so much for the last two days.
0:55:30 > 0:55:34You have all worked incredibly hard.
0:55:34 > 0:55:39Every week, the judges are going to choose a best piece.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43Just a beautiful thing that made them want to do roly-polies
0:55:43 > 0:55:45and star jumps.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49There were three pieces that really stood out for us this week.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52Two of them were by Ann.
0:55:52 > 0:55:56Your day dress and your altered top yesterday
0:55:56 > 0:55:59and the third one was Mark's.
0:55:59 > 0:56:01Your day dress today was really something special.
0:56:01 > 0:56:07We chose this one because it looked fantastic on the model.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09- It was a knockout. - Well done, Mark.- Well done.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17Well done. OK, now comes the horrible bit.
0:56:17 > 0:56:19Somebody has got to leave.
0:56:19 > 0:56:23And I promise you it was a really closely run thing.
0:56:23 > 0:56:28The person who is leaving the sewing room is...
0:56:32 > 0:56:34..it's Michelle.
0:56:36 > 0:56:39I'm all right. I've got loads of good things to go home to
0:56:39 > 0:56:40so it's all right.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47I'm going home to my baby.
0:56:47 > 0:56:53I'm a bit sad, obviously, but I know I did my best.
0:56:53 > 0:56:55She had the pattern, she bought the material,
0:56:55 > 0:56:59she practised the dress in advance but, sadly, it went wrong.
0:56:59 > 0:57:00It was a really tough decision.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03It's disappointing because I think she's a great sewer.
0:57:03 > 0:57:07She's really got technical ability there. She just overstretched.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09Unfortunately for her, it has let her down.
0:57:09 > 0:57:14Good and happy sewing for you and your baby. Yes? Yeah.
0:57:14 > 0:57:19- It should have been me. - No. Don't say that.
0:57:19 > 0:57:21I am absolutely shocked by the results.
0:57:21 > 0:57:23I was so ready for them to call out my name
0:57:23 > 0:57:26and I had completely come to terms with it.
0:57:26 > 0:57:28Double gin tonight.
0:57:28 > 0:57:30You're not kidding.
0:57:31 > 0:57:35I suspect I am on a sort of final warning.
0:57:38 > 0:57:40I hope it inspires the people watching this to get
0:57:40 > 0:57:44Grandma's old sewing machine out of the cupboard and try
0:57:44 > 0:57:47and make something and then go out and walk around in it.
0:57:57 > 0:57:59At the next sewing bee...
0:57:59 > 0:58:02- What can you see, Sandra? - We have got a seam at the back.
0:58:02 > 0:58:06..the home sewers make a pair of trousers in just four hours...
0:58:06 > 0:58:08Just an excuse to look at his bum.
0:58:08 > 0:58:12..customise a high street skirt in 60 minutes.
0:58:12 > 0:58:13That is a lovely pocket.
0:58:13 > 0:58:15- ..and tailor...- Geronimo.
0:58:15 > 0:58:17- ..a perfectly fitting blouse. - Oh, no.
0:58:17 > 0:58:20But who will create the garment of the week?
0:58:20 > 0:58:23The pressure's on and some of these blouses are not together yet.
0:58:23 > 0:58:26- And which two sewers... - It's all gone a bit Pete Tong.
0:58:26 > 0:58:28..will have to leave the contest?
0:58:28 > 0:58:31This could be it for me. This could be it.
0:58:31 > 0:58:33I think you could have been more ambitious
0:58:33 > 0:58:36- and I think we'll leave it at that.- Thank you.
0:58:37 > 0:58:40Feeling ready to sharpen up your sewing skills?
0:58:40 > 0:58:43Visit bbc.co.uk/sewingbee
0:58:43 > 0:58:46to find tips and ideas featured in the series.
0:58:48 > 0:58:52Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd