When is the Great British Sewing Bee 2023 kicking off?
It is finally that time of year again where we are all super duper excited to tune into some great sewing based telly. Yes you guessed it, the Great British Sewing Bee is making a grand return and didn't they keep us waiting this year? It is starting on Wednesday 24th May, at 9pm on BBC1 which will be the first of 10 weekly episodes.
The GBSB Series 9 Contestants
(Image Credit BBC James Stack)
This year as usual,12 contestants will battle it out at the sewing machine testing their creativity, sewing skills and ability to work under pressure - hopefully they will be whipping up plenty of inspiration for the rest of us in the process. This year's hopefuls include people from all walks of life with varying degrees of sewing experience. Some were taught by their grandmothers while for others, they have only been sewing a few years. There are just so many reasons to be excited....
Who are the GBSB Season 9 Judges?
Last year, Joe Lycett was replaced with all round favourite Sara Pascoe and we are excited to see her return for Series 9 alongside seasoned judges and sewing Pin Up Patrick Grant together with the gift that keeps on giving, Esme Young. (By the way, we featured Esme in our blog earlier this year on 5 Inspirational Women in Sewing. )
We at Fabrics Galore are always really excited about Sara Pascoe as she is a huge fan of Frida Kahlo and has been spotted a few times, in not just Frida prints but some of our Alexander Henry Frida Prints. Sara got the Sewing Bug after taking part in the Christmas Special in 2020….
Sara Pascoe wearing Frida's Garden Cotton by Alexander Henry
GBSB: what we know so far…..
Just as in previous years, there will be 3 challenges each week. The pattern challenge, the transformation challenge and the made to measure round, all testing their skills to the limit.
Episode 1 will see host Sara Pascoe welcoming the contestants to Sewing Bee HQ in Leeds for their first set of sewing challenges. The theme is 'Classics with a Twist' and the sewers will be tasked with making a top with a twist at its centre, which is a straightforward construction with a complicated element to keep them on their toes.
In the Transformation Challenge, they will put their own personal twist on the office uniform staple – a pencil skirt and blouse, a chance to reflect their own creative style.
Finally, in the Made to Measure round, the sewers are asked to sew a dress with cut-out details and fit it perfectly on real live models who they will meet for the first time during the show.
We can feel the pressure already and can't wait to see how they cope with Patrick and Esme's on point critique.
GBSB Highlights from last year
There are so many highlights from last year to even remember so we had to remind ourselves with our handy GBSB 2022 pattern and challenge round up blog.
But a definite favourite was the week that last year's contestants had to make a capsule wardrobe for the sustainability themed week. At Fabrics Galore we have dedicated a whole blog on how to sew a capsule wardrobe recommending easy pieces that can see you through a week away or even a whole season if you have some cool accessories to switch things up.
And sticking with the sustainability theme, who can forget the patchwork quilted jacket made entirely from fabric scraps? Again, you can check out more uses for fabric scraps over on the blog.
So many highlights and plenty more to come this year.
GBSB: Stay Up to Date
Worried you might miss out on a look? Well, not only will we be sending you our usual weekly newsletter with highlights from the Sewing Bee with handy pattern and fabrics hints if the show has inspired you. We will also have a Sewing Bee Collection which we will change every week to include all the suitable fabrics for that weeks tasks. So you really will never miss a thing….
Discover our Great British Sewing Bee Collection
The team at Fabrics Galore London will be following the new series avidly and will be featuring fabrics for each of the weekly challenges with the odd promotional discount to celebrate the return of the beloved Great British Sewing Bee! In the meantime, please browse our range of latest fabrics for all your own Sewing Bee projects!
