Episode 3 - Great British Sewing Bee - Jenni's story.

AAHHHH-  Saggy Bottoms, Cheeky Pockets and Wizard's Sleeves.

AAAAHHHHH is what I think!

I may not have won any challenges yet but i'm definitely winning facial expressions of the week- states BurdaStyleUK on twitter. Who can disagree with that! Hopefully you are getting to know a little about me whether it is through impromptu noises of excitement from the haberdashery  or weird facial expressions of fear; rest assured I'm going into episode three with everything I've got. Its been a rough ride over the past two weeks for me. I felt like I wasn't quite cutting it compared to the rest of the 'class'. My inexperience was showing but hopefully my willingness to learn and sheer passion for this would see me through.

Sew for yourself was my mantra for this episode! I stuck to it!

First up we have Challenge One- Leggings. Sporting a trouser very similar to Julie's S&M wet look leggings last week, I knew I couldn't 'wear' the same thing twice. Therefore it had to be a mustard slack! You may recall my Mustard Jeans that I wore for the first episode, so you know I have a penchant for this colour. With my fabric chosen, it was time to get stuck in. The pattern seemed simple enough however having only worked with stretch jersey once (which was the practice for challenge three not the tassel leotard that I bought over the internet) not only was it an unfamiliar fabric but we also had to use an over-locker which I decided to rethread with a matching mustard thread - EEEKKKKK!  I had just discovered this magical machine and I loved it. I NEED ONE IN MY LIFE. I got my head down and just wanted to get a pair of leggings on the model. Twin needle was nice and simple for me, but it was something that I had not needed to use before. Once again this was another thing I was learning as I was going along but I had done it correctly, and to a good standard. Phew. I had finished my leggings so instead of perfecting the fit. (God only knows why I didn't) I pushed for a 'cheeky' pocket. My focus had been drawn away from the task in hand by the allure of a pocket! 'What are you doing!' oh well! Smacking my pocket with pride, I stood by my decision! To the judging I go with my saggy bottomed Mustard Slacks and receiving a well deserved 8th Place! Although at least my trousers had seat room compared to some of the hipster leggings in the room. Teacher knows best!

---

Slash Attack!

Challenge Two - T-shirt Alteration.

I'm all over this. Being the singer in the band Snooty Bobs, I've been known to cut up a few t-shirts and customise them for gig's in an attempt to promote our merchandise. So sticking to my mantra I went for it. I wasn't quite sure if Patrick and May would go for it but I wanted to show that you can do more than just add to this fabric. As it doesn't fray it is great for doing things like slashes. I wanted to show that I knew what I could do with the fabric along with adding a Claudia inspired zip detail. Again I wanted to combine two very different fabrics and show that I could handle them with care. Thankfully May did note that I had not stretched my t-shirt out of shape by applying a rigid zip to the neck line and arm. Unfortunately, I only made 4th on this challenge. I was disappointed with the result. What did I have to do to get in the top three slot?

---

Retro Style Wrap Dress- Kimono Sleeve.

Not feeling safe, we returned the next day to complete Challenge Three- The Wrap Dress in five hours. This was extreme sewing! Even Heather struggled with this one although Chinelo excelled, with her gorgeous dress. Using the same pattern as Lynda except that I was going with the Kimono or wizard sleeve as Patrick put it rather than Lynda's fitted sleeve. Once again sticking with my mantra and my style, which granted is not to everyone's taste. Well not Patrick's, I had finished my dress. Following the pattern as instructed I did not add any bias binding to the neck line however, while the others received their critique, I was doing the same to my garment, in an attempt to prepare myself for my turn with the judges. Watching back on Tuesday it confirmed how close to the edge I was and in the firing line! I worked so hard and put everything into it. I don't think I could do any more. To find out that I was staying was wonderful. I shed a tear again as all the memories came flooding back. Julie was leaving and I was staying. My journey would continue, and I just couldn't believe it! A pinch was definitely required!

I was going to miss Trouble, as I called her! Julie was a fire cracker, always laughing and up to something. She was great!  All the best for the future and I'm really looking forward to your blog next week Julie.


What is my plan for next week? Stick with your mantra, Be yourself even if that means sticking out of the crowd with your wizard sleeves!

I want to see clothes that are loud and you are proud of wearing! Post your pics or descriptions here and they don't need to be made by yourself!

---