This week the fabric was selected by the judges creating an even playing field for the contestants. The Pattern Challenge: the Marilyn Monroe Dress When trying to achieve sharp, crisp corners on any collar (not just sailors!) these Prym corner shaper tools are excellent. I also love to use my tailor's point presser and clapper to press right into the corners. Prym Love Corner Shaper Tool Milward Point Presser and Clapper Transformation Challenge: School to Cool

Fauve made a Twiggy inspired 60s dress with a cute collar and I thought Simplicity 9371 would make a great replica. Simplicity 9371 vintage dress pattern Vogue 1874 is all about the folds and pleats! We love the way the intensive pleating at the waist creates shaping round the bust. Vogue 1874 Top PatternBoth dresses would work brilliantly in our plain linen cotton mix fabric perfect for summer and available in a wide range of colours here. We love the vibrant, contemporary jade green featured below, it is so on trend right now. Jade green linen cotton mix fabric Transformation Challenge: Sashiko and Borro For the pattern challenge the Bees were tasked with sewing a skirt inspired by the modernist movement with abstract shapes created by applique. We've shared similar skirt patterns below and also our top tips and tools for applique if you fancy having a go. Sewing Bee Patterns More precision sewing working with copious amounts of fabric and attempting to create the perfect fit in the made to measure challenge. This is Sara's second series presenting the Sewing Bee, after taking over from comedian Joe Lycett. When she's not sewing, she enjoys cold water swimming and paddle boarding and has just bought a kayak.

For the transformation challenge the Bees were reminded of the blood, sweat and tears that went into their projects over the last 9 episodes when they were presented with scraps from all of their challenges and tasked with transforming them into party wear. Made To Measure Challenge: A Party Worthy Jumpsuit I recently spent 2 unplanned weeks in hospital. When I got home I edited a commercially produced machine embroidery design to make it personal to those who were looking after me and made an embroidered thank you card. Fortunately I can still use a computer - my embroidery machine does the rest apart from changing threads.Another week has gone by already - how did that happen?! We can't wait to see what the Bees rustle up next week, the standard is just so high and some of the garments being produced have our pulses racing and our feet running for the sewing machine! The made to measure challenge this week gave the Sewing Bees the opportunity to sew the types of dresses we all dream of sewing and wearing and they certainly rose to the challenge. I loved drooling over all the beautifully sexy evening gowns they produced. Sewing Bee Patterns