'The Great British Sewing Bee' is back! :: Celebrities who sew

'The Great British Sewing Bee' contestants - 'The Great British Sewing Bee' is back! - Craft - allaboutyou.com

Now’s the time to dust off your Bernina and prepare your bobbin because ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ is back. This series is just three special episodes in aid of BBC Children In Need. Each show will be presented by a famous face, who will watch over four novice celebrity sewers as they do battle at their machines. Scrutinising their every stitch and seam will also be the returning judges: May Martin – stalwart of the Women’s Institute – and the rather debonair Patrick Grant of Savile Row’s Norton & Sons.

Episode one

The first episode, on Tuesday October 21, BBC2 at 8pm, will be presided over by comedian Jenny Eclair. Hairy Biker Dave Myers, DJ Edith Bowman, 'Corrie' actress Wendi Peters and Dr Dawn Harper of ‘Embarrassing Bodies’ fame will be tasked with three challenges, including turning a Hawaiian shirt into a child’s garment. If his sewing is anything like his cha-cha-cha, we don’t rate Dave’s chances very highly. Having said that, superb knife skills shouldn’t be sniffed at – maybe he won’t be as ham-fisted with a needle and thread as we think.

Episode two

Radio DJ Sara Cox will host the second episode, on Thursday October 23, which pits dance expert and choreographer Louie Spence (left), comedian Mark Watson, TV presenter Gaby Roslin and actress Pam Ferris against one another. Challenges include making a bespoke animal onesie. Now we can’t vouch for his technical nous, but reckon Louie definitely has the imagination to waltz through the competition. He’s also the only one we can imagine in a onesie.

Episode three

The final episode, on Friday October 24, will be presented by radio and TV host Anita Rani, who is joined by radio DJ Gemma Cairney, comedian Helen Lederer, TV critic and author Kathryn Flett and singer Timmy Matley. One challenge this week requires thinking outside the box as the contestants have to create a garment inspired by their most treasured childhood memory. This could get interesting…

After the final episode has aired, some of the contestants’ wares and limited-edition Pudsey ironing board covers will be auctioned off on Pudsey’s eBay shop, which gives 100% of its profits to Children In Need.

And if you miss any of the shows, they'll all be screened ahead of the Appeal Show on Friday November 14.

From the first series

Watch 'Great British Sewing Bee' how-to videos, including sewing on a button, sewing seams, and making using bias binding
Sew a laundry bag - free pattern as seen on series 1
Sew a floor cushion - free pattern from 'The Great British Sewing Bee' by Tessa Evelegh (Quadrille, £20)
Sew a ruffle cushion - free pattern from 'The Great British Sewing Bee' by Tessa Evelegh (Quadrille, £20)
There's also a book of the second series: 'The Great British Sewing Bee: Sew Your Own Wardrobe' by Tessa Evelegh (Quadrille, £25). Click here to buy the book

Images: BBC/Love Productions/Charlotte Medlicott