The Bees even had to reach for their calculators to work out the number of pleats required on the children's kilt. McCalls 8032 would also create a similar look if the fullness in the skirt was reduced and the length increased, although I think the mini version is really rather lovely. McCalls 8032 dress pattern We also have a small selection of crochet tools and patterns here if you fancy having a go at crochet. You can find our tartan fabrics here. The Transformation Challenge: a Swimsuit and a Prom Dress into a Carnival Outfit

If you aren't using a specific snaps tool to create the holes in your fabric make sure you don't make the holes too big! World week and the Sewing Bees were challenged with sewing up a range of garments from, you guessed it, around the world. Fighting for a place in the semi finals the pressure was on! The Pattern Challenge: A Terno BlouseThe ninth series of the sewing competition started on BBC One on Wednesday 24 May at 9pm and is also be available on BBC iPlayer, with a new episode airing at 9pm on Wednesdays each week. For those of you who love craft TV shows, The Repair Shop is on BBC One beforehand at 8pm. The huge pattern pieces caused some confusion with a couple of the Bees initially creating circle skirts rather than trousers. Sewing Bee Sewing Patterns

Another interesting week from the Bees with some of the usual strong contenders seeming to struggle somewhat. A tearful farewell for one Bee leaving just five behind for the quarter finals next week.The Bees were tasked with sewing a flamenco inspired skirt for their models, which should hug at the hips and cascade into dramatic rows of ruffles. Sewing Bee Patterns

It would look pretty sewn up in our blue and white cotton lawn fabric for summer. Blue and white cotton lawn fabric

Joe asked Juliet about the differences in sewing in West Africa and she explained they tend to free cut the fabric. In other words they look at you, measure you then cut straight into the fabric without any pattern pieces. Joe laughed at the thought of them sizing him up after a large curry! We have lots of wide leg women's trouser patterns on a similar theme if you would like to sewalong (see below). This dress would also work well in the satin above or our John Kaldor Prestige crepe fabric, available in a range of colours. Another inspiring, emotionally charged, fun and smiley series. What on earth will we do on a Wednesday night now?! I always say I think I'd really struggle with the transformation challenge, but this week's challenge I could get on board with. The sewers had to use bright, bold sarongs to create something entirely different.