Wow, how amazing are the contestants on this series! Making outerwear is no mean feat! Especially under time pressure!

When we run our coat making workshops we allow a full 2 days plus homework to complete an outerwear garment! The bees had just 5 hours to complete their outwear made-to-measures!

But outerwear doesn't need to be complicated. Freya has nearly finished a gorgeous soft coat using our snuggly teddybear fleece after an afternoon of speedy sewing! 

We think a simple bomber jacket would look amazing in this fabric too. Series 4's Sewing Bee contestant Josh Barnett has shared a fantastic tutorial on YouTube- take a look at his step-by-step self-drafting guide.

For those who fancy a challenge, the Clare coat is a beautiful pattern with some classic tailoring details 

Sarah made her version in bright magenta boiled wool. Take a look at her blog post for the inside details.

One of our favourite pattern companies, Tilly and the Buttons, has just released the fab Eden coat which can be made in rainwear fabrics or twill for a practical Spring jacket or in traditional wool coating fabric with cagoule details. 

Our fab washable wools would be perfect for this cute coat. 

Another favourite of ours is Closet Case Patterns. The team have just released an amazing tailored jacket pattern, the Jasika,  and we can't wait to get it instore very soon.

We think it would look amazing in our luxury herringbone tweed or what about one of our new printed cords for a really fun make! 

We also love the Tamarack jacket - a quilted jacket ideal for Spring. 

Creators, Grainline Studio, recently shared a sewalong with some fab ideas for quilting the fabric. I wonder if our new Patchwork and Quilting tutor Elizabeth can help me with some fancy free-machine quilting! 

We also loved the linen challenge in this week's bee and we're expecting an order of beautiful coloured linens this weekend so we can play too! Watch this space!

One last thing to note that wasn't covered on the bee is interfacings, which are massively important for coat making and can make the difference between a handmade and a homemade look. Watch out for a post on how to choose the right ones from us in the next few weeks. 

Outerwear projects are so rewarding. You're making a garment you will get wear from for years so take your time and enjoy a slow-sew! I hope I've inspired you all to have a go at making your own outwear in a slightly calmer setting! 

Happy Sewing! 

Sarah x