The Great British Sewing Bee viewers were left divided on Wednesday evening after contestant Suzy was eliminated from the competition just one week before the final.
Last night, judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant set the four semi-finalists challenges inspired by design icons.
They began by making a version of a dress created by master pattern cutter Cristobal Balenciaga, then took the lead from Jean Paul Gaultier to transform a pile of ties into a new garment.
Finally, Coco Chanel was in the spotlight as the sewers scoured her long career to find a style for their made-to-measure outfits.
For Suzy, she designed a striped down black and white patterned dress with thick white straps, tying it into a bow at the top of the model’s shoulder.
She paired the dress with simple black sandals, polka dot mesh cloves and a flat black and white fascinator hat.
Suzy was asked to channel Chanel through her designs
BBC
Looking at the garment, Grant complimented: “The sewing today is absolutely first straight. The quality of the top edge of the dress is really lovely, sitting beautifully flat, beautifully on the body.”
Young added: “One thing that I feel is, that the shape is not great because it is so flat and it is wide here, and it is not flattering.”
Explaining herself, Suzy noted: “I really struggled to get the shape I wanted so I am gutted.”
When it came down to deciding who would go home Suzy fell short against Pascha, Luke and Eilsa and was sent packing, but admitted she was proud of herself for even coming on the show.
Suzy’s designs fell short and was eliminated from the competition
BBC
Speaking about her time, she explained: “I have never ever in my life felt so proud of myself. Being here has given me the confidence to go away and follow my dreams.
“I’m a scaredy cat, I am scared of everything. So to do something like this was such an achievement in itself and I am just so proud of myself. To go out with you two saying that my sewing was good, that was the one thing on my list that hadn’t really happened.”
Discussing her departure, Grant said: “I am very sad to say goodbye to Suzy, she brings an exuberance and a joy to clothes that is quite rare and I think it is a great shame that she is not in the final.”
Fans were left divided by the judge’s choice to send Suzy home, with one fan writing on X: “Thank goodness – terrible sewer Suzy is gone. Weeks after she should have gone. #sewingbee.”
Eilsa was sad to see Suzy leave
BBC
“I didn’t rate Suzy’s standard of sewing but my word I admired her honesty and tenacity. #SewingBee,” another added before a third said: “It was about time. Delighted with the final three! Think Pascha will win it. #SewingBee.”
“Well I am pleasantly surprised as wasn’t expecting that result. #SewingBee,” someone else penned before a fifth added: “I honestly don’t mind who wins now out of the final three #SewingBee.”
Others were sad to see Suzy leave, as one fan wrote: “I am soooo sold on Suzy, I absolutely adore her humour and walking wardrobe of creations. I’m still thinking of football bandits a few weeks on #SewingBee.”
Someone else wrote: “Well done Susie, you did yourself proud. #SewingBee.” (sic)