Great British Sewing Bee

It feels a bit samey.
And it has been quite obvious from the beginning who some of the better sewers are, I would say, even though I cant sew!

I agree that a lot of the fun and spontaneity seems to be missing from this series. I used to look forward to each new episode but now I only watch if I happen to remember it's on.

Am I the only one to find this year's series of the Sewing Bee disappointing?

This year's series is not so much about making something in a certain time as racing against the clock to complete a task. Time and again half or more of the garments are incomplete because the sewer hasn't finished in time and the friendly commentary between the contestants that we had in previous years as they sewed is completely missing. They barely lift their heads from machine or cutting table to reply to anything the presenter says because of the pressure of the race against the clock. Instead we have inserts of clips featuring the contestants and their family at home, which I consider to be a very poor substitute..

One of the things I so enjoyed in previous years was May and Patrick's critiques of each completed garment. But when half the garments are incomplete this is not possible and you cannot judge for yourself how good a sewer any individual is, because half their garments never get finished.

I am not sure what the cause of the problem is. Are the sewers not as capable as those in previous years? Are the tasks they are set too demanding to complete in the time allowed?

Whatever it is, it seems to have limited the creativity of the sewers and the joie de vivre of the contestants and the programme alike. Which to me were the aspects that made the programme so watchable.

cant wait for tonights episode.

Its amazing what antique patterns you can buy on the internet. The old nightdresses and dressing gowns, and tailored jackets.

I agree the men are good. I'm a bit like the the lady that went home. I'm a good dressmaker but I'm not creative. If I see a dress or have good pattern I can finish it and it will fit, but given a length of fabric I'm lost what to do with it.

All those men! The ladies are definitely going to have to work hard this year! At least no one has gone home sick after the first programme this time.

Ha, MargaretX....it was a good thread though....think your mind works a bit like mine. I've actually come across a dress pattern on internet that makes a 'Scarlet' type dress....all green brocade and tassels!

Yes Hilda his was a dress that any girl could wear, and I wondered about him being so good and so young. I don't know anyone who would wear those poppies and two contestants chose it! I wouldn't even make my kitchen curtains out of it.
This reminds me of Queen Beatrix of Holland. Without wanting to upset her I always feel she has cut down the curtains to make her frocks, a bit like Scarlet o'Hara in Gone with the Wind.
Now I've gone off the thread- better get off to the shops!

Margaretx.....glad it was not just me then....the dark poppy fabric was just a bit much for me....lovely dress but it did not say 'summer' to me....too hot and bothered looking. The young lad's blue dress, although not perfect was a good attempt and much easier on the eye fabric wise.

I thought it said that they had been allowed to practise making the dress before? It's the first two tasks that are sprung on them. It does look like being another good series!

Yes the Colonel made a lovely dress! perefectly finished but he said he'd made the dress before. It was interesting to see how the dresses turned out as some of the fabric chosen was very garish.
I liked it that not all models had perfect slim figures, it made it easier to judge the dresses. I'd love to make a dress again for really hot weather, but being older you have so many parts that need covering up. Just the thought of that puts me off and in hot weather I'm back to chopped off trousers , skirts and teeshirts. See what next week brings.

I did a tiny dance last night!

You don't get to be a Colonel without having more than your fair share of confidence, but he'll have a run for his money from at least one of the ladies. Should be interesting. I admire them all - especially the chaps. I can't sew a button on. Dreaded it at school; nightmare!

Well.....what do we think about this years lot. The soldier is certainly a contender to watch.

It's back next Thursday. X

love it xxx

I love it I shall be watching too

Thanks for the tip, I shall be watching.......

I don't know what it is about GBSB, but I find it far more fascinating than any cookery programme, despite the fact that I haven't done any serious sewing for over 30 years.

I'm so glad there's a new series - something to look forward to!

I hate sewing but I love watching other people doing it.

I'll have to catch up with it on iPlayer because DH loves Midsomer Murders which also starts tonight.

Oh heck. How am I going to fit Wolf Hall into all this??

My only flirtation with sewing of any kind was sewing badges on GS's Beaver uniform, always hated it at school; but I was absolutely fascinated by the last series of GBSB. I don't even know why I started watching it, but I was full of admiration for the participants and their efforts and will certainly be tuned into this series.

Love it. So glad they have made another series, the last one really inspired me to take up sewing again and I have successfully made a few items.

Looking forward to it - it inspired me too.
I've made a simple jacket this winter, but the price of good quality fabrics and lining , zips and buttons tends to put me off.

Even my kids all gave up on me once they reached 12, and attempted any sewing in the house themselves, rather than let me try it.

Hooray.
I saw most of the last series, and really enjoyed it.
Considering I hate sewing, and have always been totally useless at it, the programme must be very good indeed to get someone like me interested.

Has it inspired me to do any sewing though? Absolutely not!