Did anyone see the “This Morning” interview with Patrick and Esme? They said the show was encouraging people to sew, and that they really focused on the transformation challenge because of the ethos of reducing waste and both are actively involved in groups and movements to repurpose and repair. But in my opinion the transformation challenge doesn’t do that. Also they haven’t really given enough information or demonstrated techniques of sewing, this series particularly hasn’t been edited to show the sewing, focusing more on drama when the sewing is going wrong or being unpicked. I learned more from the earlier series’s. I found my self not really watching this episode and thinking when does it end. I’ve recently started sewing for a granddaughter something I didn’t do for my daughter, and some of the garments aren’t easy due to small pieces. I just find the show lacking in both teaching and entertaining. Too much inane banter and no substance. Also I agree the style, colour, bows, buttons ect are very subjective and shouldn’t be part of the judging.
It terrifies me the way they use the rotary cutters. It worries me that someone who is learning to sew, is watching the show and thinks that’s the right way to use one. Plus the people who are watching this show to get hints and tips are not catered for, the judges, tell us what’s wrong with a garment (often clutching at straws) but why do they not do a section on how to do things properly, like dumping the transformation section and show how to do the mistakes made by the contestants properly, as in next week they do a section on how to apply bias binding etc. then the contestants learn and so do the audience. I have watched every show, I’m far from an expert on sewing but I’m getting bored of the same old stuff, in fact I have only watched half of this weeks show and that’s a first. Love to you all and thank you for your little show, I learn more from you guys talking than from the bee. ❤
|What I would like to do is an Apre-GBSB show (Like they do for Strictly) and then as you say, show how to do some of the things they do incorrectly, or perhaps using some of the fabulous gadgets and tools that are available.
Some of the sewers are really very inexperienced and have very little knowledge hence the trouble with bias binding - even possible some haven't even heard of it. Still amazed that some qualify considering that they only started sewing during lockdown.
I've often said that the sewers don't use a walking foot when needed and when there is a comment about a foot that has been used i.e. rolled hem foot, it would be nice to see it being used. I think the recycling garments should be shown worn, otherwise what's the point. Also I would like to see more garments for men. I do enjoy the programme.
I can’t agree with you about never using rotary cutters. I was taught how to use one properly (always cut away, go slowly, don’t push away as the blade will do the work, keep the guard on every second you aren’t using it etc etc) and I find it better for slippery or stretch fabrics. The blades blunt very quickly so they need changing often. All stable fabrics I cut with shears and I am trying to get more accurate using them for slippery fabrics? I do wholeheartedly agree that the way they are used in the programme makes me wince! If they called the transformation challenge the “creativity” challenge it would make more sense. With the M2M maybe all the contestants chose girls outfits? I have no idea why they shortened it by so much. I agree it can be a lot fiddlier. The contestants have to submit plans in advance so I am not sure how much leeway they have to simplify if the practise run doesn’t work in the time. Why couldn’t the child models wear something like a leotard for fitting? Wouldn’t affect the fit much but still protects them. Love your chats - a very informative view of the show
I agree Elise, I will use a rotary cutter with slippery fabrics as you can get a much neater, straighter cut. But generally I use dressmaking sheers (my preferred ones have tiny serrated edges which helps grip the fabric)
I really enjoyed the chat this week. I also worry about rotary cutters and pattern cutting. Perhaps they all watch various TH-cam sewers who also cut fabric with their rotary cutters, and that is why they all use them? The 'transformation' challenge is painful, I totally agree with Alistair and Wendy on this. I really hate the waste that is on this segment. I think the contestants should be asked to 'enhance' something, because what they are currently doing is painful to watch. All of the crochet blankets that were cut up last week was dreadful, that is not entertainment. I wonder if Esme is/was only involved in fashion design? Patrick is involved in making garments in a less wasteful way I think, but I would hope that they both would have some input with this part of each show, instead of leaving it up to the programmes makers and their focus on 'drama' and 'entertainment'. This bit is painful to watch each week.
I’ve just watched Patric on free view For King and Country were they made all the uniforms for the Coronation it was really interesting .I’m still a bit disappointed in the sewing bee but I’ll keep watching it 🤷
The programme has totally lost its way. The first series had contestants making a chanel style jacket which showed real skill. The programme should inspire people to take up the hobby but sadly the ridiculous projects are enough to put people off. Sick of the woke policy of the BBC which means they choose people to fit the narrative instead of people who are skilled.
The transformation - people generally agree this part of the programme is a bit of a waste of time. Perhaps it should be given over to showing various techniques in sewing - one a week? And give those sewists a little extra time to sew something wothwhile
This weeks episode was better than last week. Not much to add as you've all covered the points I was thinking. I immediately thought of the Prym turning set, I love using mine, thank you Kim for introducing me to many great products in your SPM videos. I thought of quilting prairie points in the dragon dressing gown. The one thing I wish would change in the program, is to only be allowed to use a rotary cutter accompanied with a ruler for straight lines, and to use dress making shears/scissors at all other times. I still think, even if they don't know much of which challenges they will be doing in the series, wouldn't you brush up on dress making basics, and practice techniques your were unfamiliar with ? I definitely would not like to be on that show, I feel for them all !
thanks for the chat, and the usual brilliant hints and tips. looking forward to your technical videos. I would love you to continue this after sewing bee, just a chat about fabric/notions/tools/ Alisters tips / Kims tips - well anything really
Definitely agree with everyone that judging she be more about the skills and techniques used. I liked Tony's dress but it was a very canny choice. There were definitely a lot more skillful work on show but the other contestants. Amassing was so good (although the fit was a bit big). Will miss Fauve. She was very funny. Great chat guys and know how from Wendy 👍🏻🪡🧵
Love watching these natters. I agree with everything that you discussed. The first challenge was lovely but I must watch again as I lost how they wanted the binding doing half way through the explanation! I was surprised that there were people who hadn't done binding before - but I do it all the time as I quilt a lot. I would have made the scales with cotton and stiffened with either iron on interfacing or thin iron on wadding. The transformation challenge was sensible this week but for the fact that they had gone out and bought the jackets. My grand-daughter would love the dinosaur one. The final challenge was good but as you all said, the time limit was silly. Tony's dress was lovely but the zip let it down a bit. As for fitting, I never thought about the fact that the models were wearing t.shirts when the clothes were being fitted. OK I can understand that these days children have to be protected, but if they had changed into white t.shirts then it would have made sense for the final cat walk. As for rotary cutters - am I the only one who has to close their eyes when they show close ups? I was taught sewing in the 60's and would never use a rotary cutter to cut out garments. Good old pins and sharp scissors. I use a rotary cutter all the time as I make quilts, but I never lock it open (caught my finger once when it was on my mat locked open - very painful and bloody!). Even when it is not in use it is locked closed. I really enjoyed this week as it was back to sewing not designing. Agree with the comment that judging should be on the sewing not what appeals to the judges. Have been binge watching the past series again and some of the judgements on those have been on what the judges like. One final (shan't say which) the winner and the runner up were very close but the judges did not like the runner ups back which I thought was unfair as personally her sewing was just a bit better that the winner. (My opinion only!) Sorry to have gone on a bit.
I think the garment of the week was the right choice. the brief was a childs outfit for an occasion, the neoprene structure looked great, would have cleaned easily (imperative!) and the girl obviously loved it and felt good in it, she was in a world of her own at the end, dancing and twirling.
Go for it Carole. I have done two now, the first I was wearing and I used an embellisher machine to applique a big floral design on the back, suffolk puffs, decorative stitching and trims. For the second one I dip dyed a white denim jacket, added decorative stitching and free motion flowers. It is a therapeutic exercise!!
Im sure the show is edited to try to make us agree with whoever is sent home... as they obviously know this before editing takes place. I would love to see good sewists rewarded rather than ones who are seen as more creative/entertaining... as it does feel wrong to make outfits that no one would ever chose to wear normally
For the bulky seam, they could use a bulky seam aid (hump jumper) if they don't have a walking foot. Also for turning through with the string method, you could use dental floss. Very strong. Although they probably wouldn't have that in the Haberdashery 😅
I agree about the Humper Jumper - great little gadget. It helps level the back of the foot so you are not going uphill. If you don't have one, try a fork.
@@thecarjacful Yes indeed, that is the levelling button. Most brands have that on their basic zigzag foot. You push it in, whilst holding the foot level on the thick layers and lower presser foot - it is a bit difficult to do all three at once, but works if you get it right!
Enjoy so much the discussions. For me I dont know how they cut out patterns on the floor. Am sure that Saville Row do not cut out on their patterns on the floor. 😁😁 Not sure if that is a personal choice.
In other series they have had really big cutting out tables, maybe some people prefer the floor if that's the way they do it at home. I'd be too old to get down on the floor, and if I managed to get down, I wouldn't be able to get back up again. I even get back ache using a table these days, lol.
@@monicas2269 HI Monica, invest in some 'Elephant Feet' they are table risers that you sit the table legs in to raise the table to a more comfortable height.
That looks like a lovely christening dress behind Kim.
Love the jacket behind Wendy
I really enjoy these natters, thank you everyone. I watch the sewing bee for the sewing not as an entertainment show.
Did anyone see the “This Morning” interview with Patrick and Esme? They said the show was encouraging people to sew, and that they really focused on the transformation challenge because of the ethos of reducing waste and both are actively involved in groups and movements to repurpose and repair. But in my opinion the transformation challenge doesn’t do that. Also they haven’t really given enough information or demonstrated techniques of sewing, this series particularly hasn’t been edited to show the sewing, focusing more on drama when the sewing is going wrong or being unpicked. I learned more from the earlier series’s. I found my self not really watching this episode and thinking when does it end. I’ve recently started sewing for a granddaughter something I didn’t do for my daughter, and some of the garments aren’t easy due to small pieces. I just find the show lacking in both teaching and entertaining. Too much inane banter and no substance. Also I agree the style, colour, bows, buttons ect are very subjective and shouldn’t be part of the judging.
I agree with you totally!
It terrifies me the way they use the rotary cutters. It worries me that someone who is learning to sew, is watching the show and thinks that’s the right way to use one. Plus the people who are watching this show to get hints and tips are not catered for, the judges, tell us what’s wrong with a garment (often clutching at straws) but why do they not do a section on how to do things properly, like dumping the transformation section and show how to do the mistakes made by the contestants properly, as in next week they do a section on how to apply bias binding etc. then the contestants learn and so do the audience. I have watched every show, I’m far from an expert on sewing but I’m getting bored of the same old stuff, in fact I have only watched half of this weeks show and that’s a first. Love to you all and thank you for your little show, I learn more from you guys talking than from the bee. ❤
|What I would like to do is an Apre-GBSB show (Like they do for Strictly) and then as you say, show how to do some of the things they do incorrectly, or perhaps using some of the fabulous gadgets and tools that are available.
love the prym one
Some of the sewers are really very inexperienced and have very little knowledge hence the trouble with bias binding - even possible some haven't even heard of it. Still amazed that some qualify considering that they only started sewing during lockdown.
Prym turning tool is a great gadget 👍🏻
Unbelievable they don’t use the products in the haberdashery
I hate the transformation challenge , what skill does that promote?
Last week's was great, I think this week's was something the home sewer would do, i certainly have ..
a lot of sewers could be put off as they think they have failed to make anything in any that time !
I've often said that the sewers don't use a walking foot when needed and when there is a comment about a foot that has been used i.e. rolled hem foot, it would be nice to see it being used. I think the recycling garments should be shown worn, otherwise what's the point. Also I would like to see more garments for men. I do enjoy the programme.
It's been said many times - the judging is much different to previous series
I prefered May Martin judging with Patrick.
I can’t agree with you about never using rotary cutters. I was taught how to use one properly (always cut away, go slowly, don’t push away as the blade will do the work, keep the guard on every second you aren’t using it etc etc) and I find it better for slippery or stretch fabrics. The blades blunt very quickly so they need changing often. All stable fabrics I cut with shears and I am trying to get more accurate using them for slippery fabrics? I do wholeheartedly agree that the way they are used in the programme makes me wince! If they called the transformation challenge the “creativity” challenge it would make more sense. With the M2M maybe all the contestants chose girls outfits? I have no idea why they shortened it by so much. I agree it can be a lot fiddlier. The contestants have to submit plans in advance so I am not sure how much leeway they have to simplify if the practise run doesn’t work in the time. Why couldn’t the child models wear something like a leotard for fitting? Wouldn’t affect the fit much but still protects them. Love your chats - a very informative view of the show
I agree Elise, I will use a rotary cutter with slippery fabrics as you can get a much neater, straighter cut. But generally I use dressmaking sheers (my preferred ones have tiny serrated edges which helps grip the fabric)
I really enjoyed the chat this week. I also worry about rotary cutters and pattern cutting. Perhaps they all watch various TH-cam sewers who also cut fabric with their rotary cutters, and that is why they all use them? The 'transformation' challenge is painful, I totally agree with Alistair and Wendy on this. I really hate the waste that is on this segment. I think the contestants should be asked to 'enhance' something, because what they are currently doing is painful to watch. All of the crochet blankets that were cut up last week was dreadful, that is not entertainment. I wonder if Esme is/was only involved in fashion design? Patrick is involved in making garments in a less wasteful way I think, but I would hope that they both would have some input with this part of each show, instead of leaving it up to the programmes makers and their focus on 'drama' and 'entertainment'. This bit is painful to watch each week.
I’ve just watched Patric on free view For King and Country were they made all the uniforms for the Coronation it was really interesting .I’m still a bit disappointed in the sewing bee but I’ll keep watching it 🤷
The programme has totally lost its way. The first series had contestants making a chanel style jacket which showed real skill.
The programme should inspire people to take up the hobby but sadly the ridiculous projects are enough to put people off. Sick of the woke policy of the BBC which means they choose people to fit the narrative instead of people who are skilled.
The transformation - people generally agree this part of the programme is a bit of a waste of time. Perhaps it should be given over to showing various techniques in sewing - one a week? And give those sewists a little extra time to sew something wothwhile
This weeks episode was better than last week. Not much to add as you've all covered the points I was thinking. I immediately thought of the Prym turning set, I love using mine, thank you Kim for introducing me to many great products in your SPM videos. I thought of quilting prairie points in the dragon dressing gown. The one thing I wish would change in the program, is to only be allowed to use a rotary cutter accompanied with a ruler for straight lines, and to use dress making shears/scissors at all other times. I still think, even if they don't know much of which challenges they will be doing in the series, wouldn't you brush up on dress making basics, and practice techniques your were unfamiliar with ? I definitely would not like to be on that show, I feel for them all !
I didn't know about a walking foot for sewing machines, until quilts became more popular...
thanks for the chat, and the usual brilliant hints and tips. looking forward to your technical videos. I would love you to continue this after sewing bee, just a chat about fabric/notions/tools/ Alisters tips / Kims tips - well anything really
Definitely agree with everyone that judging she be more about the skills and techniques used. I liked Tony's dress but it was a very canny choice. There were definitely a lot more skillful work on show but the other contestants. Amassing was so good (although the fit was a bit big). Will miss Fauve. She was very funny.
Great chat guys and know how from Wendy 👍🏻🪡🧵
Love watching these natters. I agree with everything that you discussed. The first challenge was lovely but I must watch again as I lost how they wanted the binding doing half way through the explanation! I was surprised that there were people who hadn't done binding before - but I do it all the time as I quilt a lot. I would have made the scales with cotton and stiffened with either iron on interfacing or thin iron on wadding. The transformation challenge was sensible this week but for the fact that they had gone out and bought the jackets. My grand-daughter would love the dinosaur one. The final challenge was good but as you all said, the time limit was silly. Tony's dress was lovely but the zip let it down a bit. As for fitting, I never thought about the fact that the models were wearing t.shirts when the clothes were being fitted. OK I can understand that these days children have to be protected, but if they had changed into white t.shirts then it would have made sense for the final cat walk. As for rotary cutters - am I the only one who has to close their eyes when they show close ups? I was taught sewing in the 60's and would never use a rotary cutter to cut out garments. Good old pins and sharp scissors. I use a rotary cutter all the time as I make quilts, but I never lock it open (caught my finger once when it was on my mat locked open - very painful and bloody!). Even when it is not in use it is locked closed. I really enjoyed this week as it was back to sewing not designing. Agree with the comment that judging should be on the sewing not what appeals to the judges. Have been binge watching the past series again and some of the judgements on those have been on what the judges like. One final (shan't say which) the winner and the runner up were very close but the judges did not like the runner ups back which I thought was unfair as personally her sewing was just a bit better that the winner. (My opinion only!) Sorry to have gone on a bit.
I do agree with all you comments about the sewing and the comparison to the cooking series. It is becoming The Great British Fashion Bee.
I think the garment of the week was the right choice. the brief was a childs outfit for an occasion, the neoprene structure looked great, would have cleaned easily (imperative!) and the girl obviously loved it and felt good in it, she was in a world of her own at the end, dancing and twirling.
Transformation - why don't they get off cuts, create 'new' fabric and use that to create? I've done that years ago for a waistcoat.
Good call ladies - education and knowledge of kit seems to not be present
Wendy you have inspired me to decorate my denim jacket. Thank you.
Go for it Carole. I have done two now, the first I was wearing and I used an embellisher machine to applique a big floral design on the back, suffolk puffs, decorative stitching and trims. For the second one I dip dyed a white denim jacket, added decorative stitching and free motion flowers. It is a therapeutic exercise!!
@@WendyGardinerSews I appliqued butterflies. Cutting out is trying, sewing not so bad.
Im sure the show is edited to try to make us agree with whoever is sent home... as they obviously know this before editing takes place. I would love to see good sewists rewarded rather than ones who are seen as more creative/entertaining... as it does feel wrong to make outfits that no one would ever chose to wear normally
Lovely to see Wendy again.... such a great teacher! ❤ x
For the bulky seam, they could use a bulky seam aid (hump jumper) if they don't have a walking foot. Also for turning through with the string method, you could use dental floss. Very strong. Although they probably wouldn't have that in the Haberdashery 😅
I agree about the Humper Jumper - great little gadget. It helps level the back of the foot so you are not going uphill. If you don't have one, try a fork.
@@WendyGardinerSews good idea Wendy. On my current machine I do have the black button on the presser foot. Very helpful. 🧵🪡👍🏻
@@thecarjacful Yes indeed, that is the levelling button. Most brands have that on their basic zigzag foot. You push it in, whilst holding the foot level on the thick layers and lower presser foot - it is a bit difficult to do all three at once, but works if you get it right!
Prym tuners are very useful I would be lost without mine
Occasion wear - there may not have been any boy models available for the show at recording.... That said, didn't think anything was that great
It'll be the production company that does the risk assessment, not the BBC, as broadcaster...
A future question for the guest - how detailed is the brief?
iPlayer classes the show as Entertainment
that makes a lot of sense alistair
Enjoy so much the discussions. For me I dont know how they cut out patterns on the floor. Am sure that Saville Row do not cut out on their patterns on the floor. 😁😁 Not sure if that is a personal choice.
In other series they have had really big cutting out tables, maybe some people prefer the floor if that's the way they do it at home. I'd be too old to get down on the floor, and if I managed to get down, I wouldn't be able to get back up again. I even get back ache using a table these days, lol.
@@monicas2269 HI Monica, invest in some 'Elephant Feet' they are table risers that you sit the table legs in to raise the table to a more comfortable height.
sounds like the production team are too busy chatting about themselves and not doing their job..so many errors.