I’m loving the natters and all the super tips! I particularly loved this week the parcel tape tip - I will definitely be using that in the future. I have a group of sewing ladies and we now not only discuss the programme - We also discuss the natter! Keep them coming x
Thanks again for a really good natter. I liked the transformation challenge this week, though it's a pity that there wasn't a single garment in the final challenge that could compete for garment of the week. Not sure if it's just time pressures but I am not seeing people really progress to make the kind of exceptional garments we've seen in some previous seasons. Fingers crossed for future episodes. Loved the packing tape tip. On couture garments, I saw a V&A programme looking at one of Lauren Bacall's Dior suits. They were preparing it for exhibition. Inside you could see that both the lining and main fabric had those 1" seams so the suit could be let out (it hadn't been). It was all so beautifully and neatly sewn.
Thank you for sharing all the hints. I will look into buying that gadget for eyelets etc. I also have a stoma do have to adapt for ease of access. Thanks for the info.
Thankyou for your comments …I totally agree with you the time allowed for the challenges is frustratingly short - as a viewer I want the contestants to be able to demonstrate their ability rather than having to bodge their work !
I really enjoy listening to all your comments. I agree sequin challenge very difficult to do in 3 hours having to line it too. Loved the fancy dress challenge.
I’m still so sad for the contestants, this limited time is giving to much drama and therefore we are not seeing their full potential, it says it all when a transformation challenge wins garment of the week. Let’s hope week 7 will give us a wow factor. Thank you so much for the tips and natter and lovely to see Sasha. From Di x
From what I recall, on most of the seasons of Sewing Bee, during Children's week, the transformation challenge often is to make a fancy dress outfit. So I think it's quite a smart idea for the contestants to have a plan for that in mind, and to have practised beforehand....
If I were to ever be accepted onto GBSB I would practice as much as I could. Welt pockets, invisible zips, gathering and sleeve heads plus fancy dress - fancy dress often comes up in kids week. Such interesting chat this week. Thank You all.
I thought Suzy should have gone this week, not really sure what her agenda is. The transformations were brilliant, lots of inspiration for parents looking for ideas. The time constraints on tasks seem a bit harsh, not sure I could even cut garments out in the time they are given. I don't think we have a clear winner yet.
Great tips as ever. And lovely to see Sasha, don’t see enough of her on telly. Still Cant pick out a winner. I normally have one by now so am sad not to play my winner game. I agree they are simply not getting enough time for makes.
I definitely had someone else in mind to go home and that person looked as if she was resigned to her fate and then, rather than happy she looked shocked and even guilty that she wasn't the one to go... Does that make sense?
Re Alastair’s comment about needle size for sequins: Are the machines set up by the production crew in advance of the pattern challenge or do the contestants have the option of changing things like needles?
Love listen to the Sewing Bee Natter and hearing your thoughts after each episode. They often align with my own thoughts about the success and failure of what is made and its really interesting to hear all the tips and tricks from your shared experiences. I've made a few bomber jackets in my time and I know from experience that ribbing can be varied in terms of it's stretch. Therefore you have to adjust the length of the waistband and collar pattern pieces accordingly to ensure they can be stretched adequately and not look baggy or ripple.
I am beginning to wonder if they do have access to all the interfacing products as they never use them? ado they just not know about them or do they think it will take out precious time to use them? Quality is definitely being sacrificed because of the severe lack of time.
I feel the wrong person went home this week .Great chat . I like the cushion behind you Kim. I don't think i will be sewing with sequins. What is your favorite Gin Alistair. Mine is Hendricks .
I think Alistair is using his iPhone to chat. Tip! Turn it on its side for a wide angle view. Whenever we have a family FaceTime we always have to remind one family member to turn her phone on it’s side, instant wide screen, give it a try. Great show as usual and yes Susie should have gone. Kim you are lovely, Alistair full of great advice and love the mix of guests. The Sewing Bee wouldn’t be the same without you guys on afterwards………great stuff!
Hi again - my kids went to a school with a skort as an option in the school uniform and the shorts were a different fabric from the skirt. Just IMHO they do not have to be the same fabric and actually they should not be because the shorts part should be tight fitting. Thoughts?
I’m finding it very interesting listening to your explanations on the bolero challenge, I’ve never seen so many challenges where people are not managing to complete them. It would take me three days never mind three hours, they seem to be harder challenges this year, but they are still managing to producing super outfits.
I think the challenges were difficult for the time they had, also thought Georgia has been a really good sewer up to now and should'nt have gone out, Others had'nt done that well over the weeks.
Overall I have to say I was disappointed with the Bee this week, especially with the fitting challenge which didn't seem to be much about the fit, although that could be the editing of course. I would like to see a Top Tip section by someone like Alastair each week highlighting a relevant technique and explaining how to use it. That way we could learn something other than what Esme's colours are 😂. Thank you all again for your time and expert input x
You probably know about this but in case there is an interview with Patrick Grant on the Fold Line UA-cam. Talking about his book, with ref to Saville Row and more importantly making the Sewing Bee. Ref to time issues etc. Hope it’s ok for me to mention this here.
Costumes were good and all so different. Lion was a great but i think alligator deserved the win. How could she practice something that she didnt know what the challenge would be or the material. It could well have been something she had made before, or similar, though and that would be lucky. Good show guys. Good chat and info 👍🏻
I bought the book for this series only to find out that apparently there are errors on the patterns. Not being a confident sewer I’m worried about trying to use it because there’s no way I’ll know what’s right and wrong. Also, from your comments it seems as if the patterns are not correct on the show either.
Maybe Pasha makes stuffed toys for friends or family presents. Maybe she is very artistic and is an amazing artist [drawer] so she can draft the pattern piece easily. You can't criticise her for getting it so right. Esme criticised the shape of the skort but in fact Suzy's pattern was that shape - it did deliberately go down at the front to show the gathered waistline - 5berries Patterns Palm Beach Skort [I saw this on The Fold Line pattern debrief]😎❤
Kim, as the weeks go by I realise that I don’t really know anything about the vlieseline products that could really help me. How and where can I learn more about how to use them?
The sequin challenge was certainly a challenge! Is Patrick still spending more time commenting on the colour choices rather than the ability to follow a pattern? I did like the crocodile outfit. Pascha was also following closely the outfit made by her aunt in the final challenge, that was what the shorts were sewn into the skirt. She liked that design as a child.
I agree with everyones comments regarding scissors and the sequins, as part of my tool kit that they all bring I would have a variety of scissors for cutting as like Alistair I would not have put my Japanese shears ( recommended and helped by Alistair to purchase ) anywhere near that fabric I would have used my electric shears. With Alex top stitching on the velvet I dont think she used the correct thread it should have been thicker or at least double stranded to stand out - this was definitley not practised to check how it would look. Suzies patchwork although a good idea showed her lack of experience and again lack of prep to see the finished effect - strip pieceing of the fabrics and then subcutting and re sewing would have been more time efficient and the intersections on point - her seam allowance was not consistent which is why I beleive that the front looked off, But I do agree with Kim that she should have made that fabric up before hand OR use a fake quilt fabric which I know was available at one point from Alistair and is widely available from other quilt fabric companies - the look with non of the effort. I also agree with Sasha that Suzie has come to the end of her time. Lots of Love to you all see you next week - loving all the tips XXXX
I am disappointed with the standard of sewing in this series. Even allowing for time constraints/ more complex makes, theres a general lack of sewing “skills” in producing a garment or outfit that is wearable. So if it ain’t wearable, what’s the point? I hate to be miss negative, cos I used to really love the show, however, I really can’t wait to get your take on each episode so thanks for being so quick this week. Amazing!
Could it be that the measurements given early on the made to measure were because as adults (both male and female) they did not have to physically ‘touch’ the child models? It might be a safeguarding thing.
I think it might be to reduce the amount of time the children were working? I think some of the models were quite young, I don't know the time limits but they may be stricter regulations about working hours etc.
I think you and Alister would be better judges as you seem to have more knowledge of fabric and time constraints....Look forward to this discussion every week .x
I’m getting exasperated with the judging. The sewing is not up to previous shows, not one person stands out from the rest as a winner. I have an idea who will win unless things change drastically. I also wonder if any of the contestants actually watch this as they would learn so much from you all. Love the chatter so informative.
Surely the lack of time to produce a nicely finished garment must shatter their confidence,dampen their enthusiasm. I would hate it because I like to have some pride in what I make. It’s doesn’t help encourage viewers wanting to get into sewing seeing such poor standards. Fabric is expensive and can’t be wasted. Love the natter xx
not a great week, the sample garment for the pattern challenge was very poor so wasnt surprised when the contestants jackets werent perfect. For once the transformation challenge produced garments that could be worn. the made to measure challenge was ok, nice idea to hark back to one of their childhood outfits. i thought Suzy was lucky not to go, must have been a close decision between her and Georgie.
Apparently Patrick was on TV justifying the shorter time for contestants because they’re such better sewers these day's.? I am afraid I cannot agree with that. They don’t seem to know their way around a sewing room very well when using hardware, or correct needles etc. l Think Alistair hit the nail on the head back at episode one a lot of the contestants nowadays are actually using the B as a platform to launch themselves.
Great video! I am also very disappointed by this series. As a person of colour, I can't help but notice that all the people of colour have now been eliminated. Twice in favour of Suzie, who seems to be kept in for her quirkyness, not her competence. I think this is by far the worst series of the sewing bee. Your videos are actually much better than the program! 😅
I’m loving the natters and all the super tips! I particularly loved this week the parcel tape tip - I will definitely be using that in the future. I have a group of sewing ladies and we now not only discuss the programme -
We also discuss the natter! Keep them coming x
If I ever thought of sewing sequins this episode has changed my mind .Keep up the nattering love Alistair so much helpful advice
Thanks again for a really good natter. I liked the transformation challenge this week, though it's a pity that there wasn't a single garment in the final challenge that could compete for garment of the week. Not sure if it's just time pressures but I am not seeing people really progress to make the kind of exceptional garments we've seen in some previous seasons. Fingers crossed for future episodes.
Loved the packing tape tip. On couture garments, I saw a V&A programme looking at one of Lauren Bacall's Dior suits. They were preparing it for exhibition. Inside you could see that both the lining and main fabric had those 1" seams so the suit could be let out (it hadn't been). It was all so beautifully and neatly sewn.
Thank you for sharing all the hints. I will look into buying that gadget for eyelets etc. I also have a stoma do have to adapt for ease of access. Thanks for the info.
Thankyou for your comments …I totally agree with you the time allowed for the challenges is frustratingly short - as a viewer I want the contestants to be able to demonstrate their ability rather than having to bodge their work !
Just loving your reviews. In fact enjoying more and learning more than watching sewing bee
I really enjoy listening to all your comments. I agree sequin challenge very difficult to do in 3 hours having to line it too. Loved the fancy dress challenge.
I’m still so sad for the contestants, this limited time is giving to much drama and therefore we are not seeing their full potential, it says it all when a transformation challenge wins garment of the week. Let’s hope week 7 will give us a wow factor. Thank you so much for the tips and natter and lovely to see Sasha. From Di x
More of Alastair's stories from Savile Row and his collage days please
From what I recall, on most of the seasons of Sewing Bee, during Children's week, the transformation challenge often is to make a fancy dress outfit. So I think it's quite a smart idea for the contestants to have a plan for that in mind, and to have practised beforehand....
I’m from Canada, so we don’t get the Bee. But, I see all the makes on Instagram etc. I totally agree with everything you said today.
If I were to ever be accepted onto GBSB I would practice as much as I could. Welt pockets, invisible zips, gathering and sleeve heads plus fancy dress - fancy dress often comes up in kids week. Such interesting chat this week. Thank You all.
I thought Suzy should have gone this week, not really sure what her agenda is. The transformations were brilliant, lots of inspiration for parents looking for ideas. The time constraints on tasks seem a bit harsh, not sure I could even cut garments out in the time they are given. I don't think we have a clear winner yet.
Really enjoying hearing your thoughts and tips. Learning so much, pity that Sewing Bee isn’t doing the same.
Great tips as ever. And lovely to see Sasha, don’t see enough of her on telly. Still Cant pick out a winner. I normally have one by now so am sad not to play my winner game. I agree they are simply not getting enough time for makes.
Late to the party again - but enjoyed all the chat and expert info!
Great episode as always....great tips, thank you ❤
I definitely had someone else in mind to go home and that person looked as if she was resigned to her fate and then, rather than happy she looked shocked and even guilty that she wasn't the one to go... Does that make sense?
Yes absolutely agree with you
Re Alastair’s comment about needle size for sequins: Are the machines set up by the production crew in advance of the pattern challenge or do the contestants have the option of changing things like needles?
Love listen to the Sewing Bee Natter and hearing your thoughts after each episode. They often align with my own thoughts about the success and failure of what is made and its really interesting to hear all the tips and tricks from your shared experiences.
I've made a few bomber jackets in my time and I know from experience that ribbing can be varied in terms of it's stretch. Therefore you have to adjust the length of the waistband and collar pattern pieces accordingly to ensure they can be stretched adequately and not look baggy or ripple.
I am beginning to wonder if they do have access to all the interfacing products as they never use them? ado they just not know about them or do they think it will take out precious time to use them? Quality is definitely being sacrificed because of the severe lack of time.
You weren't the only one wincing with needles breaking!
I feel the wrong person went home this week .Great chat . I like the cushion behind you Kim. I don't think i will be sewing with sequins. What is your favorite Gin Alistair. Mine is Hendricks .
Like the tool, however, I did a search and found it for less than £60, and the tool set for less than £13, big difference .
I think Alistair is using his iPhone to chat. Tip! Turn it on its side for a wide angle view. Whenever we have a family FaceTime we always have to remind one family member to turn her phone on it’s side, instant wide screen, give it a try. Great show as usual and yes Susie should have gone. Kim you are lovely, Alistair full of great advice and love the mix of guests. The Sewing Bee wouldn’t be the same without you guys on afterwards………great stuff!
Wow - that's quick turnaround!!!
Hi again - my kids went to a school with a skort as an option in the school uniform and the shorts were a different fabric from the skirt. Just IMHO they do not have to be the same fabric and actually they should not be because the shorts part should be tight fitting. Thoughts?
I’m finding it very interesting listening to your explanations on the bolero challenge, I’ve never seen so many challenges where people are not managing to complete them. It would take me three days never mind three hours, they seem to be harder challenges this year, but they are still managing to producing super outfits.
I think the challenges were difficult for the time they had, also thought Georgia has been a really good sewer up to now and should'nt have gone out, Others had'nt done that well over the weeks.
Overall I have to say I was disappointed with the Bee this week, especially with the fitting challenge which didn't seem to be much about the fit, although that could be the editing of course. I would like to see a Top Tip section by someone like Alastair each week highlighting a relevant technique and explaining how to use it. That way we could learn something other than what Esme's colours are 😂. Thank you all again for your time and expert input x
You probably know about this but in case there is an interview with Patrick Grant on the Fold Line UA-cam. Talking about his book, with ref to Saville Row and more importantly making the Sewing Bee. Ref to time issues etc. Hope it’s ok for me to mention this here.
Costumes were good and all so different. Lion was a great but i think alligator deserved the win. How could she practice something that she didnt know what the challenge would be or the material. It could well have been something she had made before, or similar, though and that would be lucky. Good show guys. Good chat and info 👍🏻
I bought the book for this series only to find out that apparently there are errors on the patterns. Not being a confident sewer I’m worried about trying to use it because there’s no way I’ll know what’s right and wrong. Also, from your comments it seems as if the patterns are not correct on the show either.
Maybe Pasha makes stuffed toys for friends or family presents. Maybe she is very artistic and is an amazing artist [drawer] so she can draft the pattern piece easily. You can't criticise her for getting it so right. Esme criticised the shape of the skort but in fact Suzy's pattern was that shape - it did deliberately go down at the front to show the gathered waistline - 5berries Patterns Palm Beach Skort [I saw this on The Fold Line pattern debrief]😎❤
Kim, as the weeks go by I realise that I don’t really know anything about the vlieseline products that could really help me. How and where can I learn more about how to use them?
Hi Visielene has lots of You tube videos as does Kim
Me too!
Is the sample available for the contestant to examine? The presenters are not in the same area when they discuss it?
The sequin challenge was certainly a challenge! Is Patrick still spending more time commenting on the colour choices rather than the ability to follow a pattern? I did like the crocodile outfit. Pascha was also following closely the outfit made by her aunt in the final challenge, that was what the shorts were sewn into the skirt. She liked that design as a child.
I agree with everyones comments regarding scissors and the sequins, as part of my tool kit that they all bring I would have a variety of scissors for cutting as like Alistair I would not have put my Japanese shears ( recommended and helped by Alistair to purchase ) anywhere near that fabric I would have used my electric shears. With Alex top stitching on the velvet I dont think she used the correct thread it should have been thicker or at least double stranded to stand out - this was definitley not practised to check how it would look. Suzies patchwork although a good idea showed her lack of experience and again lack of prep to see the finished effect - strip pieceing of the fabrics and then subcutting and re sewing would have been more time efficient and the intersections on point - her seam allowance was not consistent which is why I beleive that the front looked off, But I do agree with Kim that she should have made that fabric up before hand OR use a fake quilt fabric which I know was available at one point from Alistair and is widely available from other quilt fabric companies - the look with non of the effort. I also agree with Sasha that Suzie has come to the end of her time. Lots of Love to you all see you next week - loving all the tips XXXX
I love the top you are wearing today Kim.
Similar thing for clothing in films - extra in the seams to give longevity and ability to fit many people
Enjoying all your tips, and a very welcome distraction from endless football matches. Any predictions for a winner, or is it too early?
Think it’s close this year who do you think?
Hiya love love love this natter! Just a point - I thought they never know the first two challenges - didn't Mark say that one week?
What's 'deadstock' for the sequins? And Why choose sequins for Pattern challenge?
Ah - Dead Stock not Dead stock...
Really interesting fact about the gelatine sequins!
I am disappointed with the standard of sewing in this series. Even allowing for time constraints/ more complex makes, theres a general lack of sewing “skills” in producing a garment or outfit that is wearable. So if it ain’t wearable, what’s the point? I hate to be miss negative, cos I used to really love the show, however, I really can’t wait to get your take on each episode so thanks for being so quick this week. Amazing!
Sequins + iron ... Iron from reverse with cloth between
Nice one 'esme'.....
Could it be that the measurements given early on the made to measure were because as adults (both male and female) they did not have to physically ‘touch’ the child models? It might be a safeguarding thing.
you can see them taking measurements to make sure. So I don't think they weren't allowed to touch the children.
Fair point but I only said that “could” be the reason in view of the BBC’s well documented past history re Mr Savile et al.
I think it might be to reduce the amount of time the children were working? I think some of the models were quite young, I don't know the time limits but they may be stricter regulations about working hours etc.
We do t know for sure, but some of the explanations in the replies could be correct x
I, too, feel sorry for the contestants the time restraints are not adequate.
Lapped seam - lay one edge offset to another...
I think Suzie, has run her course, 😢
I think you and Alister would be better judges as you seem to have more knowledge of fabric and time constraints....Look forward to this discussion every week .x
Sample bomber jacket neck and cuffs did not fit properly 😊
Yes, it was awful, I noticed that too straight away. Even Esme was tryingg to pat down tbw left side (as worn) to disguise how bad it was.
I’m getting exasperated with the judging. The sewing is not up to previous shows, not one person stands out from the rest as a winner. I have an idea who will win unless things change drastically. I also wonder if any of the contestants actually watch this as they would learn so much from you all. Love the chatter so informative.
Surely the lack of time to produce a nicely finished garment must shatter their confidence,dampen their enthusiasm. I would hate it because I like to have some pride in what I make. It’s doesn’t help encourage viewers wanting to get into sewing seeing such poor standards. Fabric is expensive and can’t be wasted. Love the natter xx
not a great week, the sample garment for the pattern challenge was very poor so wasnt surprised when the contestants jackets werent perfect. For once the transformation challenge produced garments that could be worn. the made to measure challenge was ok, nice idea to hark back to one of their childhood outfits. i thought Suzy was lucky not to go, must have been a close decision between her and Georgie.
That was a dinosaur - spikes are not on a crocodile / alligator,,,
Dalmatian should have eon...
Apparently Patrick was on TV justifying the shorter time for contestants because they’re such better sewers these day's.? I am afraid I cannot agree with that. They don’t seem to know their way around a sewing room very well when using hardware, or correct needles etc. l Think Alistair hit the nail on the head back at episode one a lot of the contestants nowadays are actually using the B as a platform to launch themselves.
The programme annoys me and I enjoy your opinions and advice on how it should be done.
I think Suzie is a bit out of her comfort zone - she's not allowed to do 'what she does '
I really love your conversations but...the video quality is like from 10 years ago.
Sorry about that x
Iron cleaner and a face mask...
Sequens are environmentally unsustainable. Why are they still being used especially in a show like this??
Great video! I am also very disappointed by this series. As a person of colour, I can't help but notice that all the people of colour have now been eliminated. Twice in favour of Suzie, who seems to be kept in for her quirkyness, not her competence. I think this is by far the worst series of the sewing bee. Your videos are actually much better than the program! 😅
I think Patrick is softening his critiques but Esme still wants perfection. Alistair does not look well.
Interested in prym snap maker thanks ,just love the programme !🧵🪡✂️😀
Hi if you would like one they are £99 and email me at
sales@six-penny.com
Thanks Kim x