The Great British Sewing Bee

tessa didn't know that, thank you!

They do film over 2 days, wear the same clothes for 'pickups' when they might have to film something again. The tension about who is leaving isn't anywhere near as bad as most reality shows, but I agree that it's most annoying.

Just looked at the Clothkits link - there is a very small collection of what I would call authentic Clothkits. My 3 girls had lots of these that I made for them - and I made some for myself too!

The GB Sewing Bee is a mixed bag I think. There is some exquisite sewing, but also some marked lack of skill in very basic things like setting a zip, which rather surprised me. It is an interesting programme though. Can't stand all the contrived tension over who will leave etc.

Why do they pretend the programme is over 2 days when everyone wears the same clothes each day, judges included?

It certainly made me glad that sewing machines have moved on although we did have a Bernina - very advanced - when I was at school. It's no wonder that a lot of people of my/our age have zipaphobia!

The winning jacket was lovely, absolutely perfect. But I agree about the judge's dress - what on earth was it made of, and why was it made at all...?

Clothkits are still around - I'm not sure what the quality is like though.

Loved that jacket! I'd wear it.

I loved the Clothkits things I made for myself and my children. I had a lovely green skirt with a herbaceous border around the hem with a little white fence. I also remember making little tailored shirts for my boys in brushed cotton check.

NO, Esme, what were you thinking of with that dress?

I was wondering if that Judge had stayed in a poor B+B last night and accidently put the ruched bedspread on instead of her dress !!!

I like the colour block dresses. Just made a black and white one for a play I was in, don't think it would have come first though!

I think Clothkits are still around - they certainly were a few years ago.

I love the programme but I am not sure, HannahLoisLuke that the intention is to teach you.

Interesting 60s theme tonight.

What on earth is Esme the judge wearing?

mintsmum.....I remember Clothkits - they even had a shop in Oxford years ago and I used to use their padded jacket kits with the animals for my two daughters - ah! memories.
I do agree with you about the lovely supportive atmosphere in the Sewing Bee - it makes for such a lovely programme and the actual style of the garments is almost secondary!
I have a lovely old text book on tailoring and sewing and a modern one and the actual skills required do not change just the fabrics and patterns - and even those get re-used as fashions come and go.

My daughter and I both love the programme, especially the way the contestants help each other -very civilized. Does anyone remember Clothkits? I made dozens of their garments in the 70s and 80s mostly successful. We loved the dungarees and matching tee shirts.

Last night although the fitted skirt was lovely I think the 18 yr old with silver edged full black skirt should have won it.
I'm with you up to a point. It must have been a difficult choice though, because the fit on the tight blue skirt was flawless and that's what they were looking for in a challenge that was 'made to measure' The black skirt was absolutely stunning though.

I love the idea of making my clothes, but honestly some of the stuff produced is awful. There has been the odd thing over the various series that was very impressive, but it is mostly bizarre, and quite unwearable.

I thorougly enjoyed it although I don't sew as much anymore, In Germany years ago, I got hooked on Burda patterns - My figure was easy to sew for then and I also made a lot for my daughters, including a wedding outfit ( not white)
Last night although the fitted skirt was lovely I think the 18 yr old with silver edged full black skirt should have won it.
Where did they get that maternity dress from? I've not seen a maternity dress for years since I wore them myself. My DDs wore bulging T-shirts in vibrant colours.

I can't sew to save my life (so wish could!)
I would never have believed I could be so into something I have no idea about but I love it I don't particularly like many of the garments but it doesn't matter. It's strangely compulsive viewing for me. I'm not very keen on the new female judge though.

Have to agree about the alteration task. There wasn't one garment that looked as though anyone would actually wear it and very little imagination. Maybe they just had the jitters as it was the first round. Couldn't believe that hardly any use was made of the other fabrics and haberdashery available. Very disappointing, especially when the skirts in the last round showed their talents. Love the programme though and will look forward to every show.

Looks like I'm the only person who's always disappointed with this programme. The stuff they make is frumpy and old fashioned. I'd hoped for inspiration and instruction but although the sewing tips are useful I really wish they'd make something wearable. Those alteration tasks are horrible and only fit for the rag bag.
The fabrics are garish too. Mostly.

I know mine is going to be an unpopular view as you all love it and I probably will continue to watch, at least for a few weeks.

I loved those skirts, so big and swishy! And the one that was more fitted, that won garment of the week, beautiful!

Tricia I don't know whether last night's episode will be repeated, but you should be able to watch it on BBC iPlayer.

Just watched it this morning and just thought what a lovely bunch of people , helping each other ! And cringing when That man took the scissors to the hem