Great British Sewing Bee

Wow, I know that I am often a little behind the times, but if you like sewing, love all things British, and are sick of b*tchy reality tv shows, you have to check out the Great British Sewing Bee!! Episodes 1 through 3 are up on YouTube in their full glory, and I have just watched all of them.

I have to admit, the Savile Row tailor, Patrick Grant, who’s a bit dreamy, has some wonderful words of wisdom as far as perfection in fitting, whereas the other judge, May Martin is much more realistic in terms of home sewing and what’s achievable. The challenge is to find Britain’s best home sewer – not fashion designer, not professional tailor. Home Sewer. I tell you, my mother would have kicked butt on this show. Although the other contestants would have probably lynched her by the end of the first day.

I won’t share too much about what has happened so far, as with all reality shows, otherwise it will spoil what’s happened and who’s been sent home already. After only 3 episodes, we are already up to the final 3 contestants, so this show doesn’t mess around, but the challenges are sensible and practical, although the time limits give me hives.

I would like to point out the following garment to Patrick, not that he’s reading my blog. But just so he knows that there are some out there that can pattern match with the best of them….

This was a very simple cotton voile I bought on clearance, I have worn this top to death this past summer. The original pattern (New Look 6803) was a straighter and fuller than this, the side seams have had a lot of sculpting and tweaking.

Sadly, the centre back seam is curved and not dead straight which meant that perfect pattern matching wasn’t possible…. however I did match up all the rows of pattern. There was a moment when cutting this top out I looked at the fabric and asked myself what WAS I thinking…..

However, the side seams certainly matched up beautifully also…. these complete flowers are even on the same row as each other under each arm.

Can you spot the side seams? You just can’t fluke that kind of pattern matching. Yes it took a little longer to do. And no, I probably wouldn’t do it voluntarily without a really good reason, but it was really satisfying in the end.

The reason I mention this you will have to discover by watching the Great British Sewing Bee, and learning the laws of pattern matching. Yes, Patrick Grant is watching, and details do matter!

So, I must love and leave you there. I would love to be industriously slaving away at my machine now, however I have had a sick headache mainly in my right eye for the last 4 days. It is slowly easing, however not entirely and my painkillers are calling my name. Please, let me know if you caught some of this lovely show and how you enjoyed it!

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