Yay! Sewing Bee is back!

[Roussette]

Does anyone else watch it? Or is it just me...

I love it because it reminds me of another life when I used to sew (before the DC's came along and before I lost the footpedal to my sewing machine in a house move).

The contestants are just so talented and I like the beardy man judge too. Anyone else?

There's a new dressmaking sewing bee book out, maybe the patterns come from that?

They aren't going to include eight separate nightie patterns in the book, though (allowing for the two self-drafted versions). IIRC last time the contestants had a free choice over what commercial (or self-drafted) pattern to use, but the show couldn't mention them because it's the BBC and can't be seen to be promoting particular products. So you need to poke around for people not directly employed by the BBC to tell you what they are.

No sorry I meant the patterns that they supply the sewers (like the vest), not the ones the sewers provide themselves (as in the nightie).

They may do -- some of them ended up in the book last season, I think. But some of them are designed to be doable in the time rather than to be great patterns (I remember whatsherface from the Thrifty Stitcher saying last season that she'd had to draft a trouser pattern (without pockets) that no one would ever use so that the contestants could complete the task in however many hours they needed to film it in).

Just noticed Cliff is not in the series 2 poster shot whatsit. How unwell was he? Poor man.

On the voice over, Claudia said he had decided to withdraw.

Really love Patrick. And the guy from bradford. He's like a tall mark Owen. I also like the girl from
Nigeria.

It's such a lovely gentle series even if you can't sew for a toffee. I used to be able to but I lost my mojo

Last year I got quite inspired to do some sewing for myself but was then put off when I saw the price of fabric. Does anyone know a source of reasonably cheap fabric?

I've just caught up on iPlayer. I get the impression that the sewers are much more experienced this year. Sewing a nightie out of satin in 5 hours?! That's the type of task I'd expect for the final.

Oh and nennypops I get most of my fabric off eBay. Minerva crafts can be quite good too though.

nennypops, depends on what you are looking for. Online the names that tend to come up are Fabricland and Abakhan, while I have a soft spot for The Remnant House. Sometimes there are good deals on eBay, too (I have bought a fair bit from Minerva Fabrics on there).

Just caught up on iplayer too. Really enjoyed it. I don't know why I love this and Bake Off so much bearing in mind I can't bake and I can't sew. I just do though.

I wondered if Cliff just felt totally out of his depth and to pardon the pun, decided he couldn't hack it. If so, poor guy.

In awe of Chinelo's freehand stuff! Flipping heck. I liked her nightie best of all. It seemed to fit the model like a glove. Simon's was ridiculous. I know bugger all about sewing but as soon as he said "shot silk" I thought "Uh oh, that won't work for a nightie". I'd expect someone who passed the auditions to have worked that much out. His re-vamped skirt was pretty great though.

Can't imagine what they'll be required to do later on if this is week 1.

nikki, I'm the same with this (can't sew a button)!
In awe of anyone who can handle silk!

Chinelo is amazing, I'm backing her (I should really back Mr.Po-Po out of loyalty, but hohum).

Roll on week two

Ooh I watched this last night whilst creating my own bias binding. I'm making dd a pair of pyjamas - she's 19mo but I'm doing the size for 2-3 yrs in the hope they might fit her briefly before she grows out of them

Ahhh.. that explains Simon's nightie! (phone went and missed them picking their materials). Shot silk would be far too stiff for a flowing sexy nightie... even I know that - no wonder it looked badly fitting. But there is always next week and he is obviously talented.

Just caught up with this - glad nobody else went home after cliff withdrew. I'm feeling all inspired now. If only I wasn't stuck on the sofa with a sleeping toddler on my lap!

Rousette, I'm presuming Mr Po-Po is the policeman.

Mr Po-Po! :) I also guess that's the policeman.

pasbeaucoup making pj's is very impressive. I think part of the appeal of the programme for me is watching people do something I'm so crap at.

It would be a shame if both the remaining men were eliminated but unless Mr Po-Po can go off-piste a bit and get creative and Simon can stop going for bonkers fabric choices., it will be a women only competition soon.

Sorry, I couldn't remember his name and I find it easier to remember contestants if I give them nicknames

He shall be Mr. Po-Po from hereonin with me! Love it

here is tonight's challenge. Two patterned shirts made into one? Sounds impossible!

Beeb2 8pm tonight, can't wait!

Oh, and men's pyjamas, it's gonna be a cracker!

'Ere we go... patterns and pleats...