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?

Hope Simon keeps sewing, and gains experience skill wise, bless him!

oh wow, can't wait for next week... the final bit is a wrap dress!

I enjoyed that!

I want some fancy handmade jimjams now... (just not making them myself)

I liked Simon, pity.

Our Simon's a good loser. All the best to you Simon.

Yes, shame Simon's gone, but looking forward to when a few more go and we know everyone a bit better as it's always more interesting then.

Right, I think I'm over to channel 4+1 for new Kirstie Allsopp thingo. Sucker for a house-hunting show.

I really liked Simon :(

@ Beardy Man Judge

I also know a contestant but I'm not saying which one as that will totally out me in RL.

I was out at a meeting last night, so recorded it and watched it late (sado).

I thought Heathers skirt was a worthy winner, it was immaculate, I liked Chinelo's skirt too. Good thinking about putting the pattern horizontally.

Tamara's shirt/skirt was fab. But I liked the sailor dress too.

If I made PJs they would be like Chinelo's, but I can understand that they are looking for a certain skill set.

I was quite surprised how many of them had never done piping. I am norwhere near at their level, put I've made quite a lot of piped cushions in my time.

I'm on Holiday for the next 2 weeks but I've set the machine up to record so I'll catch up when I get back.

I really like heather, she doesn't come across as smug to me. I loved the shirt task

I didnt see Barrow from Downton Abbey. There was someone who looked similar though

I fell asleep watching last night. It's not that it wasn't interesting.. I was just knackered.
Must catch up today.
I do like Heather.
Wastcoat woman is scary and I just don't like Tamara.

I'm so glad this is back, I loved the last series and this one is shaping up to be just as good. It's such nice gentle, feel-good TV and teaches a very amateur sewer like me a few tricks as well.

I couldn't warm to Simon so was glad he went, think David may be next which is a shame as he seems lovely. I'm in awe of Chinelo's offbeat way of working (and isn't she stunning) but Julie is getting on my nerves. Heather is seeming the most consistent at the moment but she flounders in the more creative tasks.

I get distracted by the beauty of Bearded Judge's suit.

Lynda, the Welsh woman, is lovely!

I wish they had shown us a mini tutorial on how to make piping. The box pleat, pattern skirt was quite a difficult task.
It is very inspiring! I am going to ruin revamp dh's shirts!

I like Lynda best.

Simon wasn't bothered enough. All the others were really intense about getting their pattern matching right and Simon was all 'It'll do.'

Did you read the thing about Chinelo's approach in MaryWestmacott's link? It says she learnt to sew the African way and has a more organic method.

I hope there'll be a made to measure ballgown at some point - would love to see her do that.

I have a great tutorial bookmaraked on how to do piping. Hang on a mo...

Here on how to make your own piping

and here on how to add piping to seams.

Thanks Debbie.
I'm desperate to do piping now because I've never done it and it looks so professional, but all my sewing stuff is packed away for house selling
After we move I'll be making loads of new curtains - what can I pipe on curtains?

Tunip I get distracted by the beauty of Bearded Judge, never mind his suit

Turnip and Straw - oh yes. His suit is rather divine too!

I am another Heather fan. I don't think she is at all smug, she just seems a good sport. I really liked her "Chocks away, Ginger!" approach last week.

If anyone comes across as smug I think it is Tamara.

Think I am noticing a bit of a pattern to some of their strengths and weaknesses.

Heather has loads of experience and is very, very competent at following a pattern and knows how to apply the techniques (a bit like Ann who won the last series) hence she has so far done the best in the first challenge which is all about following instructions and displaying you have the skills.

Tamara is perhaps a bit more off-the-wall and good at thinking up new creative ideas - hence her success in the adaptations round.

David (the policeman?) hasn't really shone yet, though his nightie last week was pretty good, but he always seems to do best in the last challenge which is the one that they know about in advance. So presumably he is good at planning and preparation.

Julie is coming across as the one who will ignore the instructions and cut corners.

5foot5 you are right in your analyses of the strengths and weaknesses. heather is very experienced with technique and clearly values and is accomplished at a polished finish. she would be a fab person to have to ring up for advice on a confusing instruction in a pattern

Thank you Debbie.

I might try a cushion cover from ruined shirt

I too like Heather, I think she's clearly very talented. Julie however euurrggghh, she's very snide. Tamara is okay. Lynda seems lovely. Loving the sewing bee.