Sewing Bee 2024 thread 2 - 5 down, 7 to go!

[SoupDragon]

The other thread was getting too slow (and we were running out of space faster than the thread on a bobbin)

As far as I can recall they’ve always had electric version haven’t they? Not hand crank or treadle. I also think they’ve had ones capable of reversing.

I’d love a proper vintage week with them having a hand cranked Singer 66k for the pattern and transformation challenges at least, and having to make a garment with a design and fabric typical from the early 20th century.

I’ve got one and a later 201k and I love them for anything needing a solid straight stitch.
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/66

That one is electric and goes forwards and backwards but nothing else. Edit: sorry I thought I'd added a picture.

At school we had to use a hand cranked machine until we were good enough to follow a line and get upgraded to electric.

Thank you, but that does not hit the spot. It is basically a dress with cape, what made the Balenciaga so clever was the way it fitted at the front then had that lovely draping down the back. The Foldline's suggestion is a nice enough dress but a pretty disappointing alternative.

It seems like Ailsa's nerves are her enemy, if she can keep them in control she could still be in contention.

This is my vintage machine. Quite good for topstitching.

Just caught up on the show, haven't read the comments but really felt Luke and Pascha stood out throughout all the challenges in experience, ambition and quality. Pascha is my winner but I feel like it could be a close thing between the two of them.

I'd rather Pascha won but have warmed to Luke, he is very good. Within the framework of them all not being as good as those on previous series.

i have warmed to Luke over the last few weeks. He really does understand colour and form, and i absolutely ADORED what he did with the ties.That took talent.

But now i have a question. I know they know in advance of the very first show what each week will be, so they can already think about the m2m in advance. But do you think they know about the transformation challenges too?

They always look surprised.

They always seem to look surprised at both the transformation and pattern challenges so I think they aren't told about these. Unless they are all good actors!

I read somewhere that they were told about the first five M2M challenges from the beginning, giving them time to order fabric and so on.

I don’t remember anything about when they find out about the later challenges. It would make sense for it to be a rolling five week thing, so in week two they learn about week six and so on, but that’s an invention of my own.

I’m warming to Luke, too. I’ve always liked Pascha so I’m glad she’s still in the competition.

I think hand cranked machines would be a step too far - people are used to using their right hand to manipulate the fabric. The wheel is an entirely new technique to learn, they don't have the muscle memory.

i was at boarding school and we had a treadle singer in the common room when i was in Vth and LVIth. I used to get fabric from a close-ish by shop on Saturday morning, sew in the afternoon and wear (an awful and badly made) outfit on Saturday night going to friend's houses (and later in the pub).

Those machines need a coordination that is unthinkable now. easier than the hand-cranked ones though

I do remember one contestant saying something along the lines of ‘I saw that this M2M was coming up and I hoped I would still be here’, so I do think they get told in advance so they have time to find patterns and practice etc. I’d be bloody annoyed though if I’d ordered fabric and then didn’t get through to that round.

I’d be bloody annoyed though if I’d ordered fabric and then didn’t get through to that round.

I'm not sure I could ever be mad at having bought fabric... 😂

I would if it was some swanky brocade or similar for a ball gown I would never make. I'm sure Patrick asked one of them this year if they'd practised their garment and they said 'Yes but not with this fabric ' I can't remember who it was.

They get a fabric budget though don't they? I know it's been discussed before but I can't remember.

Mrs Harris goes to Paris is now on Netflix. I suggest you all watch to see what made to measure SHOULD mean. And the film is charming!

I was wondering about this dress myself. I hate Vogue patterns!

I love that film 🥰

Taking advantage of the lull in conversation, here is a shiny new thread specially for the final!

www.mumsnet.com/talk/telly_addicts/5125742-sewing-bee-2024-the-final-cut

Oooh! Thank you for the heads-up!

I've been looking forwards to this film.

Fab film!