Great British Sewing Bee is back on 15th July

[BlackAmericanoNoSugar]

I'm looking forward to it.

I think if Dan had managed to make all he said he was going to make for the final challenge, and made it all really well, then he would have deserved to stay. But he was over ambitious and under delivered. He should have just got his model to wear a white T-shirt underneath and concentrated on the jacket and trousers.

If Gaynor had faults in her make, a wobbly waistline, a flabby neckline then she would have deserved to go as she had a simple make and had plenty of time to get those things perfect. It would have been nice if she made a headdress or a cape or wings, but the dress was beautiful and moved beautifully.

Ultimately, it is a sewing skills show and not a fashion show and really sewing skills should win over design imo. I wish they would bring back challenges like earlier series with making ties and waistcoats and lingerie. They all show if you know how to sew and how to deal with various tricky fabrics.

Gaynor is a very good sewist, but she had plenty of time to make wings, or a cape, or shoe covers...?
Her lack of willingness to do that suggests she won't last much longer imo.
Why on earth didn't Caz just take the sleeves off and call it a waistcoat!???

I love Gaynor and Caz. I also can’t warm to Kit.

I like Kit, Dan and Orla the best. Not feeling the Gaynor love - she's fine, but nowhere near as talented as Kit and Caz, who are stand out.

I'm not sure it is a sewing show any more than a fashion show. I know that's the view of some experienced sewers on here, but surely you're just saying that's what you would prefer? And actually, the audience will be spilt between serious sewers and those who enjoy the creative side? My DH enjoys the programme, can barely sew beyond an emergency repair, and sees the transformation challenge as the best bit.

It's been quite clear for many series that they value creativity and design as much as technical skill. You need both to do well. There are always a few wacky individualists who coast through for a few weeks, and a few traditional sewers whose skill takes them through, but the finalists will generally have strengths in both areas.

Kit and Caz both excel at both and that's what makes them exciting to watch. Though Kit's cowboy outfit was almost unwatchable this week!

As a lifelong sewist myself I like the technical side. My husband, who wasn't particularly interested at the beginning and has no interest in sewing, watches it and enjoys it now. I think this illustrates the BBC's intention to attract a wider audience. Incidentally DH said, of Gaynor, I think she's had enough and she's trying to leave now. He said this before she went.

She hasn't gone yet, has she? Or are we a week behind on our catch up?

Sorry, I can't bring myself to use "sewist", I'm convinced it's not a real word and was only invented when we all started writing on the internet because sewer looks like sewer. If you see what I mean.

Oops, my mistake.

I prefer sewist as it reads less like drains.

How about seamstress? Although I guess it's sexist. Seamster? Sewperson?

i prefer sewist. Seamstress just comes over all Terry Pratchett.

ETA: Seamstress is also a proper trade that you have to learn.

It's interesting that there isn't really a word that quite works in the way baker does for Bake Off. Do people actually say "sewist" in real life? I think it would always be sewer if it was said out loud. I can absolutely see why people use sewist, it just feels made up to me.

Apparently 'seamstress' can be used by anybody nowadays though it used to be a trade. 'Seamster' is suggested as a genderless alternative.

I like seamster - very rock and roll!

And the cowboy outfit was not yeehah more like yegods!

Seamster is awful. Too close to hipster!

When you see some of the utter vitriol posted online changing sewer to sewist, when it's very likely already in the context of thread and fabric, seems seams a tad twee.

women got seamstress and men got tailor though (aware that there are female tailors) so i am reluctant to dilute the training that goes into being a seamstress.

I do say sewist IRL, but i spend most of my time speaking German and they are more inclined to say "hobby Näherin" (female form because I'm female, no other reason)

And i tend not to say it except to people i know very well, the ones i know won't ask me to sew something for them.

ETA: Gosh @NebulousSadTimes , vitriol? blimey. I really don't mind what anyone calls themselves. I'm happy to go with the flow.

@BishyBarnyBee I agree, they need to do both, well. But I think ultimately the sewing is what needs to shine. I'm not an experienced sewer/ist just a hobby one, and am in awe of what they all make. Kits Toy Story outfit, though good, I wasn't sure about. I did love it when Esme wore the hat at a jaunty angle.

I'm not getting wanting to leave vibes from Gaynor, more surprise she is still in week after week.

For the final I'd love Kit & Caz to be in, but not sure on the third one

How about needleworker? Needlewoman used to be pretty common when I was growing up - so and so is a good needlewoman. Goes well with needlework and perhaps implies that there is more that you can do with a needle than simply make clothes. As someone who doesn't enjoy dressmaking but does enjoy hacking things around/embroidery/applique etc I always wish the Sewing Bee incorporated a bit more than just making clothes.

I like 'needleworker'. Sounds practical and is of course gender neutral.

I'll really miss Dan. he was funny and surprising as a personality, an excellent creative needleworker and a good soul. He clearly adored Caz; it was so touching how he struggled with his emotions talking about her.
I agree with some others that there's something a bit unlikable about Kit. I think I find him a bit supercilious, like he thinks he's a bit cleverer/better than other people.
I like Gaynor and her no-nonsense approach, but I would quite like to see her go at least a little bit wild. I did think that her model really seem to be enjoying the snowdrop costume, which should be a point in its favour, surely?
Órla might be my favourite of the remaining lot. She's very creative and original. Her adaptive dungarees were terrific, 'llama' and all

Orla is my favourite, I think

Kits Toy Story outfit, though good, I wasn't sure about

Frankly? it was creepy. Jeffrey Marsh vibes could be inferred. Did NOBODY at the BBC think of how it comes across?

ETA: to be very very clear, i am not accusing Kit of anything. I think he is rather sweet, and he has a really good eye and skills

I think he comes across as rather naive.

I thought 'dubious Scout leader' too.

Exactly. It reminded me of the Scout leader in 'Ghosts'.

Yes!