The Great British Sewing Bee

This is a wonderful alternative to the mindless dross that is often passed off as entertainment. The presenters and contestants are friendly and fun and the sewing process is remarkably interesting even to a non-sewing person like me. This is an opportunity to relax, have a laugh and wind down. Excellent.

Amateur sewers compete and watch. Great to see skills improvement over the weeks but some episodes would benefit to a change in format where competitors and viewers get a masterclass in a particular technique which can then be used going forward.. cutting a difficult pattern, making a toile, draping, fitting. That would help competitors progress and provide inspiration for viewers. Previous competitors had some very skilled sewers but this group very different so lessons would have helped all to unskilled in this series and going forward. Of benefit to basic sewers in the audience this time round too.

It's simply well made. There's good balance of no-nonsense and encouragements for amateurs to be better. It's neither too critical nor too loose. The challenges are well thought out for amateurs and it is after all, a competition tele for amateurs. The background stories of the contestants and snippets of relevant history were a nice touch. Unlike other competition tele, there's less exaggerated hype, forced exclamations, forced comedy or tragedy and far less interference from the judges and presenter. The settings is simple. Simply setting it next to river makes it somehow relaxing. The bit of old songs are well placed. It is not titivating.

Love, love, love this show. Watching such lovely people build friendships and support each other's growth and I learn heaps about sewing techniques and material, get tips and ideas. More shows should be this lovely.

Who knew sewing could be this fun! Sew talented sorry couldn't help it