Sewing Bee Natter Episode 7 Series 10

Kim Suleman and Alistair Macdonld are pleased to be bringing back the Sewing Bee Natter which will follow every episode of the 2024 series. The Great British Sewing Bee is in its tenth year and we are looking forward to seeing what they will bring this year.
In the sixth episode of the series Kim & Alistair plus special guest Nigel May look at how the Sewers got on with their challenges. This week was Lingerie week.
Nigel has been a TV Presenter for many years, as well as an Author, DJ and he hosts a Podcast.
This week in addition to our weekly Giveaway Nigel is also giving away a copy of his book "Quilling me Softly"
You can Purchase a Book: mybook.to/QUILLINGMESOFTLY
or check out his Podcast 'A Gay Old Time" 2ly.link/1vw7c
Do Not forget Special Offer from House of Alistair. Use the Coupon Code BEE15 and you will receive 15% off the entire website. houseofalistair.com/
This week the Prym Vario Creative Tool was used by a number of the contestants and we have a Limited number available. The RRP is £129 we have a Special Price £99.
Leave a comment to be in with a chance of winning this weeks Giveaway.
To Purchase a Prym Vario Creative Tool or to ask a question Email;
sales@six-penny. com or [e-mail].

[@sallytaylor823]

I agree with Alistair, the contestants should all be given the same for the pattern challenge so that the judging is just for the sewing skills. Love watching your comments x

[@robinterwilliger2181]

This series I believe I enjoy the Sewing Bee Natter more than the actual show. Thank you for all the wonderful feedback and comments.

[@wendyfloyd6981]

Once again a very interesting and informative feedback. I have always thought this should be on TV as is the the 'Extra Slice ' from the Bake off. Alistair's input is so valuable.Thank you all.

[@wendywaters8496]

My favourite part of the week is listening to you all chatting about the Sewing Bee. I’ve learnt so much. Lovely hearing Nigel’s take on the garments.

[@megfreeth4377]

Love your comments guys, Alastair especially, they should all start with an even playing field. I am getting distracted by Esme and her commenting constantly on colour choice and silly things like “I think it should have been bigger “ it’s not constructive criticism it’s personal taste. Love your views❤

[@Lazydaisy646]

Agree

[@suethomas402]

Thank you again for your comments, opinions and tips. I look forward to the release of your weekly Sewing Bee Natter review. Loved the fireworks Alistair! I've not heard of the Prym piping interfacing. That's useful to know. Love the quality of Prym products. Flat piping must be harder to get the spacing right vs corded piping. Basting is definately worth investing in for more tricky processes. Saves the drama later!! Would love to read Nigel May's book. Agree with Alistair about giving the contestants identical materials for the pattern challenge. Thank you again for an interesting and informative episode.

[@JoanneHall-gl3py]

Lovely to see Nigel with Alistair and Kim and hear all the usual great hints and tips. Alistair, have you ever thought of doing hints and tips videos for your KZbin channel? They’d be great! Let’s have more guest judges on the Sewing Bee so that Alistair and Kim can be on the show, as your comments about the various challenges are so sensible and useful. Always look forward to the next episode of your show, 😃

[@marymcdonald1668]

Love this show. I'm not enjoying this season of sewing bee but I look forward to this show every week. ❤

[@shirleymatlock]

I made some panto costumes for the local school last year - I had cable ties in the cupboard so I used them to stiffen the snowflakes - brilliant effect and saved buying yet another notion. Dont think I'd use them for a posh bustier evening dress though....😉

[@fanp1188]

This video series is Better than the bee!

[@NadineStubbs]

I agree so much with all that Alistair says about the challenges especially that of giving them all the same material and colour for the pattern challenge, and I think its about time they got rid of the transformation challenge as they are definitely running out of ideas. Alistair should be made the show consultant his knowledge is absolutely fantastic ❤

[@shirleymilex7989]

I watch sewing bee as entertainment. I do sew but I realise it isn't representative of sewing clothess. I actually enjoy your constructive critics more. I enjoy the fun and learn more from sewing bee natter and agree with most of you. Keep it up

[@lizlisle7361]

Alistair's piping method is exactly how I've learned to do it on cushions by trial and error, attaching the piping on one side first just barely outside the seam allowance, then you can see to attach the other side of the fabric by stitching just inside the first line of stitching. Bob's your uncle!

[@chrish7727]

Perhaps you could all get a day on an episode of GBSB! 😂

[@marionfoord6780]

I have learnt so much from Alistair. Really enjoy the chat, in some ways you guys are more entertaining than the Bee itself. Thank you so much.

[@philipwaterman3457]

Well I’m so pleased this week to see a wow moment, loved Pascha’s dress and so pleased she won garment of the week. Back in the 90s I made 6 bridesmaid dresses and 4 were boned, it was amazing and looking back I can’t believe I did it 😊 Again great tips from Alastair and thank you al for the great chat. 😊

[@Sewingtips-kk4hn]

I thought this week’s natter was very fair. In my opinion this was the first episode of this series that showed some good sewing. I look forward to hearing the sewing tips every week. Would be fantastic if you had the time to do some demonstrations. 😂

[@Sharon-nm2ul]

I love watching you Kim, very nostalgic over your accent as my dad's a Geordie ❤ I've only discovered your chats and look forward to them almost as much as the Sewing Bee 🐝 itself. Alistair is a font of knowledge, and I really enjoy all the views of all your guests. My favourite contestant is Pasha, but they all deserve to win. X Thank you for your wonderful show x

[@mariajordan9047]

I really love listening to your Sewing Bee natter. I really enjoy all your inputs 😍😍

[@bettygraham818]

As someone who has watched eery Sewing Bee since the first series, I confess that this one is leaving me almost disinterested. It may be because I am older and more interested in the sewing than the fashion, but for me it lacks the 'watchability' of earlier ones. I am really , however, enjoying all your comments and helpful tips. Just as an aside. The BBC is supposed to be anti dscriminatory, but to replace sewing with tennis seems to go completely against that principle ! It's the tennis which should have been shown on another channel , not The Bee moved to Wednesday!

[@junehay4888]

I definitely enjoy the Sewing Bee Natter more than the actual programme. So much information and knowledge gained (Thank you Alistair) Lovely to see Nigel.. miss seeing him on TV... never seem to find Hobbymaker (note to self... must try harder lol)... and love the title of the book Nigel. As usual an informed, intelligent and interesting "natter" 👏

[@eileenseal8245]

I’m feeling sad already that this series is coming to an end, not the series itself but your natter and insights! I love it! Oh would you please, please consider carrying on with your tips and tricks as a podcast, if not weekly, maybe fortnightly? Use of interfacings, boning, piping etc when and where to use them?

[@Astro-Bella]

Fab show again! 🤩 I think you guys should be the judges on SB as what you have to say is much more interesting & informative! I definitely agree that judging on the actual sewing, construction & wearability is more important than the colour or quirkiness. Thanks again for your wonderful insights & tips! 🪡💕

[@shirleypogson3020]

I really do enjoy these sewing bee knitters they are very useful with the tips and hints . Also I have always felt the same that they should be given the same fabrics trims etc to work with that way it would be a fairer judging all round .

[@suespicer5510]

Throughly informative and entertaining - thank you all so much for your input - and a little naughtiness!

[@anneanderson2675]

I look forward to hearing what you have to say about each episode. Every guest has a different slant on the show too which makes each week so different and enjoyable to watch. Please keep this going each year...

[@Margaret-c6o]

I learn so much from Alistair. It’s lovely listening to all your thoughts and tips each week. I feel you should really be on tv doing it. Maybe next year!

[@sheelaghheugh9152]

Wish this was aired on BBC2 after the episodes. Perhaps love production would refocus the bee on sewing. Love Alistair's idea to give the same fabric colours for the project challenge to focus on sewing skills.

[@kimbevan5614]

I would love to see Grace on the SB panel, this would be hilarious. Lovely to see Nigel. Love to you all xx

[@suelangford100]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I would add that satin and silk is quite tricky to handle and they have allowed greater time. I always have to hold my breath doing button holes and pray to the button gods that my machine will play nicely. The reason you got fireworks up in the background was because the screen recognised you had two thumbs up.

[@ToniUnsworth]

I love to hear you all talk about the show and love your sewing tips too . Great to see Nigel this week x

[@ManuellaArmstrong]

Thank you for all your little show, I always have to look at the original show again having watched the natter! You notice different things to me, so that's good as well. Only three left to go.....

[@elisestewart5416]

I agree with the others. The chat here is better than the judging!

[@jackiedurrant9635]

Thank you for another interesting natter and I enjoyed listening to Nigel's take on things as a non sewer. I must admit I am getting frustrated by the lack of consistency within Patrick and Esme's critiques. For me the only contestants who seems to have the skills to produce a decent finish to their garments are Pascha and Alex

[@SueCopestake]

Hi all. Nice to see you, Nigel, giving us your opinions from a different prospective. Alistair, your views and tips are so helpful, as always. I thought Suzy redeemed herself a bit with the made to measure but actually feel she should have gone home last week. This series has definitely gone down hill and there isn't the focus on sewing skills, fitting etc. Perhaps the production company should look at your KZbin channel, Alistair! Would be nice if you could persuade Grace to give you the night off. I'm sure she could give some fashion/design tips of her own and her opinions would be very interesting!

[@jangreen3697]

I love your Sewing Bee natter and the really useful tips Alastair gives. I haven’t really enjoyed this series and think that’s largely down to the way it has been produced. It is now an entertainment show and I don’t even think it succeeds in that brief. The judging seems inconsistent but that is probably down to editing. I think the judging process takes longer in reality and we don’t hear all their comments

[@pambutcher5612]

Fabulous tips again Alistair, had never heard of crinoline tape, think I need to try it.

[@evelynewheeler5915]

Would love to see Esme and Patrick do a transformation challenge.

[@margaretgentry1486]

Thank you for your comments. I ready thought this was a very hard week. I didn't enjoy it at all.love listening to all your professional comments

[@EileenR11]

I am with you. I get that it's entertainment and not a 100% serious challenge but I want to see at least somr really interesting or lovely garments. Weeks where almost nothing is properly resolved leave me quite unsatisfied and a bit bored.

[@MargaretRooney-qq4jx]

So many tips and useful information. Thank you

[@joyceeller9793]

Love the chit chat you all give to this show. The advice is great too. I do agree they should all have the same for the pattern challenge. Great chat as always x

[@melahatali2104]

I have been enjoying your podcast more than the sewing bee. Thank you ❤

[@user-ty8ej8nr6c]

More great tips and chat 👏 Maybe Grace could make a guest appearance on finals week 🤞

[@dawnprescott8489]

Thankyou so much Kim, Alistair and Nigel. Look forward to this vlog each year. As a new learner (3 years) starting from scratch and trying to teach myself this in invaluable to me as I feel I am getting free sewing lessons from you all. Not only that when I don’t understand the things they are doing what I really love is you all explain everything in tiny tot which is so refreshing to me because that’s the only way I can understand. Thankyou so much guys ( could you actually make a utube channel, just saying ) really appreciate know you are very busy people. Ps love your products and buy in confidence.

[@lesleybartlett4532]

Very interesting natter this week. And as always learnt a lot. I do agree that they should be given the same pattern, same type of fabric etc. This makes it fairer for everyone. Thank you everyone for making this show so enjoyable. Xx

[@patriciafoord1024]

I enjoy the natter as much as the show....I agree with everything you say as it is very constructive.....Great guests as well....xx

[@jentextiles]

Pasha is so good and such a clever talented cool dude. I sense that Patrick is very aware of her all round abilities. I struggle with who is innovative and who is really good at the practical sewing stuff. Confusing but interesting programme. X

[@kadairh]

Thanks to KZbin suggestions for your channel, this is the first one I’ve watched! I know Alistair from seamless Sunday (i follow Debbie Shore) and love the quality of his company’s product so defo interested checking out your other videos 😊

[@allanthomson6760]

Suzy should have went weeks ago.

[@carolgriffiths1726]

I think I enjoy the natter more than the Bee... Really enjoyed Nigels input. Alistair, I learn something every time I see you, it's great. And Kim, you are an excellent host 😊 Looking forward to next week now!

[@SusanTaylor-zl4cd]

Once again a very informative review of the Sewing Bee, so many helpful hi ts and tips, which you don't get from the programme . I am with Alistair regarding the transfo challenge. If the 'garment' is not wearable, even if using recycled materiar, it is very wasteful. I looked back at your reviews for 2023 and was surprised that you still feel the same about the programme . I think it needs a bit if a shake up, too much entertainment and not enough about the actual sewing. Looking forward to your next review with Debbie as guest.

[@SueSMITH-qg2cf]

Really enjoyable natter - nice to see Nigel with his take of a non sewing viewer. Who in their right mind would take shape wear that they have bought for a reason and cut into at all, the whole point is that it keeps the flesh in and form nice curves and by the sizes offered they didnt take into consideration that the additions would need to be larger to accommodate the flesh - no way was any of it going to work on a model. Thank goodness for immobile manequins. Alistair is the man for all couture tips and although I have never had or done boning I instinctively would have done channels this might be because I had seen it on previous series of the show. Nigel the guy that was on the cruise ships was Adam J Brooks - since the Sewing Bee he has produced his own patterns, and is currently working with a costume company for the theatre and recently took part in a local Strictly Show for charity, while also guesting on Sewing Street - teaching us about tailoring. See you next week XXX

[@margaretanderson9701]

I really enjoy your critique and advice. Thank you.

[@fanp1188]

Like the shirt, Alistair

[@helganeufeld230]

Thanks again, from Canada. Hope to watch the Bee someday

[@BernadetteDillon-vo7ky]

Another very entertaining natter. With lots of hints and different perspectives. Thanjs

[@LorraineQuinton-q8d]

I also agree that they should all have the same fabrics for the pattern challenge. Would also like the transformation challenge to be judged on wearability which i don't feel is consistently taken into consideration Never the less as always I enjoyed it. I've watched you all from the breginning so please don't stop. All your comments certainly enhance the show x

[@janeybwells2810]

I find Alistair's comments brilliant, love hearing his views. I think Ailsa's past garments saved her this week even though they say they are not considered in the judging. I think Pascha or Alex will win. I do think that they should be given more mens garments to do, very few and far between which seems a bit unfair to the men sewists.

[@user-mp4hy8hd4t]

I watch the show because I enjoy this natter and want to know how the opinions differ from my own. I agree that the pattern challenge should be everybody having the same ingredients for a fair comparison. I love Alistair's sewing/design tips, I may never use them but there will be a little note in the back of my mind that might just inspire me one day.

[@tarjaburlison1732]

I think we will see Marcus in Sewing Street soon.

[@EileenR11]

Thanks as always for this really fun and informative session. I really enjoyed Nigel's alternative take this week. I am hopeful that we'll see some special creations next week. 😂❤

[@sandramiller4522]

Loved Pasha’s dress, loved the colour combo

[@raymclaughlin2690]

I so love hearing all your comments. The transformation category should be scrapped. I have yet to see a wearable garment. Perhaps to add interest there conversation should actually be modelled? That would be more interesting. I feel this serious has lost a bit of its challenge it is as if the production team have lost interest. Like a previous comment I would love both of you to be on a similar “it takes two” programme. Alistair could then demonstrate some of the problems that have arisen. Looking forward to next weeks critique ❤

[@christineallen7097]

Sorry if someone’s already said d this but I am livid that they relegated Sewing Bee to Wednesday again this week. Are there not enough BBC channels to accommodate football and leave sew in bee where it belongs- on Tuesday evening.

[@lisazimmerman5622]

I agree with Alistair about Ailsa's garmet not fitting. She has had a few Made to Measures where she got by on their appearance even though the fit was not there. Marcus needed to go; I had wanted him to leave a few weeks ago, then he stepped up his production to stay in. I never stop yelling at the pattern challenge, Alistair! It definitely needs to be more standardized, like the Bake-Off!

[@lizlisle7361]

I think it's sad that Marcus hadn't learned from his other circular hem debacle. I have a favourite circle skirt pattern and I wouldn't dream of trying to turn up the five metres of hem in the conventional way. I use my overlocker and turn just the overlocked edge up, or do a rolled hem or turn the hem up using bias tape, sometimes using the blind hem foot to finish it. Don't they get any tuition and tips with the various machines? I'm sure they have every kind of machine available.

[@SewingandCaring]

I'm 50/50 on if Suzy will make it through over Luke. Every week there has been chance to practice a garment Suzy has said she makes it 6 times, whereas Luke is just winging it, and I think this puts them at risk.

[@fanp1188]

When is Alistair releasing his book on Sewing Better. .?

[@pesahson]

Sad to see Marcus go, but it was fair. Loved the design of his MTM dress, too bad it didn't work out. Loved Suzy's bodice design as well, but the fit wasn't very good.

[@fanp1188]

It was inspired by lingerie!

[@christinecreer3043]

I don’t think the sewing bee is about the best sewer anymore the judges just seem to choose by their favourite personalities. Just my opinion.

[@annavonbuchenroder5247]

There was one pattern challenge a few seasons ago, where they did give the contestants the same fabric, I think it was to make the Marilyn Monroe dress (the one with the pleated skirt when she was standing over the subway grate and it blew up) I wonder how quick it would have been for Marcus to cut two quick arm holes. I think I'm the only person who liked Suzy's outfit, I like the strappy part. And Esme has liked more risqué things in the past.

[@Charlotte-em5dg]

Enjoy your comments. Agree with you that the first challenge should b “a level playing field” with everyone using the same fabrics etc. but still LOVE the program and try to take it for what it is …..entertainment. X

[@fanp1188]

I get the impression this season, that there's either a new production team, with lack of knowledge of the topic, or someone is getting sloppy

[@annavonbuchenroder5247]

So what is the difference between crinoline tape and horsehair braid? Are they made of different materials?

[@sandramiller4522]

Never heard of crinoline tape before Wednesday night.

[@fanp1188]

I knew I'd seen some strapless dresses where the bust cups were not on the body!

[@fanp1188]

iPhone recognises have gestures and provides fireworks or rain etc

[@whealagar]

It’s so disappointing to hear that the patterns are not always correct. Difficult to sew in such a short time if you need to tackle a poor pattern.

[@fanp1188]

Luke identifies as They

[@fanp1188]

We need a new judge

[@fanp1188]

Ailsa used cable ties, didn't she?

[@ynys_mon6928]

I’ve almost lost patience with this season. The first episode ‘made to measure’ was a joke…most of them sewed up loose dresses. I don’t know how they selected the contestants, but sewing skill doesn’t seem to have featured very prominently. One gets the impression that there was a tick box exercise around ethnicity/age and Lgtb(etc)ness. Thank goodness there are at least three who can sew.

[@fanp1188]

I miss Grace

[@fanp1188]

... Or Love Productions are aiming the show at a younger demographic that isn't concerned with doing something 'right'

[@michellethegooner]

I found the transformation challenge ridiculous bcos once you cut & slash into the shapewear it just shows lumps n bumps and totally unwearable, you’d b like a lump of Sunday roast meat, I’m feeling this year they have managed to disengage the audience from connecting with the contestants, I’m only now starting to connect with a couple of them, but it was good to finally see some FINISHED garments after how many weeks!

[@helenparker1870]

I felt sorry for the contestants trying to fit a bustier top to models with minimal A cups. Hard to fit and show off a bustier when there is little to fill out the cups. I am finding Esme increasingly irritating. Is it just me or should the judges not be more strict and point out real problems with the way things are constructed. On the bake off if there is a soggy pastry bottom or bread is not cooked through they say so. Zips and buttons that do not line up, hems that are wonky, are all things that should be pointed out, so viewers can learn how to improve.

[@yvonnestafford1122]

Ailsa, didn’t even finish her dress and it did not fit, she should have gone

[@bronwynfox3578]

Nigel was a waste of space. He managed a plug for his book and and his support for Luke. He had no sewing advice to offer. Thank goodness for Alistair

[@HouseofAlistairLondon]

it is always good to have different views on our show and we are lucky to have all of the guests and Kim and Alistair who do this for Free

[@debbiec9680]

I enjoyed Nigel's views on the Bee, to have a non sewist was a nice change. Looking forward to hearing Debbie's take on the show next week.

[@thecarjacful]

Enjoyed this week. Looked like the contestants were enjoying it a bit more and we were getting to see the personalities a bit more. I thought Pasha's blouse was best and her piping looked spot on to me and in better proportion than the others. Loving the natter. Oh nigel! I think you like to be a bit controversial, don't you 😉. It's good to get the view from a non sewer actually. 👍🏻🧵🪡