Sewing Bee Natter Episode 8 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 this weeks episode of the series Kim & Alistair plus special guest John Scott look at how the Sewers got on with their challenges. This week was Diva's week.
John is well known in the TV world as well as being a costume designer on numerous films and the Fashion Advisor on This Morning for over 10 years. To keep up to date with John we have added a few links:
To buy John's Book & Coffee: www.johnscotts...
John's Subscription channel: www.threadsofl...
Do Not forget Special Offer from House of Alistair. Use the Coupon Code BEE15 and you will receive 15% off the entire website. houseofalistai...
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].

[@carolgriffiths1726]

Tacking is the biggest lost art in sewing. Makes such a great difference and would be my favourite tip for new sewers 😊

[@DonnasCraftyCreations]

This episode resonated with my thoughts on The Great British Sewing Bee more than any one. As a long time fan of the programme who was excited to tune into the 10th anniversary series, I have been unexpectedly disappointed. I hope the producers will consider the comments made not only from this brilliant KZbin series but across social media to rescue the Bee and have me excited once again looking forward to Tuesday (or Wednesday ... looking at you Wimbledon and the Euros) at 9 pm.

[@sandralewis329]

Totally agree with John Scott's comments on the skill level of all contestants. If that was the best of all who entered, mind blowing. I have "sewn" since I was 14 for myself and children over the years and would consider myself "capable" however these guys are not even hitting "basic" level. This week the girl that left had never seen a hook and eye! Says a lot!

[@SueCopestake]

Hi Kim, Alistair and John. Thank you once again for your opinions and advice regarding the latest episode of the not so "great" sewing bee. John, how right you are. I'm sure the majority of us home sewers would agree that we can either sew or design, but not both. I agree that the quality of the sewing and fitting in this series leaves very much to be desired. Would extra time have made much of a difference? Probably only for a few of the contestants. Luke was a worthy winner this week. He was definitely in his comfort zone.

[@Moira-g9c]

Best natter yet. I'm trying to pluck up courage to start dressmaking again after years of not doing anything and these natters are working on me as I get so much knowledge from them. They are so much better than the actual programme.

[@eamonbamon]

I learn more about sewing from these natter episodes than I do watching the show. Thank you for the tips and tricks used in the sewing world, esp Alistair on seams and Kim on stabilisers.

[@jeantillotson4091]

Absolutely! Couldn’t agree more.

[@monicas2269]

Although your videos are great every week I particularly like this week with John and Alistair because they are both so knowledgeable in the same field. Very interesting.

[@sharonhazell3799]

I have also been rewatching the previous series of Sewing bee and am finding them so much more enjoyable and also learning lots . I think Pascha will win this year .

[@sherryedwards1700]

Possibly the best episode yet (of this natter, not the GBSB!) agreed with almost everything John Scott said - I never realised I was such a fan of his! Great conversation with all of you, really enjoyed it. Thanks 🤩

[@glenicestirzaker5428]

I came across this series midway through the current GBSB and thoroughly look forward to it more than the actual show, which I now view with more insight. Your advice and tips are what is lacking in the programme and really appreciated. This series has raised some bad feelings against sewers that have raised comments about the lack lustre programme, with non- sewers saying it is just entertainment, however they forget that without the sewers involvement there would no programme at all.

[@gracechristie1436]

Love the natter this week. I’m always shouting at the telly “ tack it first” great tips this week.

[@ginnysmith5688]

Great episode of natter as always. Loads of tips and technical advice which is definitely need on the bee. I'd love to see a version of the show that was less entertainment and more educational. Great to see John on this week. Thanks all.

[@charlottemcgregor1011]

What a fabulous review … Alastair and John you are so right about being designers or sewers and the fundamental flaw in the concept of the transformation challenge ! I was so sorry to see Alex leave as she was the best sewer …..and I’m afraid Suzy struggles with fairly basic sewing

[@user-yu5op3rt6i]

I love all the tips, I feel more confident to do a zip with all the tips and ideas, would love to do a sewing course with Alistair and John

[@barbarastokoe5319]

I’ll say it again you and Alistair should be involved with the sewing bee. We learn more from you. John was fun. I have been sewing 50+years and wouldn’t be able to do the challenge,like you all said we are sewers not designers two different careers.

[@lynnmckinley5650]

Great to see John on this week . Was disappointed also that Alex went this week thought that she would have won. I agree think the producers need to rethink the format of show need more sewing techniques shown and explained.

[@rosemaryhannah3467]

I totally agree with the comments about sewers and designers. Many people have suggested I apply for the GBSB but I always say I wouldn't be able to design anything. I can sew but I can't design. I always want to perfect my sewing but am never 100% satisfied with what I make. "Could do better" as school reports used to say.😊

[@jeanbamber3359]

I agree with everything you all said

[@user-sn4ic2ox3t]

Alistair, thanks so much for the calico tip. I’m new to dress making and have struggled with cutting out pattern pieces, so every bit of advice is a huge help! 👏👏

[@Astro-Bella]

'Other technical terms are available!' 🤣😂🤣 You guys crack me up! 😅 I was surprised to see Alex go, but her final outfit didn't have nearly as much impact as the others did. It's a shame to see her go, as she was the best technical sewer. It does seem that this year's Bee is more focused on big dramatic designs, rather than perfect sewing skills. 🤷 I was glad to see Luke had a fantastic week, their m2m was fabulous! 🤩💕✨

[@JuliaLlewellyn]

I agree with all the comments you made today. The sewing Bee now is not as educational as it once was, but I do like to see the different patterns that the contestants use for their made to measure and take inspiration from them for my own sewing.

[@margaretdouglas1934]

Hi All Your hints and tips are invaluable. Thank you. I think the Sewing Bee lost its way a couple of years ago and this year is the worse one. It seems to be more of a comedy show, a bad one at that, instead of a sewing programme. Why do the producers think that people need all the rubbishy silly antics to keep the attention of the viewers? I agree also that Suzie should have gone this week but don’t agree with the nasty comments people feel they need to make. Treat people as you hope to be treated yourself. Take care everyone and keep up the good work.

[@sued.5698]

I really enjoy watching these videos, they are so constructive and interesting. I agree that I don’t know how Suzy is still in the show but hey ho.

[@juliemerritt2974]

Best natter yet- loved it.

[@debbiec9680]

Well I have to say, Diva week was the best one for me. I've not enjoyed this series so much, and I'm really hoping that the next episode is better. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to you all on the natter. I think a show with Alistair and John teaching sewing skills would be perfect !

[@marionfoord6780]

Love you guys. Thank you so much for all the useful tips. I just hope those people making the Sewing Bee listen and make some needed changes for the next season.

[@user-be3lc2tr4d]

Again a good summary of the show. Couldn't agree more that this series has certainly lost it's "umph". I am with John on the fact I would still be sat at the end of the show trying to decide what to do in the transformation challenge. I would rather see what they could do with a technical challenge. It is termed as a sewing show - they wouldn't ask bake off contestants to say mill some flour - so they should stick to that and give each contestant on the pattern challenge the same "ingredients". I also think that the judges seem to be using their personal preferences when judging. If there is two or more people at the end of the show who are up for elimination - then like bake off, they should look at the previous shows. I knew Alex would go as soon as I saw what she was making - such a shame. I couldn't cope with the pressure so I admire anyone who goes into this show and I have been sewing for over 60 years.

[@user-tr2ft5ci9e]

agreed with Luke winning the pattern challenge, once again the transformation challenge turned useable garments into landfill, although a couple of the garments looked stylish none were finished to a standard that would make them wearable, Lukes made to measure was streets ahead, Alexs did lack impact and was not finished but i dont know it is fair that she left the competition based solely on the last challenge.

[@pesahson]

Another fantastic shirt from Alistair! I'm very happy to see Luke's dress won garment of the week. You can see he's sewn diffucult fabrics many times, the sewing was really great as was the design. One of the most deserved garments of the week this series.

[@jansullivan2789]

I always get new tips from these natters - much more interesting than the programme!!

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

Well said John.

[@jackiegrant8599]

Once again all comments completely spot on!

[@helganeufeld230]

Brilliant as per usual

[@bronwynfox3578]

fab informative show as usual. I agree agree and agree with all your comments

[@raymclaughlin2690]

What a great natter. I think the three of you should be involved in the sewing bee. That would make a fabulous watch. Sewing tips critiques, and demonstrations. This serious has not been very inspirational. At the moment to me there is no clear winner, and I feel the wrong person went home this week. Thank you for a great discussion, I enjoy this so much more than the sewing bee. Well done

[@shirleypogson3020]

I agreed very much with the tacking when I first learnt sewing at school and night classes we always tacked it was a great help especially with zips . I can't see the point of the transformation challenge either I would sooner they were all given the same fabric and sorting to show a technique that is used . I'm thinking that Ailsa is going to win x

[@jacquigunnion3947]

Thank you for an interesting discussion. This series has certainly been controversial and I haven’t enjoyed it as much as previous years. Too little time to complete the projects, judging is inconsistent and I absolutely agree with Alastair that some of the contestants appear to have their future careers very much in mind.

[@philipwaterman3457]

So happy to see John, his comments were so true. I’m so so sad that Alex is out she truly was the best at sewing 😢. The Seeing Bee NEEDS to change, we can’t enjoy it due to time pressure and it does not inspire me to do any dress making, I think I’ll stick to patchwork. Thank you for the really interesting chat and Alistair’s tips 😊x

[@brendahook7717]

Such great rapport with John and Alistair and their years of experience and knowledgable tips

[@shirleymatlock]

Thanks for another interesting chat. I like the views from inside the industry about how you would have approached a task - or in fact how much practice and skill a professional has compared to us amateur sewers...one thing I've absorbed from your chats is the variety of interfacings etc - something I've hardly ever used - and also changing needles and feet to suit a fabric. As my fingers arent as nimble these bays I use tools more and more in my sewing...I have sharp tweezers, blunt tweezers, long nosed pliars and a needle threader wire secured in some forceps so I can give thicker thread a good pull without the little things you buy falling apart....☺

[@ireneholland7539]

I agree with you all - this has now become an entertainment programme and that's fine but a 'proper' sewing programme is, I think, what we all want.

[@christinecreer3043]

Love your input I do think sewing bee has lost its way.

[@lynnetuitt9449]

Another great natter show, I do agree with your comments. Transformation challenge is ridiculous, the contestants need to be given a challenge where they all given the same materials and have to complete the same sewing technique. I feel with the time restraints they set them up to fail!

[@georginagowland6084]

I think all of the contestants are very brave and I would never have the courage to go on the show. Thank goodness there are sewists that are prepared to have a go. I find it sad, as you said Kim, that some people are being very unkind to one person in particular. Good luck to them all but my favourite, Alex, has now gone.

[@MargaretRooney-qq4jx]

As always. You guys make me need to go back and watch again Love the matters so informative. Love John Scott. Alistair and John. A wealth of knowledge

[@sallytaylor823]

Wow, thank you Kim, I am very surprised.

[@viedeprimes]

such great hints and tips thanks

[@kadairh]

Recent subscriber for this channel and love it! Thanks for another fun episode

[@user-mp4hy8hd4t]

I agree with the comments this week. Each show I make the same note for Suzy and that is careless. When applying to be on The Sewing Bee, I would have expected the contestants to have more basic sewing skills than are apparent when the show is aired.

[@JoanneHall-gl3py]

Great episode, as usual from Kim and Alistair. Also lovely to hear from John with his theatrical background. Alistair and Kim, you really need to get involved with the Sewing Bee and get it back on track to a ‘proper’ sewing show, as you have lots of experience and good advice. I look forward more to your chatter than I do the Sewing Bee! I agree with John that Suzy should have gone a week or two ago because of the number of mistakes and unfinished garments she has produced. Look forward to seeing you next week 👍🏻

[@pambutcher5612]

Love your matters, so informative with great tips and knowledgeable notes. Only started sewing again during COVID after 40 years, not plucked up the courage for many clothing items, always seem to have a fitting issue despite following pattern measurements etc., but love making bags and home ware. Maybe at the end of this series I’ll have another go at clothing. Love to you and thank you for taking the time and effort to produce these chats.

[@fanp1188]

Spot On Kim - there seem to be a 'don't want to bother learning any more ' attitude

[@lesleywright9210]

I agree with all the three of you have said this week. Spot on.

[@joysedgwick812]

Gosh Alastair, my father was a worsted cloth designer and often spoke of selling to Holland and Sherry, I hadn’t heard that name for years. I love hearing about your training, attention to detail, I would have run away crying I think. Thanks guys 😊.

[@dawnprescott8489]

Thanx guys love it, so informative as usual x

[@EileenR11]

I'm with John. Still no obvious winner in my eyes. They don't seem to be making the progress we've seen in other years. But maybe next week will see a significant improvement. 🤞🏻

[@GillianKirkland-iw1vk]

It’s wonderful to hear all the opinions. Each week there are some wonderful tips to take on board.

[@bettygraham818]

As I said after your previous 'natter', this series is a big diappointment and I totally agree that the Sewing Bee has had it's day. It would be wonderful if the BBC would start a proper sewing show , rather like the earlier ones with May Martin, but I can't see it happening. This week's was a shambles.

[@thecarjacful]

It seemed much more fun this week. Contestants seemed to be enjoying it a bit more. Enjoyed the chat. Good to get tips and info from both John and Alistair this week 👍🏻🧵🪡

[@ManuellaArmstrong]

I nearly didn't find this because it says episode 7! Anyway a good discussion as usual, thanks very much.

[@HouseofAlistairLondon]

Thank you I have changed the title xxx

[@ManuellaArmstrong]

@@HouseofAlistairLondon Thanks, at my age every little helps!!

[@user-sn4oo1pw4c]

I love all the little hints and tips you give. I enjoy this more than the bee

[@user-ty8ej8nr6c]

I'd be interested to see some of their garments that they've previously made when time not a restriction as some of the things they've worn don't fit well, have darts etc.

[@megfreeth4377]

I think they want Suzi to win, hers was impactful, but very badly made the hem was very rough and it was unfinished, Alex did not seem to understand what was meant by diva, so hers was underwhelming, but it was sewn much better. Not sure on the criteria they use, it’s confusing. Do agree with all three of you your comments are spot on. Thanks for doing this I really enjoy it.xx

[@soniawilson2754]

Love the chat this week Alistair and John have so much knowledge to share. Diva week was a gift for Luke this week - he did so well on the challenges. Maybe they should also have a men's tailoring week (question). I don't think Alex should have gone this week - she has shown she is a skilled sewer. I really thought it would have been Suzy as all of her items had unfinished seams etc. The judging really does confuse me!

[@SusanTaylor-zl4cd]

Fantastic natter. I learn something every week. I agree with John, Alex did the better sewing but the outfit wasn't for a diva. I think the judging rests on the final piece, which isn't the point. I agree with the comment that I think Esme has had her time. She seems to be more concerned with the look of the garment rather than the sewing -i know the programme is edited but please more about the sewing.

[@margaretgentry1486]

I agree with all your thoughts.you are all so inspiring and very knowledgeable Thank you

[@kaykelly707]

First of all, a thank you to you both Kim and Alistair, and your guests - I'm a seasoned sewer but always learn something from your comments and shared experience. I so look forward to the 'Natter' each week and enjoy it more than the show. I echo most of the comments here, especially this week (have been meaning to join in since the start)! I felt things were starting to change last year but am so disappointed in the show this year. Having been re-watching previous series (which seem in a different class), the standard of the show's production, now, certainly seems to have changed. As John said, it's time for a re-boot ... and new judges, such as yourselves imho. (I would be really interested to hear your critiques of previous series and see how they compare to these latter ones !!!) I understood (from a Natter guest last year) that contestants are given 'training' and time to acclimatise themselves to the machines used and that there are various products around for them to use if they wish, ie. interfacing, etc. Also, unreasonable time constraints aside, I've been surprised at the calibre of some contestants skills at this level. Finding it difficult to choose a winner this year 😕

[@laverywendy]

Love the natter episodes and think you’re all spot on in opinions. Also, so many useful tips from Alistair and guests.

[@kimbevan5614]

Absolutely need Grace ❤️❤️

[@suelangford100]

I often wonder if they are scuppered slightly by producing button holes on machines they are not familiar with. I always check my machine is playing ball with button holes on a scrap piece (and even then it can throw a wobbly. for no apparent reason) Perhaps they also dont have time to check as they are under such time pressure. I have been particularly shocked this season by some of the contestants that have gone, with seemingly the most proficient sewers going early. I would also like the production team to start educating more and showing more of the actual sewing (by getting rid of the recycling challenge).

[@fanp1188]

VERY good summary, Alistair

[@user-sn4oo1pw4c]

I haven't enjoyed this series as much and am surprised that Suzie is still in due to her sewing skills

[@BernadetteDillon-vo7ky]

Enjoyed your observations as usual. I think the Sewing Bee have run out of ideas themes for each week. I hope it continues but updates its format as you have said

[@fanp1188]

We all know there's a desire to keep Susie, despite the errors being made

[@fanp1188]

Spot on John - there seems to be no guidance this year on what's what

[@yvonnestafford1122]

No way should Alex have gone it should have been Suzy. 😮

[@fanp1188]

I remember comment made on the 'pleat' and wonky zip for Pascha and Suzie...

[@alisonmacleodthe]

Really enjoyable conversation. I liked this week's episode quite a lot although the transformation round seemed fairly pointless. I was so sad that Alex went, for all the reasons mentioned. Looking up Orville Peck, he actually seems like a good subject for a diva costume (wears strange masks etc) but I think she just bricked it, poor woman. I do think they 'want' someone young and trendy to win it (like Luke or Susie) and the diva round feels like it was designed to work for those who can do sequins! I don't feel that we've really got to know the contestants though, compared with previous years - we know very little about their lives or why they sew.

[@fanp1188]

An Angel backer is Definitely required

[@fanp1188]

Specialise in one historic period... One particular designer... One particular type of clothing....

[@fanp1188]

I'm still wondering if the production team for this year are Very different and aren't looking at the same things as previously - we've all said there's something wrong with this year..

[@sheelaghheugh9152]

I am so in agreement with this series being off point hope they reset for next season

[@shirleyharmon79]

Alastair you are so funny

[@kimbevan5614]

We so need Grace 🤣🤣. I’m actually quite bored with the Bee now, I want a sewing show, I want to learn something on each show. Why do we need an unfunny person making lame comments, I sure he is a lovely chap, but I would rather watch some sewing. Love to you all xx

[@fanp1188]

I've some savile l row pieces b- thinking about a tailored coat of some sort

[@fanp1188]

I've made a multiple panel skirt - it's not as difficult as that, so don't understand why the level was at it was, if they're the best entries - unless the level of entries isn't that high

[@Yorkygirl59]

I am a bit underwhelmed with this series. I've been binge-watching all the past series and the quality is definitely not what it used to be. I don't understand the judging - it seems they don't take into account the earlier challenges and just judging on the made to measure, so even though they did well the previous day, it all falls to if they make a slight mistake on the final day. I am amazed at the buttonhole fiascos there have been, but then I hear Janome machines are renowned for this, so much so that they now have a stabiliser plate for the buttonhole foot, which proves they know there is a problem. Not sure about the pattern accuracy - I watched an interview with Patrick and he said all the patterns are thoroughly tested, even being sent to previous contestants, and then the timing is adjusted accordingly. I think I would want to take my own machine to use, not that I have any intention of applying! I would still be choosing fabric an hour later!!

[@fanp1188]

Alex, hands down! Susie was a Channel outfit, looking up Alex reference, where was the mask for the person, and the other was a full on repeat, no inspiration required...and the one for Beyonce, it wasn't finished - the rings weren't thick enough

[@jennyanderson2082]

I agree that the Sewing Bee has lost its way a bit and needs a revamp. I have watched it since the first episode and this season has not been as good. I enjoy your natter show very much.

[@yvonnememory7402]

I noticed that the 'show 'dress wasn't level on the fringing- and not just at the hem. So how can they then criticise the contestants?

[@sandramiller4522]

I think Suzie should have gone weeks ago.

[@helenparker1870]

Luke's diva look was great from the front. We only got a glimpse of the back, but it looked like a potato sack, it did not fit well at all, loads of extra fabric. I did like it but it was not a great example of good fit. The baking, pottery and wood working versions of these shows seem to have better producers. I do agree that they should all be given the same pattern and fabric for one of the challenges.

[@fanp1188]

I'd love another lecturer to come in and judge - Esme 's comments are odd

[@fanp1188]

I thought I was seeing something odd - thanks for the comment in wonky edgee

[@fanp1188]

Needles have been Very damaged this year!

[@fanp1188]

Thought I'd missed this week...

[@fanp1188]

Ah!! Allo Allo...👍

[@fanp1188]

Luke did have a bit Iron Man about it... But was the best

[@jaynesmith9714]

Liked the chat and I would like Luke to win but I think they seem in program that susie will although she should have gone out weeks ago only cos of the sewing not of her as a person she seems very nice.

[@eileenseal8245]

This series has been the most divisive of all, it falls into two camps: experienced home sewers do not seem impressed by the actual sewing skills and finishing overall; the non sewers seem to love the transformation and design aspects, missing, I think the original purpose of the show we all loved, I.e. sewing? I think it fails on both counts being neither one thing nor the other. I’m constantly trying to improve my skills and learning and so would be hopeless at sticking to the time challenge aspect. Also isn’t fabric too expensive to waste on producing unwearable and badly sewn garments? Where’s the satisfaction and pride in doing that?