Unpicked | Ep8 Diva Week - our reaction of The Great British Sewing Bee '24 Series10

[@TheWoolpatch]

Now this episode is what the sewing bee is all about. Yay! I loved it and about time...it's only episode 8! Did you love it as much as me? I've been feeling a bit detached from the series so far but this has got me drawn back in and excited and appreciating what the show is all about again. Big debate between Ting and I in the M2M round but can understand the decisions made. Also, to say Thank YOU for your viewersship, I've put together some SEWING BEE BARGAINS at 02:54. Many a treat for you sewers so if you need thread of fabric to top up your stash go to 02:54. If not, just skip to the next chapter. Just my little way to say thank you by giving you some great offers. Stuart.

[@Astro-Bella]

Forget slippers, I'm throwing doc martens at the telly! 🥾 Alex is by far the most technically brilliant sewer, I thought she'd definitely be in the final. Suzy seems to be saved again by her quirkiness, not competence. It seems this years sewing bee is more about amazing designs, not perfect sewing. I'm glad Luke had a fab week though, diva week was perfect for them! 😊💕✨

[@karenhughes746]

I totally agree, yes Alex's made to measure didn't meet the brief but her sewing is far more superior to superior. I can't believe she's made it through another week

[@ilsecordoni1760]

I’m surprised Suzy has survived to the 9 th episode. She is at the bottom every week and just slips by. I love how she dresses and I loved her diva outfit. Really wish she were a stronger sewer.

[@adeleseaman5004]

Totally agree with Ting. It was a tie up at the end with Suzy and Alex, Alex was higher up with other challenges and the better sewer. Style over sewing again this week. But a really good week challenge wise. Great youtube is helping with shop costs ❤

[@karenhughes746]

Lukes made to measure was nothing less that superb 👌

[@antoinealexander650]

Yeah Ting is finally back glad to know this now maybe Stuart will start throwing slippers LOL. Thanks guys love the podcast as usual.

[@osprey71]

That's great that half your rent is paid. Having run a sewing shop myself I know how much difference that will make to you. Back to the weird sewing bee. I thought I had entered a different dimension when the one of the best sewers on the programme was sent home whilst lesser sewers winged it into the quarter finals.

[@sallytaylor823]

There was no fitting on Susie’s outfit. This is supposed to be made to measure. It would fit anyone.

[@denisem9407]

Agree. Her made to measures never fit properly so she slid by on this one. Judges were wrong on keeping her with her missed buttons and poorly sewn pockets and sending Alex home for a garment that maybe wasn't finished but fit great.

[@tomscrafts]

Alex! No! They found Alex's kryptonite, the rotters! Luke's made-to-measure was firmly based on the Born This Way album cover art, featuring a mash-up of Lady Gaga and a motorcycle, so it was very right that a headlight was involved. If I'd been doing the made-to-measure challenge, I would've taken inspiration from the mirror ball dress worn by one Ms Cynthia Lauper in the music video for her song The Ballad Of Cleo And Joe. But, rather than ask the show's producers to find an 8+ month pregnant model, I would've looked for some other way to display a lot of the fabric. Maybe some kinetic wings? If a scissor lift mechanism (like in those buttonhole-spacing gadgets but sturdier) had one end attached to a hip and its midpoint attached to an elbow, it could fan out a wing to well above arm height. I continue to be impressed with Luke's diplomacy. They must have the brain power to do drag queen sass, but they consistently choose a more subtle way to stand their ground. This week there was "What did you ask for? Drama?" to Patrick, and we've had little mentions of what an achievement it is to please the judges ever since "Have you even seen a bomber jacket?" week.

[@denisem9407]

Disagree 100% with Stuart on the last challenge. This is supposed to be about sewing and made to measure doesn't mean a garment that doesn't need measuring. There wasn't measuring required for Suzy's coat. It was unfinished, oversized and had a hole in the pocket. Why don't we just give her the trophy and call it a day because apparently the judges intend to keep letting her skate while sending better sewers home. Alex's outfit may not been completely finished but it was well sewn and met the brief of being made to measure. I'm seeing lots of pics of Orville Peck in denim so I get were Alex was coming from.

[@EVERBEE_SEWING_BEE]

That Tina Turner dress wow! It's the first pattern I want to make this series - although I might make it into a skirt as it would fit better in my wardrobe. Gutted that Alex went, I thought she was a shoe-in into the final. Not sure it's a good idea to hold Balenciaga (or even Chanel) as "icons", bearing in mind recent scandals within the so called "luxury fashion house" industries. Personally, I would have liked mens fashion week or a fashion decade/era week - say 2010s, .. ie the decade SB started!!!!! Or have we already stopped celebrating 10 series of the Bee (did we really ever start?)

[@EVERBEE_SEWING_BEE]

@SewingandCaring I can't disagree with a single word your wrote. I would even add this - for years, the luxury fashion houses have been held in high regard, due to their often unfounded and erroneous reputation for high quality products and production techniques. Why should any crafter wish to aspire to such low quality standards and even lower ethics?

[@thecarjacful]

Yes Ting. I thought the red fringing looked heavier. Really enjoyed this weeks show. It was fun and everyone seemed to be having more fun. Luke's made to measure was fabulous. It was Luke's week for sure. 👍🏻🧵🪡😁

[@kimrussell7952]

Suzy should have been out weeks ago. She's so frustrating to watch! For impact she did win over Alex's but it's a SEWING show and she just is not up to par in my opinion. Overall it was a good episode but the ending had me 😡

[@louiserobinson7619]

Maybe they should award points for the challenges which are added up over the weeks to determine who stays and who goes. However it's probably too late in the day to make a big change like that.

[@janicebarry9849]

I agree, maybe they should consider that for next year.

[@annavonbuchenroder5247]

Ting raises a very good question towards the end, why haven't we had a menswear week? Not sure how "inspired by" Balenciaga and Chanel is going to go down, given the recent scandal with Balenciaga and the historical issues with Coco Chanel. Will be interesting to see if that gets discussed. (why restrict to 3 anyway?).

[@charlottemcgregor1011]

This series producers seem to love manufacturing drama and I think Alex’s elimination was an example of this . I agree with Ting that her MTM was poorly thought out , however by quarter final week I think the minimum expectation for a sewing competition ( NOT a design competition ) is a certain basic level of sewing competency and Suzy simply doesn’t achieve this . She was excited in this episode that it was the first time she was going to complete the pattern challenge ( which she didn’t) . I like some of Suzy’s designs - is that enough for the semis .- and obviously the judges do too which is leading them to making her a favourite to the extent that if she suddenly starts to finish garments they’ll be like “wow” and she could well win when in actuality it should be a final between Alisa, Luke and Pascha.

[@marymclaughlin1907]

Is no one else bothered by the fact that the Made to Measure challenge no longer has a focus on how the garment fits the model? I agree that Suzie’s garment had great impact, but it was basically a giant sack which would have fit almost anyone.

[@janewarnock8855]

It has felt that way.. If the garment is very fitted you are judged, but avoid that altogether by making something unfitted. Hmm...

[@fanp1188]

You're so right Ting

[@fanp1188]

Esmie is obsessed with impact...

[@fanp1188]

I used fringing years ago in a jacket - hooked on everything

[@carolbuckley8535]

I think the clue is in the title SEWING Alex a much better sewist, her first two challenges scored higher than Suzy’s. Alex was robbed and I was very angry, I think this might just be the last series I watch😢

[@DianePearce-l4v]

I agree with everything you have said again. Alex had a bad week (don't we all), but overall she was excellent. Must admit as soon as I saw what she was making, I knew she would go. Suzy is brilliant at what she does, but I think she is not made for time challenges. I feel sorry that she has had to endure all the bad comments. If we all liked the same clothes etc it would be a dull world. It was a good week, but to be honest, like you have both said, I cannot get into this series at all. I would like to see Luke win but I have a horrible feeling he will go next week. I applaud anyone going on the Sewing Bee because I couldn't do it.

[@MsBeadee]

Always a great watch Stuart and Ting and glad you are getting paid more by Google. Waiting to see if any slippers fly😉

[@shirleymatlock]

So pleased your channel is a success...I once watched an artist lady who exlained the whole monetisation thingy in great detail - fascinating! Ive gradually watched all the connected sewing videos too - keep it up😊

[@marywilson6760]

This was the best programme so far. Luke was my favourite in the Pattern Challenge. Even though Suzy didn't finish, she was my favourite in the Transformation challenge. The Made to measure was my Favourite part of the show. Luke Made To Measure was AMAZING followed by Alex and Pascha. Didn't agree with judges to send Alex home. Stuart you will have to throw another knitted chicken at me. As I was half with Ting, due to I kept flipping over to the Football 🤭😲 Ooops Sorry. But I did miss the winning goal.

[@christinadore9197]

I watch the sewing bee each week with friends and a bottle of prosecco. We have all found this years series frustrating and inconsistent. So much so, we often have to open a second bottle!

[@elizabethanstuff4430]

I also know Orville Peck--and will be seeing him later this month. I also thought of more shiny metallic fabric as the base and the signature mask was definitely needed. But it did fit.

[@PracticalStitches]

The fringe dresses were stunning. Those are some great bargains Stuart. Not to be negative I found the made to measure a little underwhelming, I was thinking sequins, glitter, feathers and neon colors. What they made was a lot, definitely skills were being showed off.❤

[@ewall3851]

The producers always love a shock elimination at this stage, and Alex’s final outfit was their chance. At the same time Suzie’s outfit had impact and was a redeeming one in the context of the challenge.

[@vikatextil]

Well not 15 quid for me as I am in Sweden that still is in the EU. And as you are outside these days I have to pay costom for every thing I order I make from UK. Anyhow I enjoy unpicked nevertheless. Watch every show every week. Love from Sweden Nina

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

It seems that I caught your show not long after you posted it! I fail to understand why Suzy is still there. Pattern challenge = 5th Recycle/whatever = 4th M2M = They all have time to practice at home and plan what they are planning on making; even then Suzy';s outfit had problems. Week after week, Suzy has had problems with the pattern challenge - glaring errors, and awful recycle/whatever efforts. So Suzy is only judged on the M2M - which this week was only a COAT; and that is the reason she gets through every week? This is the worse series of them all. Needless to say Alex's cowboy outfit was the wrong choice of garment to make, but her other items, are NEVER EVER as bad as Suzy's

[@janewarnock8855]

Another way of looking at their problems re lots of broken needles and Zero finished rows of buttonholes : Is the sewing machine the show chose up to the job? I have seen comments that it is very difficult to use for buttonholes. I don't have a new machine, so I have no experience using automatic buttonholes, but you've got to wonder? The machine needs to be able to cope with heavier fabrics...

[@karenhughes746]

Totally agree with Ting i think Alex was robbed

[@lisazimmerman5622]

I was so excited for this week, hoping Luke would run away with it and was not disappointed on that front! I was hoping Suzie would go home but understood why Alex was going, from the moment she showed her design choices for her inspiration. It was rural Kansas wannabe singer style when everyone else was putting up real diva style. (Ok, Ailsa's wasn't a stage outfit, but the inspiration was clear). I was so sad for her. Suzie is fun, quirky, and unique. But only her bustier dress showed true "made to measure". I sincerely hope she goes next and that Ting called the final. And also, Luke should win!

[@sewlukeivo]

❤

[@karenhughes746]

I think Alex was judged harshly in the transformation challenge. Her transformation seemed to be the only one which was loungewear in my humble opinion

[@fanp1188]

Wouldn't it be sensible to move the fringing out of the way?

[@fanp1188]

Didn't Alisa double up on the fringing?

[@fanp1188]

Is the fabric all design, or are there plains?...looks very tempting

[@TheWoolpatch]

Its mostly design. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@ValleyView007]

When someone says "male diva" I think of Elvis Presley. I expected Alex to make a white, fringed, beaded, bedazzled and sequined leather jumpsuit, maybe with a cape. Ting is absolutely right - denim is not diva. She might have been able to "diva up" the denim by dressing up the plain new denim by bedazzling it or maybe a little metallic fabric paint, or metallic appliques or piping etc. But as it was made, it does not fit the brief. And that makes me very sad because she was one of my favorites! I loved Lukes MTM! So cool. I also like Tings idea of Mens Week

[@fanp1188]

Esmie's comment - 'bet you're glad there's knickers '...

[@fanp1188]

Who has the most number of 5th place, 4th place , etc?

[@fanp1188]

Button gate?

[@loiswells3564]

This episode really played to Luke’s strengths so no surprise they did so well. Their made to measure was fantastic! I was very sorry to see Alex go. She’s one of the few sewers who’s been able to make good finished garments in this season’s short timescales. Suzie has been second to bottom in just about every episode and has made a lot of unfinished garments and a lot with holes in. There is something wrong with the scoring mechanism when she’s made it into the semi finals. It was similar with Fari a few years ago. (No doubt all the contestants are very good sewers when they don’t have to deal with the stress of the short timescales and the TV cameras but we can only comment on what we see on the show)

[@fanp1188]

Loungewear for animal print... Thought of Eartha Kitt...

[@Tzara70]

I inadvertently saw a spoiler from Pascha’s instagram that Alix went home and couldn’t believe it but as soon as I saw her M2M plan I thought - ah now I do. Susie drives me nuts - I think she should have gone weeks ago, I sometimes wonder if what is saving her is her personal style. And there have been other years when a very technically skilled sewer we thought was headed for the final went out around now. I loved Luke’s but I’m a bit with Ting if Susie is in the final not sure I want to watch.

[@fanp1188]

I wonder if the editor or producer on this episode was different to the others...

[@fanp1188]

Who is Orville peck?

[@fanp1188]

I've a suspicion that the final will be Susie and Pascha for sure

[@fanp1188]

The stirrups... Really? It was definitely a remake of an outfit Shania wore

[@fanp1188]

How did Alex not finish her piece? Possibly not a challenge she was interested in?

[@louiserobinson7619]

it just seems that the only round that matters to the Judges it M2M. Suzy should have gone. I ha Alex down for the final

[@fanp1188]

With the frill, wouldn't have been anonymous...

[@nickytetlaw2298]

I have to admit that I watched the football too (even though I support Wales!!) Sad to see Alex go. I think if she’d finished her outfit and added a fringed mask instead of the sleeves it might have saved her. I think she probably has some of the best sewing skills, but maybe less of the creativity the judges seem to go mad for 🤔 They had a couple of very similar themed weeks in the last series, didn’t they? It is getting tedious! I really do hope that the producers take note of all the comments about this series and make some changes for the next one, but I suspect they love the drama and aren’t really interested in the sewing…

[@fanp1188]

What was this outfit from Pascha? Looked like an unfinished outfit...

[@fanp1188]

Some children's bicycles have streamers on the handles

[@fanp1188]

Susie's outfit was more Channel than diva IMO

[@fanp1188]

Luke was Diva and Stage outfit

[@fanp1188]

A loose fitting cat suit outfit?

[@PaulineHakeney]

Nice to be able to add a comment as I usually watch you on my TV. I have been a great fan of the GBSB from the first airing of the show all those years ago. Much as I enjoyed the early series I do think the GBSB needed a change in format to some degree to attract a wider audience and I think that balance was achieved from about series 4 to 8 however I have been much less interested in this and the last series as they seem very dumbed down and not showing fabulous makes which we can all be amazed by. From week 7 it has improved but that is a disappointingly long way into this series. Luke's Diva outfit was fantastic and well deserved the garment of the week. Unfortunately Alex's, well made as it was, didn't fit the brief at all. Brilliant sewers have gone out too early in past series too, remember Adam, that's what happens. Suzy has a unique style of her own which I admire, but I don't think it will make her the winner. Of the other three I like them all for different reasons but quietly favour Ailsa. I think all 12 contestants had a raw deal this series. I believe they were as competent as contestants in previous series but were not able to show what they could really do due to the over tight time allowances.

[@Pickleamintdrop]

Susie has scraped through for several weeks… I think the producers like her whackyness

[@fanp1188]

What did the sewers think is the definition of a diva?

[@rewghob]

Suzy gets a lot of heat and yes she's the weakest sewer overall but her and Alex were on a par this week. Alex seemed clueless about what the task ahead was saying the judges were thinking of Wembley. What stage was she thinking of for a mainstream prime time bbc show? Even then, she didn't finish and hers was the simplest design. Suzy should have gone a few weeks ago. Without Suzy being there, Alex would have gone.

[@fanp1188]

If it was a diva wearing that, they'd be on a private plane, heading to some sort of vip party!

[@loiswells3564]

Here, Stuart, was that my chicken you threw at Ting?!!!

[@TheWoolpatch]

Ooooo you got me! I was filming yours and a few others for the Olympic Show before they go into the window, so was just in reach. But, no chickens were harmed in the making of this episode!

[@loiswells3564]

@@TheWoolpatch😂

[@fanp1188]

I did think Siszie would get through, but don't really rate her skills or designs - she makes what she wants...

[@JanCurtis-b6f]

Best episode, at last but disappointed with Alex going, sadly poor choice of diva and outfit 😔

[@fanp1188]

Did seem to be a better episode

[@SueTownson]

Alex's outfit was not Elvis - she somehow missed the purpose of the brief and her sewing skills were under par this episode.

[@louiserobinson7619]

none of it was lounge wear

[@fanp1188]

Gutterman?

[@fanp1188]

That's the price I'd pay for the large reel...

[@TheWoolpatch]

Yup it is Gutterman. 100%cotton (not sew all which is polyester)

[@janecornell4890]

Diva is not my thing. This series confuses me. What is it mainly about? Is it sewing skills or design? Has it been stated? I can't watch the show, not shown here. So one wonders what is really going on?!!! Oh, and who goes out in loungewear? I wouldn't think a diva. Maybe what we call trailer trash would and do!!! Confusing, confusing confusing! Good thing we have you two to listen to.....less confusion!!! I'd find soccer more exciting too......can't blame you for being side tracked!!! Hockey, even better!!,

[@portiasew9847]

Congratulations Stuart on receiving your advert money👏. Football Ting 😉 🥿🥿! I like Suzy's made to measure but sorry to see Alex go.