Unpicked | Ep6 Kid's Week - our reaction of The Great British Sewing Bee '24 Series10

[@redaleta]

I agree with Ting's points at the end. I've really enjoyed the Sewing Bee over the years, but this year I am really not enjoying it as much.

[@TheWoolpatch]

Right.....After this week, no more talk of timings ever again. Only one week left then it's Quarter Finals week - let us know who are supporting and want to see more of! The interview Kate (The Fold Line) did with Patrick Grant was fascinating: Link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5PVq5Wae7ifn8ksi=rfShpkormldE2hwu If you just want the Sewing Bee Stuff skip to 42minutes where Kate starts with....guess....Timings! :)

[@janetjames8708]

Totally agree, having seen how disadvantaged, time wise, the sewers are this series it will be a miracle if anyone applies in future.

[@joanimiller6046]

I've only started learning to sew, at 68, in the past year, and although its been suggested, I wouldnt go on Sewing Bee for 3 reasons 1. I dont consider my self good enough 2. This series and the time limits - the consequences of which have been awful for sewers and viewers - why would anyone put themselves through that? Especially if the producers can so drastically shorten times from previous series. 3. The cost of getting to early elimination rounds (did it for a painting challenge years ago, cost hundreds, even though I went up overnight by sleeper train and back same day!)

[@RoxanneRichardson]

THe butterfly wings have green on the top on one side, and green on the bottom on the other. You can tell by the shape of the wings and their angles that it wasn't just turned upside down and reversed. I wonder if the time issues with the made to measure had to do with the amount of time the kids are legally allowed to be available. I'm hoping Suzy will leave next week. Patrick made some comments that I thought were interesting about the timing. One, the amount of chatting amongst the sewers can make a difference in how much time they take (we don't have a sense of that from the edits), and that they are also mindful about not exhausting the competitors too much. In that first season, they got to measure their models and cut out the fabric the night before (after doing two challenges that took longer than they do now), and then they were given 7 hours to do the sewing. That is 7 hours plus whatever other time is taken after they've finished sewing (and for breaks along the way). I do think they've pushed the timing too much this year, but it was good to hear a bit about how the challenges are tested with previous Bees of all levels, as well as how the behavior of the Bees (like talking) might affect their ability to finish in time.

[@Lazydaisy646]

Well I'm not impressed with the reasoning , I listened to that interview too and thought obviously even the sample of the pattern challenge was not finished well in the time. Patrick was just making excuses in my opinion.

[@michaeldianewynne8414]

Perhaps the time have been reduced because of Esme being older she doesn't want to be there for the hours she used to do!

[@thenorthernsewist]

That’s a kind thought, but surely if that was the case they would get someone else. 🤔

[@allanthomson6760]

Suzie must have pictures of producers in embarrassing situation.😮

[@simonrobson1929]

Normally I drive my family mad saying only 1 more week /day/hour until the sewing bee. This year after the initial excitement of it's start I have no enthusiasm for it. I haven't honed in on someone I want to win because no one stands out either because of their sewing skills or personality. I think the time thing has a lot to do with it. Could there also be an element of the spread of age groups. We had the "elderly" couple but where are all the 40 to 60 year olds? Sorry I'm feeling very down beat about it, it used to be such a highlight of the television year.

[@colleenroberts-l2l]

Thanks Stuart and Ting. I don’t have sewing friends so really enjoy your discussions.

[@lisazimmerman5622]

New comment - what do you think about the quality of the samples given in the pattern challenges? It definitely seemed this week there were errors in the sample, and seemed from the comments from the sewists that there was a problem with the pattern directions. I've seen quality issues with the sample before, as well. I wonder if they go look at the sample details, or if it's only used for filming?

[@nickytetlaw2298]

Oh I’m glad someone else has thought that! I’ve thought a few of the samples have looked a bit off, and they probably had far more time to make them 🤔

[@fanp1188]

Swan - that's more like a historic grandmother wearing a house bonnet and bloomers

[@janepriestley]

How about having a pro sewer making up the garment at the same time for comparison ? Ie tweak the format a bit ?

[@nickytetlaw2298]

Or get the judges to make it at the same time instead of interfering with the contestants!!

[@JanCurtis-b6f]

Agree with comments, most of the members sewing groups I'm in are turning off in their droves! Sad but wonder if this is marking end of GBSB 😢

[@annavonbuchenroder5247]

I wonder if the reason for allowing the patterns to be pre-cut in the M2M is to minimise the time the child models are on set? I suppose they have time limits different to the adult models.

[@fanp1188]

Fees for not just the children, but their chaperones...

[@sallytaylor823]

It feels like it should be named the sewing bee race rather than finding the most talented sewer.

[@lilly-annkeister9730]

Ting made a comment about how teachers want their students to succeed and one adapts to aid in their success when possible. One would have thought that early on in the recordings to this series, that those in control would have realized the problems we've watched all season. Could they not have had time to readjust parameters for later programs and challenges so that successful finished products could be presented? It was obvious from program #1 that there were going to be issues. Whether one can make something in 3 hours or 4 hours at home or off camera (as Patrick stated in his conversations with The Fold Line) does not equate to 3 or 4 hours under lights, cameras, distractions, and nerves. Ever hopeful, here's to next week's challenges.

[@janecornell4890]

I will be hitting the link that you posted, thanks. I agree with your feelings about the program. You answered my question from last week by showing! It is a free for all to get the fabric! There must be paramedics on hand for injuries!!! Color...reminds me of an experience back in my teaching days. I had a small family of mom, dad and daughter. The dad was almost retirement age and mom was probably late thirties. The little girl was a puzzle. She wasn't a rebel but her mode of dress was bizarre, kinda like a wild child, feral child, free spirit gone haywire! I finally found out why! Dad was home during the school hours so he dressed her. He was colorblind! Now she would have been used to lots of crazy coloring and patterns! She'd be right at home so how can you judge? 🤣🤣🤣 The way I found out why is because one day he brought it up! He must have been reading my mind! Wonder what she looks like today.......hope he didn't rub off on her mode of dress!

[@carolbuckley8535]

Sorry to say I am getting despondent and want to shout fix and definitely slippers thrown, wrong person went home.

[@DianePearce-l4v]

Agree again with your comments. This series has lost it's appeal to me but still trying to figure out why. Will still watch it though - hoping it will improve towards the end.

[@charlottemcgregor1011]

Thankyou again for your conversation this week ..I also feel myself complaining too much about the programme when all I want is to watch great inspirational sewing . Last year Asmaas first pattern challenge top was magical and half way through this series I don’t feel were there yet - although I sense ailsa , pascha , Luke and Alix may all have great makes to come 🤞

[@published1789]

Such good comments. Thank you for trying to stay positive, but - yes! - the producers' judgment is off this time around and they are diminishing the show with time pressure. I really feel for them all. It is grinding away at some of the happy spirit it has had before.

[@elisestewart5416]

If I was in the production company I would be checking out these sewing forums and taking notes of the comments to see what might need changing for the next series. Like both of you I am fed up of being annoyed by the lack of time. I think by this point not only is there a mountain of slippers behind the tv but there is a strong risk of being so disengaged I can’t be bothered to throw any more. It’s such a shame.

[@janet6114]

In the Blown Away, glassblowing competition series they show the judging criteria directly on the screen for each project. I wish the Sewing Bee would do the same. It would improve the judging and the experience for the participants, and reduce the confusion and frustration of the viewers. I think the judging in this show don't necessarily stick to what they are asking for, for each garment, for each contestant. Agree about the timeframes. They are compromising the quality of the makes.

[@crivsmum]

oh which channel is that on?

[@louiserobinson7619]

it was the white strip and two D rings that Patrick complained wasn't there

[@fanp1188]

How are sequins suitable for a Pettern challenge?

[@catheyhawes9958]

This is the first episode where I was ready to switch off. I know we aren’t supposed to be taking about timing any more, but they do make it difficult not to! Sequins AND lining in 3 hours was just unfair, even those that finished did a rushed, untidy job in places. Then the judges’ comments seemed unreasonably harsh, especially if Patrick has admitted that they reduce the time on purpose. I also thought the see-through fabric was a wise choice - cut it right and you could drastically reduce the number of sequins on your seam line - however this should mean that there’s more time to get it finished, which was critical for that fabric. Butterfly - it wasn’t changed, the two views being compared were front vs back. The green swirls were on both sides, just at the bottom on the smaller pieces at the front and on the top for larger bits at the back.

[@simonrobson1929]

Did anyone else notice when they put Marcus's inspiration photo up against the finished photo in the made to measure challenge it was the wrong inspiration photo. The boy standing to the left of the inspiration photo shown was the one wearing the space suit with badges. Someone say I'm not imagining things.

[@osprey71]

What annoys me is the example garment to show how it should be done is not always very good. Just look at the glitter bomber jacket's collar.

[@joanimiller6046]

Surprised you guys didnt pick up on the bomber jacket sample's collar - it was wrinkled badly.

[@BridgetEscolme]

I don't know Ting, maybe there are non-sewers out there who want to see botched makes and unfinished garments but I know quite a few people who love the show and don't sew and who feel the same as us - not enough time this year, so no 'ooooh' factor at lovely garments. If you sew you want to see the skill, if you don't, you want to feel amazed that anyone could make such great things themselves. So I don't think there's much drama in the shorter time limit. You mustn't stop doing Unpicked though! First half of my summer is all based around Sewing Bee/Unpicked/Foldline Pattern Picks!

[@monicas2269]

I have started watching from series 1 again, I've just finished series 3 and some of the challenges have been very difficult. In the pattern challenge of the final episode, they had 90 minutes to do a sort of origami type blouse, and one contestant couldn't work out how to put it together, one of the other contestants had to tell her and she was very grateful otherwise she'd still be there trying to work it out.

[@pesahson]

I remember a challenge, don't know for sure whether in series 3, but once they had to draft a sleeve! That's not common knowledge!

[@fanp1188]

Question - are these the best applicants,or did the producer's actually choose some who weren't 'the best of the best '?

[@thecarjacful]

Timing is important! Think some of the contestants did for themselves in the made to measure . They onlyy had 3 hours, even though they could pre cut bits, but choose to do all that top stitching and put themselves under more preasure. Was it because they thought, it's a small garment? Top stiching is not something to be rushed. 🤔 I reckon the programme will be getting feedback and it will be better next time. So you guys will have to come back 😅🧵🪡

[@carolinedelisle589]

Since I do not live in Great Britain, I did not know that the Bee was now on a different channel or what the difference is between BBC1 and BBC2 (we only have one CBC TV in Canada but 2 CBC radio channels). Ting's information about that was quite enlightening.

[@tomscrafts]

Bouquets to Suzy and Pascha for the interesting garments that they were wearing. I can kind of work out how the cat-shaped collar was done, but the shaggy things made from t-shirts have got me completely baffled. In the pattern challenge, I would've been tempted to be Disobedient and machine-stitch 70% of the bottom edge of the lining before bagging out, so as not to have to hand-stitch all the way across. This is the 4th time this series that somebody has won two things in the same episode. So, maybe we'll see somebody do the elusive triple?

[@crivsmum]

I think the camera work has deteriorated anyway, not enough watching the actual sewing but maybe that is lack of time too. I think the producers are trying to make it all more dramatic which annoys me. I think Suzy probably should have gone this week, as a female I liked Georgie's bomber jacket

[@susaniacuone5758]

I no longer have Foxtel ( who show the Bee here in Australia ) so I rely on you two for my one-step-removed taste of GBSB. Thankyou

[@doriscook4337]

Agree the time provided is inadequate and results in shoddy unfinished garments. It’s much better to be inspired by well finished completed garments. If the only thing being tested is speed it’s just a version of fast fashion. Patrick argues against fast fashion but the show is now promoting the attitudes behind fast fashion.

[@judithjensen2457]

130 am MST.....I'm wondering if serious focus could be given to a "body of work" instead of individual challenges? The gotw won and it is the best garment because it's FINISHED & amazing. The fold line is terrific. Every sunday morning...doop da doop doop da doop doop dup🎉 GBSB inspired patterns...movie or series costuming, contemporary and vintage inspired bespoke. Nothing better.

[@annavonbuchenroder5247]

My last comment about timings, bearing in mind I watched the Patrick Grant interview where he said the timings were tested and they need a way to separate the contestants. I think allowing an extra 30 minutes will allow some sewists to finish, and you will still have others that don't, or don't finish to high standards. It's meant to be a sewing quality show, not a sewing racing show. I also thought the sample of the child's bomber jacket had issues with the neckline ribbing on the right (viewing) side.

[@fanp1188]

Suzie has to have a ruffle - perhaps too much time on the ruffle? Patchwork squares too large? 45:35

[@lisazimmerman5622]

LOL no more talk about timings. Right! Good luck with that. Their choice to use time as the separator is enormously disappointing. I've liked Ailsa, Pascha, Luke and Alex for a while. Was very much wanting Marcus gone and he went and got himself together, but still hoping for these 4 to make it out. I thought Suzy might make it to the end but not so sure now. Next week is going to be rough. I don't get the sense any of them really make lingerie. Definitely nothing like Asmah in the last series!

[@Lazydaisy646]

I think Suzy has reached the full extent of her ability especially considering the time constraints..

[@ValleyView007]

I don't understand this weeks made to measure. Around 33:00 or so they say the contestants were already given the childrens measurements and had an hour to cut out. But, why give them a separate hour to cut out? Did everyone finish cutting in an hour? What would happen if someone didn't finish cutting out? IMHO, this turns the contest into an assembly contest not so much a sewing contest. Maybe to appeal to people who don't know anything about sewing?

[@fanp1188]

You could celebrate the work of those that tune info this event!!!

[@antoinealexander650]

Oh no, no slippers what's going on Ting are you feeling well or am I loosing it there should have been at least 2 slippers

[@EmmePhillips-HookinEmme]

Wish we had access in US

[@janecornell4890]

Give it over ten years and we will! All the Brit Coms I watched I thought were in real-time weren't to my surprise!!!

[@racheltowers3237]

I think the 'better' Sewers argument from Patrick is wrong as a justification for less time. You only have to watch the older series to see talented experienced people being given the correct time to make something provides for a leveller playing field for judging. Items not being finished is not great TV. Sewers want drama on the nitty gritty of the finished garment. Hence popularity of series and move from BBC 2 to BBC 1. I am with you both. 😊

[@pesahson]

Can't we organize some social media campaign to let the producers know, that viewers are noticing the changes and at least some of the don't like them. Maybe we should all write letters??? According to the interview with Patrick you linked, they haven't started filming yet... Patrick's anwser about the times was interesting but I wish Kate pushed back a bit more :) even the contestants sighed visibly in this episode when they were told they only have 3 hours to make a bomber jacket with a lining!

[@annavonbuchenroder5247]

@@pesahson I think the British sewing bee handle on Instagram is managed by love productions

[@karlathomas7303]

Re: discussion of how they're judging 5 unfinished bomber jackets. As Ting said they're deciding on something (the collar?) to distinguish the worst- as has been said in the past- they could choose similar points to distinguish the best and give them more time. It's unfair to the contestants to use time as a way to get rid of them .

[@fanp1188]

Justified slippers - from bomber jacket / blousin javket point frames m Ting

[@portiasew9847]

Three hours to make a sequin bomber jacket, ridiculous, Arrrgh! Your shows will always be enjoyable!

[@fanp1188]

Ting, you've hit the nail - fiddling....

[@fanp1188]

I liked the Dalmatian!

[@elainewraight8138]

Lets remember in the made to measure they have had time to practice. If you know you have 3 hours then you " cut your cloth" to the time available. Adding too much complexity to shine is where they are going wrong. Perhaps what this series is doing is saying focus on the task and make a garment that hits the brief. If you mess up in the other 2 usually the M2M redeems you. If the tasks have been tested by "others" previous B's included then the sampke standard is acceptable and could be achieved IMHO 😂 Shows have to evolve and this year maybe a turning point where , the forbidden topic "timings" are moderated. Stick with it, I'm sure our love of the show will survive this series.😮

[@fanp1188]

Good spot for those wing issues Stuart!

[@fanp1188]

How is that outfit inspired from the photo??

[@PracticalStitches]

I am going to keep my fingers crossed that someone will make slippers next week for lingerie week. Pray they have enough "space in the continuum" to finish them. I fear there will be a major shortage of slippers in great Britain shortly.😂

[@fanp1188]

Wonder if Esme would do a voxpops...

[@fanp1188]

And don't forget it was on during lockdown, and the snow was used for mental health care, with an explosion of sewing machine sales...

[@marywilson6760]

Sadly for the first time, I am not enjoying this Series as others. Couldn't choose a favourite challenge this week. For me, I would like the Transformation challenge discontinued. Sorry.

[@fanp1188]

Live q&a discussions

[@PieceMeals]

Georgie was at minus from previous challenges and then you could see the judges looking doubtful when the jumpsuit looked nothing like the inspo. Patrick mentioned that she didn't even carry over the white stripe. She also didn't finish her top stitching. Ailsa hit the brief. She wasn't making a new mermaid outfit. I could see the inspo in her dress' colours and floaty aspect. Inspired doesn't mean literal copy and that's why I didn't like Alex's dungarees. It wasn't inspired, it was a copy. Marcus does not follow the rules. He only kept the shape and made a much more tasteful suit that relied on finishes because everything else looked simple.

[@fanp1188]

Those spikes made that a Dinosaur, not an alligator or crocodile!!!

[@klarameijer1889]

I agree that it also could be a dinosaur but if you look to cartoons the crocodiles almost always have these spikes at their back and on their head.

[@user-iu3go1qf8s]

Love the programme but also increasingly stressed by the lack of amount of time allowed - it's cruel and not entertaining. Same with Bake Off. Shame. Please give them a more reasonable time frame 🙏

[@fanp1188]

Those spikes made that a Dinosaur, not an alligator or crocodile!!! I'm sorry, but tha dinosaur could only have been if it had been done before

[@denisem9407]

I adore Patrick but found his comments on The Foldline disingenuous. Another two slippers for sending Lauren home instead of Suzy. Really enjoy hanging out with you guys for however long the show is. Actually looking forward to lingerie week and seeing if anyone meets Asmaa's level of expertise.

[@fanp1188]

I just can't get interested in this year... Except for the history snippets

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

Not a single person of colour left on the show. (Why did she make those crap wings!) that were displayed very oddly? Why is Suzy still there (that skirt) ?????? That swan!!! Bjork would have died of embarrassment.

[@louiserobinson7619]

They are killing the shown with the timings

[@EVERBEE_SEWING_BEE]

The Collins dictionary definition of Sewing Bee is - a small informal social gathering (usually of women) based around the activity of making or mending clothes or other things with a needle and thread. The GBSB has become a sewing race, where the fastest, not necessarily the best wins. It is now so far removed from the original or traditional idea of a sewing bee. I have yet to see a challenge where the contestants mend a garment. Watching so much fabric, that took skills and dedication to make, ruined for the sake of entertainment, brings little joy to the audience. I'm not sure how advocates for the environment (including Patrick Grant) can stomach this. Have to admit, I'm struggling to enjoy this series.

[@SueTownson]

I always love your comments but I feel I have to do a reality check here. No-one looks at the continuity really except as a blooper - maybe the little kid she made her "made-to-measure" for loved the butterfly and wanted to try it on.... maybe the runners on the set made it look as good as they could to do it justice and Georgie was so frazzled she hadn't seen it might look better the other way up.... I wouldn't get cross about that. - I do think the judges do need to show why one is better than another and the neckline on Luke's was wrong. Another channel moaned about how Pasha's transformation was so good... and questioned was that a level contest - why was her's so perfect? Maybe she makes a lot of soft toys.... I think yes analyse but it is telly when all said and done. They are going to win a token prize if they get to the end. And just being on the show gives kudos plus they are all so different.😎❤ Keep up the great work

[@loiswells3564]

I’m sorry to say l found kids week a bit boring this year! I can’t believe Ting didn’t throw any slippers. The three hours to make the bomber jacket deserved one for a start! I can’t believe Suzy is still in or that she could sew wearing that extremely loopy red cardigan. Why did so many sewers make boiler suits in the made to measure round? My childhood involved no boiler suits but maybe that was a thing in the 90’s or something.

[@fanp1188]

He's SO MUCH BETTER than the female host!

[@nickytetlaw2298]

I took one look at that awful sequin fabric and said to my husband that they’ll be spending more time replacing needles than sewing!! Seriously, the only reason I watch the sewing bee is to watch your series 😌 I’m getting more disillusioned with it by the episode. Then I watch you and read the comments and we’re all pretty much on the same wavelength. I think you’re right about it changing when they went to BBC1, it’s more like car crash tv now 😢 Production team, if you have any sense you’ll take on board all the constructive feedback you’re receiving on social media and make some much needed changes, before you loose the audience altogether 😠

[@PieceMeals]

It's Ky ell sounds like the name Kai not Key

[@TheWoolpatch]

Ahhhh I see, Thank you. Don’t know why I just couldn’t get it. Cheers

[@HollyLeam-Taylor]

I was on one of these ‘great british’ shows several years ago and the time restraints are insane. If you wanted to progress through the competition, design and quality went straight out the window. You had to tactically choose what to create purely based on the time constraints. The program is set up for entertainment unfortunately

[@fanp1188]

Lingerie is going to be a car crash

[@Lazydaisy646]

😂 I think so too

[@fanp1188]

No one's going to read the pattern during a timed challenge!

[@fanp1188]

Really high - erm.... Something not right there... Fabric choice illustrates that!

[@janeybwells2810]

I am disappointed this year. When you compare with garments that say Asmaa produced last year the quality is sadly lacking. Time constraints being a big part of it but not all. When I sew I dont want my garments to look "home made" so I take time to line things up properly and stitch accurately. This program gives a weird view of hand made garments to non sewers who presumably watch it for only the entertainment factor.

[@tonishepherd7042]

The production team think it’s more entertaining to have sewers fail??? For next season they need to follow some of the KZbin comments to see how much the viewers do not like the seers being set up to fail.

[@fanp1188]

Those spikes made that a Dinosaur, not an alligator or crocodile!!! I'm sorry, but tha dinosaur could only have been if it had been done before