I got a bit distracted this afternoon.
Complete with all the charm and politeness of the English, The Great British Sewing Bee, captured my attention today. I suspect part of the appeal for me is the fact that the contestants are all “real” people who just love to sew. They are given several challenges over the course of two days and the judges give very specific feedback on their construction techniques. They even manage to sprinkle a bit of sewing history throughout each episode.
Their first challenge is to sew a simple A-line skirt in three hours. Next, they are given an hour to alter the neckline of a white seersucker blouse. For their final challenge, they must alter a pattern to fit and create a dress for their model.
I actually think this show might be a new favorite of mine. (Could you hear my English accent when I said that?) 🙂
You can watch it here:
Happy Sewing!
Beth
You might also enjoy:
The Renegade Seamstress 
I met Stuart today at a local quilt show!
Oh my gosh, how fun!!!!! Did you get a photo with him?
wow I had never heard of this show before! Thank you for sharing. >>>watching season 1 now<<<
I’m actually watching episode 2 as we speak. Just trying to relax today. 🙂
nice! I just finished the first two episodes of season 1. I am off to put my son to bed and debate about watching another episode before going to bed myself.
I’m on episode three right now. I’ve been watching in between cooking dinner and laundry. Just savoring because apparently I have to wait for the finale.
Looks like we have to wait until Tuesday to see the next episode.
Thanks for easing my mind. Come Tuesday night, I am going to be hunting down the next episode. Best of luck to them all!
Bridget told me it won’t air on You Tube until Wednesday morning. But if you get BBC, you might possibly be able to watch it Tuesday night. I won’t be able to watch it until Wednesday afternoon. I can’t wait!
Me either, so Wednesday afternoon it is. (I homeschool all morning, so this will be my afternoon treat!)
🙂 Can’t wait!
ooo I hate waiting! I am going to have to pace myself so I can savor it a little more and maybe when I get there I won’t have to wait =)
Thank you for sharing! This looks fabulous!
I just finished the second episode. A really refreshing and fun thing to do on a lazy, gray Saturday afternoon.
I just finished the first episode and am starting the second. So far, I am absolutely loving this show! I truly appreciate the humbleness of each contestant and their willingness to learn. This is not always, or especially, true of American contestants.
Of course, learning neat little tricks on how to improve my own sewing isn’t hurting either.
Again, thanks for the link!
I totally agree. I think that’s why I’m enjoying it so much!!! I love how kind they are to each other and how they truly seem to enjoy the whole process. I’m almost finished with episode three.
Okay, just finished two and three…. When, oh when, is episode four going to air? I’m on pins and needles (no pun intended); this show is spectacular!
“I’m on pins and needles”!!!! Hahahahaha! Good one!
Episode Four will be on Tuesday night on BBC. Bridget told me it won’t be on You Tube until Wednesday morning. I’ll be watching as soon as I get home from work on Wednesday.
I am hooked and I want to take lessons from Ann! How many episodes have been produced?
Ohhhhh…..I’d love to take lessons from her, too! I just finished the second episode and I’m on to the third. Might as well make it a Sewing Bee Marathon Day!
There are four episodes. The fourth one airs on Tuesday night on BBC but won’t be on YouTube until Wednesday morning. Have fun!!!
I can hardly contain myself ! I stopped everything with this cam in my e-mail box. It’s late but I feel like about of a sew or at least a plan!
I’ve been having a fun lazy afternoon watching this. I’m on to the third episode right now.
Beth I started watching this last weekend. yes, I love it. Here’s the third one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS9u6KZmWeQ
thanks for the link! I just finished the second episode and this is exactly what I needed! Here’s to an afternoon of Sewing Bees!!!
Can’t wait till the final.
I watched all three episodes this afternoon. Can’t wait til Tuesday!!!
Brilliant! Stopped watching the 1st episode so I can watch with my 11 year old tomorrow – what fun! Thanks for the link!
You are so welcome!!! Have fun!
Sounds like a great show – I would love to see all the creating happening! Sort of like a sport! 🙂
Yes! I love watching creative people at work!
Oh my goodness what a fabulous show! I have never heard of this show, I don’t watch much TV cause I don’t have cable, thanks for sharing. I definitely want to watch more. I:m going to go make some tea and watch the other 2 episodes on-line. 🙂
I’m so glad you’re enjoying this as much as I am!! Enjoy!
HI, Loved the episode of Bee. I can’t find Great British Sewing Bee on American TV (bbc Channel). Will you be posting links to other episodes on the blog? I did already check if I could link through BBC and cannot view outside Britain.
Hi Em,
I watched three episodes on YouTube. We have to wait until Tuesday for the fourth episode.
Here are the links:
Episode One:
Episode Two:
Episode Three:
Have fun!!!
Beth
I’m really enjoying the programme too! Watching the contestants trials and tribulations makes me feel that I’m not that far behind them – just a few more lessons and lotsore practise required!
I love watching the creative process!!!
Thanks for the video. I have not yet have the courage to start sewing my own stuff but this is very good like your site. Gives me ideas and understanding how to sew.
You’re welcome, ilhia! I say just jump in the water so you can learn to swim 🙂
Hi Beth, Thanks for sharing the video, what fun! Very inspiring, maybe you should compete in an American version!
Part of me thinks it would be so much fun to compete in something like this, but I’m not sure how I would handle the pressure. Never say never, though! 🙂
Isn’t it great?! It often doesn’t get posted on YouTube until Wed. morning, so I have to be careful when I’m online Tuesday night. I don’t want to read any spoilers!
Thanks, Bridget! I’ll be heading straight to YouTube when I get home from work on Wednesday!!!
Me, too!
I’m afraid if I started to watch that show I would become addicted to it.
No worries, it’s only four episodes.
Beth, thanks for posting these videos! I started watching the first one but had to run some errands but I’ll definitely be back! 🙂
You are so welcome, Sandy! Enjoy!!!
Hello Beth – I was amazed when I saw this program advertised on the Beeb – I first alerted my blog readers to it here:http://read-sew-crochet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/a-new-patchwork-quilt.html
Living in a house with 5 males, there is no-one to share my excitement with when I saw this program. I can’t really describe how thrilling it is to watch people sewing – it even sounds bizarre just saying it! I’ve been a sewer for nearly as long as I can remember. I’ve recently discovered your blog and intend to follow. Have a look at mine – it’s not just about sewing but you may be interested in one or two things. Love from Judy.
Thank you, Judy! I’m heading over right now to check out your blog.
Oh, I can tell I’m going to love the sewing show. Love that kind of thing! And for it to be about sewing. It’s a dream come true!
I love watching people’s creative process, too.
I’m lucky enough to watch it on BBC2 tomorrow night (Tuesday). Can’t wait and really wonder what they are all going to be asked to complete. Have enjoyed the programme, but wish they could have more time to be even more creative instead of keeping to the rules of tailoring. Thought it was sad that …. had to leave as he was the most creative and showed that sewing is a lot of fun.
Me, too! I’m really looking forward to the finale! Do you know if they are going to have another round?
By now, you will know the result, which i think was very much deserved.
BBC will be having a new series sometime soon!
Do you have any programme like this in the USA?
I’m so glad they are having another series. Please let me know when it’ll be starting, I’d love to watch it. I wish the US had a program like this, too.
I just wanted to thank you for posting this and bringing it to my attention. I love the show! I’ve interacted with Ann for a few years in an online sewing community, and it was such a fun surprise to see her in this show. And I love your blog!
Hi Wendy,
That is so cool that you communicated with Anne. Which on line community was it?
I think I’m in love! is there a way to be notified when new episodes show up on YouTube?
Here’s a link to the last episode. HAVE FUN!!!
Beth, here’s the last episode http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70k-G0sLoFw
Fun.
Mary
Thanks! I’m super excited to watch! finished episode 3 today on my lunch break 🙂 I’m trying to make it last since we don’t know if they’ll continue on to a 2nd season!
They did have a call for auditions for the next season at the end, so i assume they will.
Thanks so much, I watched it as soon as you sent me the link. DELIGHTFUL!!!!
Oh I loved it ! Hope we don’t have to wait to long for the next season.
I hope it’ll be soon, too. I think it would be fun to have an American version, too!
Loving this show! Thanks for the recommendation.
You are so welcome. I’m glad you are enjoying it! I can’t wait for the next season.