Thursday, May 2, 2013

The Great British Sewing Bee Is Casting!

I wrote about my love for this TV show here. In case you missed it, The Great British Sewing Bee is an amazing reality TV series devoted to finding the best amateur sewist in the UK. You can watch all the episodes on YouTube, starting with episode 1 here. You will quickly want to follow with episodes 2, 3, and 4, all of which are also available on YouTube.

Now allow me to get a little weird. Love really isn't a strong enough word for how I feel about this show. I was truly delighted, charmed, entertained, touched, and inspired to sew by each episode. I find myself thinking about it all the time: strange, but true. I could gush about it for hours on end. Let's just call it an obsession. So I was thrilled to get an email from the production company behind the show announcing that they're casting for season 2. Let me repeat: THEY'RE CASTING FOR SEASON 2!!!! There are not enough exclamation points in the world.

British readers, please allow me to live my dream vicariously through you! Go apply now and don't forget to report back on the experience. Aunt Gertie wants to know everything. Is Patrick truly that handsome? (It kind of freaks me out how good-looking he is.) Is May that sweet and knowledgeable? Is Claudia really so quirky and delightful? (I've now added the phrase "Ring-a-ding-DING" to my everyday vocab.)

Go apply now please!

P.S. And also, can we please brainstorm on how to make an American version happen? Are you a TV producer? A powerful media mogul? I've had daydreams about somehow getting a Great American Sewing Bee on the air, but I don't even know where to start. I would humbly submit myself as contestant, judge, consultant, anything! Anything, people!

110 comments:

  1. I agree, I want to be ON this show. I loved every minute of season one - more sewing, less drama. :-) The only part I didn't like was that people had to leave.

    I was going gaga over those BOLTS of Liberty of London prints. ===sigh===

    Looking forward to season two along with ya!

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    1. Oh, me too with the Liberty! Totally gaga!

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  2. Claudia Winkleman is "quirky and delightful"??!! My sewing group wants to double team her with a couple of steam irons. The online chats after the Tuesday night shows were truly hilarious though. Looking forward to season 2 just on account of that.

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    1. Ha! I was wondering if I would be alone in that opinion. I don't know why, I just really liked her . . . despite my initial intentions not to!

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    2. You're not alone in your opinion of Claudia, I LOVE her! She's as mad as a hatter, in a very good way in my opinion.

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    3. I loved her too! Her appearance was a turn-off until I got her personality, and then she became quite striking to me, and fun to watch.

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    4. I think Claudia kind of grows on you. I found her annoying at first, but loved her by the end of the season.

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  3. I LOVED this show! It's so upbeat and positive. Classy all around.

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  4. from one of your British readers--Claudia Winckelmann is roundly considered 'cringeworthy'. I noticed that the lovely Tilly cited you on her blog, referring, I believe, to your gathered skirt tutorial.

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  5. I loved the show and am thrilled that they are casting the second season. I would love to see you on an American version.

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    1. Hi Cassie, I provided YouTube links in both my posts on the show.

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  7. Yes! An American version of this show must be created!

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  8. I just clicked on the link and watched the first 5 minutes of episode 1 and I am SOOOOOOO hooked!!

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  9. I would LOVE to see you on The Great American Sewing Bee! Now someone totally needs to make it! I am so in love with the British version.

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  10. That's funny- I LOVED Claudia too, but maybe it's an American thing. I wonder how hard it would be to create a web version of the show. Get a sewing machine company/fabric shops/whoever else to sponsor? I do wonder if it would be as charming as the British version- part of why I like it is because of all the British-isms. Well, and Claudia, and man tailor eye candy ;)

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  11. I applied about 2 days after the final. Fingers crossed, but I bet there are thousands of applications.

    Still I did get on telly to face Ann Robinson in the Weakest Link so maybe I've used up my 15 mins of fame:-)

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  12. I adore this show! Gertie, thank you so much for posting the YouTube links! I also spend too much time thinking about this gem of tv programming!

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  13. Claudia really is that quirky - she's also a presenter on Strictly Come Dancing in the UK and on radio. She is hilarious! I have a feeling the standard is going to be even higher in the next series. I can't wait either and I think there are going to be 6 episodes to look forward to as well!

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  14. I agree! I LOVED that show beyond words!! I can't wait for series 2. AND I wish they would do one here in the US, but seriously it needs to be done by PBS or something, cause I'd want it to be REALLY about sewing, and not about drama, people hooking up, people being slutty or people being bitchy. I LOVED that it was SERIOUSLY JUST about sewing & may the best person win! It's the only show that's really about SKILLS. I don't know any other station that would take it SERIOUSLY...

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  15. Thanks to your initial post about this show I was also introduced to this show. "Love" is not a strong enough word to describe my feelings on the show! I loved that these were people I could realate to! But more importantly, and I do not know if this is a UK thing, but how absolutely polite and wonderful these contestants were!! Not one show of animosity throughout the entire show! Everyone was so pleasant and helpful!! It was about sewing and skills, not who could show up the other contestant in snarky comments. You genuninely loved each cast member, rather than hating the villian. There were no villians!

    After it was done, they all gethered to chat and have tea and scones! That is the kind of challenge I would like to be a part of! I am so tired of shows which show the cast commentaries degrading each other and the ridiculous plotting to take down the competition. This IS a beautiful show and I cannot wait until Season 2!! I just hope it is longer.

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  16. I agree so much with both posts. I had gone in a bit of a sewing slump, was on holiday when it started but my son had spotted a preview and recorded it for me.
    I am glad we have some sewing programmes back as Project Catwalk in UK stopped, then they have stopped showing Project Runway in the UK.
    I chanced across the Lauren's blog with the opening of her new shop, looks lovely. We need something like that in Edinburgh!

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  17. I followed your lin to the show on youtube, and I feel the same way! It is so lovely, delightful, funny, nice, not unfriendly or rough at all! And I love all the different english accents! And the characters! The emphasis is not on competition, but fun, wich I feel that sewing should be.

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  18. Oh, my God, I feel the same way! I love everything about this show. And yes, Patrick is so handsome and charming I can't stand it.

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  19. An American version of the show would probably end up mean spirited. It makes me sad, but we all know the UK versions are better than the US versions. Sherlock V. Watson (The one with Lucy Liu, how was this a good idea?) I would keep going, but I'm too tired for more examples.

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    1. This was my thought too. It just won't be the same and I refuse to watch Elementary for just that reason!

      I love the Sewing Bee as well. It made my heart happy. :)

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  20. An us version would be fun! I live in the uk and am amazed at the negative opinions re claudia winkleman, she is witty, quick and funny . I guess lots don't get her quirkiness , she is mental in a funny way, people!

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  21. I loved it too!! I think I loved listening to them the most - oh the accents! And a reality show where they didn't fight and backstab = AMAZING

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  22. Claudia Winkleman is a delight and my only complaint about the Sewing Bee is that it wasn't on for long enough.

    The show was made by the same production company as the Great British Bake Off which has been exported to the US, so an American Sewing Bee might well happen. (EVERY country should have one!)

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  23. urging people to apply from NZ too :o)

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  24. Loooooooooove it! I wanted to watch it after you first mentioned it but didn't get the chance. I'm home sick so I just marathoned the first 2 episodes and am hoping to squeeze in another.

    Lauren is making me deeply desirous of small florals, and I want to go home with Ann. Everyone is so sweet- so unlike so many other reality shows! And I think Claudia is a hoot.

    Love the way the editing really brings out those great one-liners!

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  25. Thanks to you I am a huge fan as well! It made me want to practice "fiddly" sewing and drink tea!

    I've participated in and or sewed along with some online sewing competitions (Project Run & Play, Sewvivor...) and have tried to figure out how this could be done online and I'm stumped.

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  26. I absolutely loved this show. It was television/reality programming done right: no villians, no back-stabbing, and no feeling of "I-wasted-an-hour-of-my-life-watching-crap."

    I thought Claudia Winkleman was hilarious, but I know a lot of Brits can't stand her. I think she doesn't bother Yanks as much because Americans are used to listening to truly insipid hosts.

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  27. Interestingly Gertie, I thought when you last posted about this that the guy from the show and your husband looked very similar. You had posted a picture of the two of you together.

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  28. Hey G... do you think the production company told you about it because they know you love it so much..? Wouldn't it be amazing if you could audition/take part..? If you'd like somewhere to stay in the UK - I have a spare room - genuine offer! I'm not up to the standard (yet) to take part, but I think it'd make for very good TV, to have an American gal coming all this way JUST to be on The Great British Sewing Bee... don't you? :)

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  29. I also loved the show! I thought it was too bad, that there weren't more episodes. I could watch them all the time :)
    What I really enjoyed was that they explained some of the sewing techniques and how the garnment is made. Plus that the judges were so nice. When something wasn't made correctly they said it in a matter-of-a-fact way, and not bashing the people.
    It was a real delight :) and am looking forward to the new season (with hopefully more episodes).

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  30. I too share a love for the show and Claudia! I think the most refreshing part is the spirit of congeniality that is certainly missing from American reality shows. I love its simple approach and that it is actually about sewing! Four episodes is not enough.

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  31. I feel exactly as you do about the show, it is wonderful. I have posted before, thanks to the show my 11 year old threw away her hesitation and now has the sewing bug. I am in Australia so could we have an Australian version as well as an American version please?

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  32. I am so in love with this show. I can't wait for season two. I think I watched all episodes in 1 day. I couldn't stop! Then I was dreaming about it for a few days afterwards. It's great to get a show like this out there that will get people excited and interested in sewing. Even those who haven't sewn before.

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  33. Yes, I agree with Vicki. Please an Australian version would be fantastic.

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  34. I am SO down for an American version. I've had a similar level of obsession with this show and would apply in an instant if it ever came to the states.

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  35. I agree with Vicki and Jane it would be wonderful to have an Australian as well as an American version of TGBSB. Come to think of it a world sewing bee has possibilities too. I am fascinated by people who can think on their feet, produce garments, solve problems and do precision sewing to a deadline. And congratulations to the BBC for the high production values of TGBSB.
    Kathryn

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  36. This show renewed my faith in human nature, at least temporarily. I avoid reality TV because any little offering of kindness or creative thinking seems to get drowned in negativity - and Project Runway seems to be getting worse and worse with this - so when I saw TGBSB I was just awash in good feelings. Each one of the participants was so adorable I just wanted to give them a big hug, and the judges were incredibly positive. I seriously could not get enough and have had withdrawal symptoms since there were only 4 episodes.
    I am thrilled to death that there will be a next season of the British one, but I can't believe that any US producer would be willing to try it. They seem to think that the viewing public is primarily interested in contestants experiencing physical danger and/or extreme humiliation. Maybe it could be an independent or public channel production.

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  37. I'm a British but live in Germany :( But..... my mum still lives in Scotland and in my humble opinion, she's excellent at sewing, so I'm filling in a form for her. Also there is a book to accompany the series, if you want a copy, let me know and I'll pop it in the post for you.

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  38. I adore GBSB as well, and YES!, we need an American version...providing it has the sweetness of the British version and allows the most deserving to win, like a talented octogenarian. In fact, I'll offer up Mood LA as the perfect place to host it! Lots of room, and the sewing machines and fabric are already in place.

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    2. ahhhh, someone make this happen!! Gertie it's been 2 weeks and I know you are a rockstar - do you have a time slot yet? :)
      I know its charm is that it's very different from PR, but please can Tim Gunn and Zac Posen be involved?? :)

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  39. I absolutely adored this show. I loved that the cameras did beautiful close up shots that inspired me to say, "I want Anne to teach me how to do that!" I loved that the producers didn't amp up the interpersonal drama, and I loved that the editors didn't focus on creating drama. Just happy people loving their craft, and a beautiful showing of the craft.

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  40. I have thought about an American version, but they would undoubtedly make it just every other reality show in the US...much less kind and collaborative. I ADORED GBSB and would LOVE to have one here, but I fear it would never be the same or anywhere near it. Miss Pessimistic here.

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  41. We really do need that show in America! The Runway show is too much about fashion not enough about good solid skills. Also we are not all size 00-3 or interested in the latest trends. By far high quality, classics are so much more interesting.

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  42. My new favorite show as well. Can anyone explain the different accents to us Americans? Geronimo!!

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  43. So can we just gush about Patrick for a minute? I have a feeling he may not be interested in women, but then again who knows? Yes he's handsome, ok. But more imporantly he's SHARP, he's DAPPER, and OMG the tailoring. My husband kept watching just to see his suits - such immaculate grooming! Yes a bit of effort in the sartorial dept never goes astray boys. I want him to take us into his workshop 'where almost everything is done by hand' - can you imagine? The thready, tweedy, loveliness of it?

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    1. He's got a long time girlfriend, a jewelry designer. Yes, I checked. ;-)

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    2. She also designs luxury handbags (for people like Asprey and Victoria Beckham). Very talented in her own right.

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  44. Gertie,
    The Great British Sewing Bee is beyond charming and hilarious. I have been following your blog religiously for 4 years and you are definitely the one who should host the American version. I am a Peabody Award winning producer who also grew up with a mom who was a professional seamstress so this content is very near and dear to my heart. I also "get" playful and creative material. (Pun intended). I would love to be involved on any level to get this up and rolling on this side of the pond.

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    1. It would be wonderful to have someone produce the show who "gets" that the actual sewing content is really important and that the interpersonal niceness and camaraderie is really the most endearing aspect. Otherwise we will end up with something disturbing like Honey Boo Boo/Dance Moms combined with sewing machines and they would call it Desperate Seamstresses.

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  45. You know Renee Samuels would be a great place to start. She's got tons of production knowledge as well as contacts. Also Ann Steeves who has great contacts in the NYC area. they would super to start with. I live here in the hinterlands and although the internet is a great leveler it's not enough to make up for that huge difference. Like you I think there's a huge market to this. I notice a growing desire to sew one's own clothes and learn not to be afraid of their machines which I think this show did a great job of showing.

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  46. Thanks to you, Gertie, I found the show, and last night watched the final. I loved every minute of the 4 episodes. One of the things I really loved is that the contestants were diverse (in age, gender and experience) and yet united in their passion for sewing. I loved that this diversity continued, with the final having three contestants from different generations (and only just missed out on having both gender's represented).

    And I just loved the politeness!!!!



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  47. Gertie, - You have got to do this!! The Great American Sewing Bee hosted by Gertie Hirsch and judged by Peter Lappin (of Male Pattern Boldness) and Nancy Zieman!! A PBS production that actually gets ratings!! PLEASE CONTACT SOMEONE AT WGBH Boston or Create! TV. I've got to believe the audience is there, if only we had a sewing show of this caliber!!
    I watched all 4 episodes, and with each, I found I just couldn't wait for more! I'm sure an American version could be just as fun! Especially with talented and fun hosts such as you, Peter, and Nancy! Please think about it!

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    1. brilliant casting suggestions!

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  48. I want to have Patrick's babies..... How can one man be so exquisitely tailored, handsome, well-spoken and BE STRAIGHT?

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  49. I hate having so much as my photograph taken, so the idea of taking part in a TV programme would fill me with horror, and that's even before we factor in sewing under pressure and being judged by Patrick Grant!!! So although I'm in the UK, I shall carry on admiring it and being inspired from the comfort of my sofa!

    Don't know whether you have been visiting Debi's My Happy Sewing Place blog at all recently, but she and husband David have written about the opening of finalist Lauren's new fabric/ notions shop in Birmingham - attended by various GBSB participants - and both posts brought a tear to my eye, they are so heartwarming.

    http://www.myhappysewingplace.com/2013/04/guest-post-from-david-guthrie-and-ghani.html

    http://www.myhappysewingplace.com/2013/04/guthrie-and-ghani-grand-opening-or.html

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  50. I loved the GBSB and I love Claudia - I think that if you're British, you need to be a bit weird to appreciate her level of weirdness! I'm thinking about applying for the next series :o/ xox

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  51. I just finished watching season one! I also loved it! I don't think they'd ever do it in America though because reality shows here have to be fraught with drama, backstabbing, and unfair outcomes. *cough*Project Runway*cough* LOL!

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  52. I agree! I enjoyed this show immensely...the sewing, the camaraderie, the challenges, the commentary from the judges...but I especially loved the vintage music!
    Laurie

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  53. I totally LOVED this show, thanks for sharing that link! I agree about needing an American version; that would be awesome! The show also inspired me quite a bit - I don't think I've spent much time out of my sewing room since I saw it. I even started jotting down how long it took me to do projects - I would never be able to complete any garments in the time given on the show, haha!!

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  54. Hi
    I loved it too, and look forward to the next season.

    Thought you might like to know that "Ring-a-ding-DING" was the by-line for British actor Leslie Phillips who always acts the ladies' man.

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  55. I loved it too but was unsure at first if a competition was the right format for a sewing show. I can see why they did it like this; it is a tried and tested format. I may have been more intimidated than inspired if I did not already sew but apparently that is not the outcome, so what do I know! I'm also not sure an American version would turn out so well. Sadly I feel it would be hijacked by drama. Masterchef UK is great and all about the food (of course the contestants are put through their paces and it is knock-out) but Masterchef US is terrible! The contestants are asked "Who they want to see eliminated and who their biggest competition is?!". This would never happen on the UK version. There doesn't seem to be that competitive spirit that wants to do better for themselves. Instead it's more about getting one up on the opposition to make themselves look better by default. At least that's how it is edited. Role on season two!

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  56. Oh you're so wicked, sharing this... I stayed up until 2 am watching the episodes one after the other! I loved it, and you do really pick up technique tips through watching. Wonderful.

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  57. Thanks Gertie! I LOVED watching the show thanks to your link. I don't think we have had it on NZ TV. It actually made me feel pretty good about my sewing skills.

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  58. I'd be happy if we could just see it on the TV outside the UK. We should go harass, I mean contact BBC America...

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  59. I am one of the Brits that thinks Claudia is great, she is always so funny and is very sweet to the contestants. I loved the show and all the contestants. I did think about entering but I will be away at the time of filming - oohhh shucks! Never mind, maybe next year!
    I also have a relative living in Birmingham, which is where Lauren's new shop has opened, can't wait to visit sometime soon.
    Here is the link
    http://www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk/blog/our-grand-opening-party

    Happy stitching!


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  60. I'm ashamed to admit I cried when Ann won. Couldn't believe I got so emotionally attached to that show! I learned to sew when it was about function and skill, now its all about fun, creativity THEN skill ... love it. Great to see sewing becoming mainstream and popular :-)

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  61. I enjoyed watching all 4 episodes. I found myself reacting to the challenges as if I were one of the contestants. I would have a major meltdown with the first tailoring challenge. The only time I inserted a flat-fly zipper was for a sample for a sewing class. I vowed then and there, THAT would never happen again.When I saw Sandra's computerized sewing machine and serger in her home, I began to identify with her. Ann was just amazing. I want to sew like her when I grow up.

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  62. LOVED your blog before this. I am now officially obsessed. Over the moon. This show is about the coolest thing I've ever seen. I'm mid episode one and just had to pause to tell you THANK YOU!!!

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  63. I just watched all the episodes. The contestants were adorable. Unlike Project Runway they all seem nice and not snarky at all. I have a total man crush on Patrick. He's dreamy.

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  64. Vivian's VersionMay 5, 2013 at 3:52 AM

    Dearest Gertie,
    There is absolutely nothing crazy about obsessing about the show. I've been living in Germany for 25 yrs. That's all my sewing friends and I having been doing the last few weeks.Tastefully done and without being rotten to one another. If I were still living NEAR BEACON (!!) I would beg you on hands and knees to assist you as hostess of the show. You'd rock.

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  65. My goodness, I enjoyed watching that show, I look forward to seeing the next season and I look forward to seeing it in the US. Of course someone will find a way to make it happen!! It is a no-brainer, right? Or have I just drank the Kool-Aide? I think both statements are true :)
    If I could be involved in any way, my first choice would be to be an investor in it and make a lot of money. Ha! I am a pauper so I will never make money off investments. My 2nd choice would be to be in the audience. I am not sure I would have the energy to participate and I was truly gobsmacked by Ann's energy and calm execution of the tasks. It is, in the end, so much easier to sit back and watch :) I would love to see you Gertie on a show like this and other bloggers, too!!!

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  66. Thanks for blogging about this, I just watched the first episode and I love it! Learning a lot too.

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  67. Ooohhh, I'll throw my vote in for an American version. That would be AH-MAY-ZING!

    xoxo,
    ConstantlyAlice

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  68. Oh, Gertie, thank you so much for posting about this show! I clicked on your link (mainly because I saw that the show had Tilly in it)and was hooked immediately, and spent every lunchtime for the next few days in front of my computer with a cup of soup, a salad, and Patrick and May and all the rest. Even my seven year old daughter loves the show! The charm, the NICENESS of the sewers and the judges was something that any contest show needs to take a lesson in-- no snarkiness, just talent and hard work. Watching it was pure joy and made sewing that much more joyful. Now I'm with you-- we desperately need an American version!

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  69. OMG, thank you! I just watched the first episode and loved it!

    I do wish that the readers here did not post spoilers in the comments, for those of us who have not watched the whole series yet.

    To bring it to the US, it could be filmed in a high school home ec classroom over the summer, and it could be sponsored by sewing machine, fabric, pattern and notion companies. It could be excellent!

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  70. This is AWESOME! Now I wish I lived in Britain.
    A Great American Sewing bee would be good, as long as there was also a Great Canadian Sewing Bee (because that's where I live and I don't want to be left out.)
    Thank you SO much for introducing me to this show.

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  71. Adore this show! Thank you! Haven't viewed the finally, but do they actually win anything?

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  72. I want to echo so many other commenters and say thank you Gertie for posting about this show! I absolutely loved watching each episode. I began to "bond" with the contestants, especially the finalists. I was thrilled to see Ann win, but also tremendously admiring of Sandra, who to me epitomizes the hard-working self-sacrificing Mum, and Lauren, so young and sweet and making her way through her young life with such self-doubt and trepidation.
    The host-judges were both accurate and generous, and such a source of sewing wisdom (as was Ann!). At first, I didn't think too much of Claudia, but then I started to get her wit, and I loved how she interacted with the constestants, giving them a little giggle to relieve the nerves. Oh, I do hope to see more of these shows, no matter whether they are US, UK, or anywhere. As long as the civility and a focus on sewing and what it has meant in the lives of the contestants remains at the top of the ingredient list. There can never be too much quality programming, and there can never be too little of the current formulaic "reality" shows on air.

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  73. I loved this show too. I don't really like Claudia though. She's like the ostensibly 'cool kid' that has to sit with the nerds and her comments are a little condescending/irrelevant. But I went with it as I thought perhaps it was just Brit humor or something. I wish they'd replace her with someone who knows at least something about sewing, good craftsmanship and can make knowledgeable comments about the topic.

    If the major American TV producers do not get a hold of it, an American version of it would be GREAT! Put Tim Gunn in for Claudia, Nancy Zieman would be a great judge... It would be fun.

    I liked that they knew and could practice some of the challenges. It acknowledges that sometimes a pattern needs testing before the expensive yardage is used.

    Someone above commented on the music. I thought it was an interesting choice. Were they using retro music because that's cool and hip in the UK right now? Or because they're implying that sewing is old-fashioned? I couldn't figure it out.

    Such a fun show! My husband even watched with me. We cheered for everyone, but I was so happy that Ann won. It is good to see excellence and experience valued like that.

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  74. I really enjoyed this show and I def learned a lot. I love sewing so I really watch shows like this one. Hope to see more.

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  75. Oh man, this was my black hole of television, and it's all your fault! After you posted the first time, I spent the next day watching all 3 episodes, then waiting anxiously for #4 to air and watching THAT one on pins and needles! I am super excited to see season 2. I'm not sure how this show would work in the US, Gertie-- are we too hooked into the sensational "reality" market for us to film a down-to-earth show like this? Could we gain a market without the fuss of sensationalism? I would love it, but I question the ability of it to do well. But I sure would love to try!

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  76. I loved the show, too. I was very worried when I heard Claudia was going to present, but honestly she was great! She didn't turn sewing into a joke, but was full of the right amount of wide eyed wonder, asking the sort of questions people across Britain who have no knowledge of sewing would ask.

    What has been following in the sewing world since is amazing. After the first episode, you couldn't get a bias binding maker for love nor money! they'd all sold out. ;-) But there are all sorts of stories of people dusting off machines from their mam or nan. Chaps who are coming out of the woodwork because they had men on the programme. One man got out his wife's machine that hadn't been used in ages and proceeded to hem trousers, fix son's coat, etc. all because GBSB showed people it was possible.

    I wish I qualified to sign up, but then on the other hand, I am sure I'd fall further apart than Lauren because of the time pressure and 'not' look beautiful at the same time!
    Sandy in the UK

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  77. Claudia really is like that on all the shows she does - her best was when she did Strictly Take 2 (the 'on the sofa' daily catch up show for our version of Dancing with the Stars). I think BBC2 hit the jackpot when they found Patrick. Ring a ding DING!

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  78. I never even heard of this show until I read this post, now I am hooked! Thanks for sharing it.

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  79. Thanks for posting about this the delightful show.

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  80. Gertie, thanks so much for the hook-up with this show. I LOVE it and cried like an idiot because Ann was so deserving and charming...

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  81. How wonderful to see who won in the end, simply the best sewer, and so gracious. BTW, I am British and I think Claudia is great, but clearly she divides opinion, as most interesting people do.

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  82. I am SO glad you blogged about this show. I watched the whole season and just loved it. When will America have this show?!

    igetmycraftyfrommymama.blogspot.com

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  83. Thanks to this blog post I got to watch it on YouTube. It was simply delicious! I want a tulip skirt now. I also want to sit in that cafe, but most of all I want to be allowed a few hours all alone in that haberdashery shop. The name haberdashery is poetry.

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  84. ohmygosh! i loved it! wanted to watch it when you first blogged about it but didnt get around toit. but kids are back in school and i have several days off so i sat with some knitting and tea and watched this. i smiled i teared up i laughed, i oohed and ahed aver the fabrics and projects:! Now i'm off to try and finish my curretn sewing project. really want to finish it because my next project is the portrait blouse from your book and i cant wait to get on it! cant wait til tomorrow to watch ep 2 <3

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  85. Hi! A truly inspiring blog and this is so exciting and fun! Great to know more sewing people in this blogsphere :)

    Cheers!
    www.adesays.wordpress.com

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  86. I think that if there is a US version, you'll be the US Paddy Grant! ;)
    Bisous

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  87. Oh Dear, I just clicked and watched the first 2 mins and had to race back and comment that Im likely to be glued to the screen hence forth... no meals for my lot this week! Thanks (:l) Gertie for luring this mother/wife off to La La Land......

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  88. OMG I love this show. If this show ever comes to the states (all fingers crossed and praying), I will quit my job and dedicate all of my waking hours to bettering my sewing skills so that I can ROCK that show!

    And seriously, Patrick is crazy good looking (I think he has some sort of degree in engineering too - which just adds to his hotness). Ring-a-ding-DING indeed.

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  89. Would you be interested in hosting a season 1 sew along? The info about the patterns that they used can be found here:
    http://thethriftystitcher.co.uk/the-great-british-sewing-bee-insider-tips-from-episode-one/
    http://thethriftystitcher.co.uk/great-british-sewing-bee-inside-tips-from-episode-2/
    http://thethriftystitcher.co.uk/great-british-sewing-bee-insider-tips-from-the-semi-final/
    http://thethriftystitcher.co.uk/the-great-british-sewing-bee-finale-insider-tips/
    PS I was so inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee that I sewed this dress: http://www.nestfullofeggs.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-great-british-sewing-bee-dress.html

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  90. I would love to be on that show, but I'm not nearly good enough yet. Nor am I British... might be a slight hindrance.

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  91. I LOVED it!!! I have watched it FOUR times already!!! I have grown so attached at this point I might have to watch it again :P
    I had already followed Tilly for a long time so it was great seeing her on telly :)

    http://sewbambisew.blogspot.com.au

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  92. After seeing this post I had to look for it. The link you put up has been taking down, but I found the first episode. I don't watch fashion shows, but I could watch this one.

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  93. I thought your version was Project Runway?

    PS Your red n white dress in your intro is my dream dress. It makes me want to learn to sew.

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  94. "delighted, charmed, entertained, touched, and inspired to sew" ... couldn't agree more!! Can't wait for next season. Almost wish I was a Brit so I could throw my name in the hat. :-D

    I would love to see an American version done with that same style. Can we do it without being mean and snarky? The way they treated each other was a huge part of the charm.

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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