The Great British Sewing Bee

I've just finished watching the first episode of this new programme, it was on last Tuesday on BBC 2, however I recorded and watched it latter as it clashed with Holby City!

I was intrigued and excited to see a programme about sewing with members of the public, albeit the "cream of amateur sewers" competing to make the best items. I enjoyed Project Catwalk when it was on a few years ago, which was way beyond my skills with pattern designing and drafting, but the "Sewing Bee" sounds like much more my level!

I understood the programme would take a similar format to 'The Great British Bake Off' and it did!  The first challenge was to make an 'A line'Skirt from a provided pattern in 3 hours.  The 2nd task was to alter and embellish the neckline of a simple top in 1 hour. And the 3rd task was to make a dress from a pattern of their own choosing, but to fit it to a live shapely model in 7 hours.

One sewer got sent home, having not proved herself, a 2nd contestant was supposed to go too,  but one had already gone home sick, so will be allowed back next week.  I personally would have sent a different contestant home from the results I could see!  But they seem to gloss over some of the contestants finished items, so I couldn't particularly judge.

I'm not sure that they really have the 'Cream' of amatuer sewers, but there again I'm not sure that  I would do a perfect job given the time restraints.  I shall be watching again this week, as although I have been sewing for many many years, I have learnt a thing or two... namely invisible zips! and I shall be buying an invisible zip foot for my machine.

Of course there is a book to accompany the programme, reviews appear good!  

Sarah xx

Call The Midwife Christmas Special

Once again, I was very privileged to be invited to a preview screening of 'Call the Midwife', this time it was the 'Christmas Special'. You can read about my first preview here). It was a Star studded event, as well as the some of the stars I met before, I met Cliff Parisi (Minty from Eastenders) who plays Fred, he is a lovely man, I hope he'll forgive me for suggesting he was in the Royle Family, I'd had a couple of glass of wine and was a little fuzzy at that point.  I also met the Midwife who advises and helps with the births on set, the medic and the lady who runs the Facebook, Call the Midwife Appreciation Society!

The Christmas Episode is fabulous, every thing you'd expect and more... A birth, Some drama, Some laughs, Another birth, Some tears, Some Christmas Tradition, Some heart wrenching, More laughs and overall, its a feel Good Christmas Drama! I Loved It! It is perfect for Christmas Day!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, I will be sure to tune in again Christmas Day @ 7.30pm.

By the way, Heidi Thomas, the script writer has written a companion book to go with the series, which will make a great Christmas Present for any fan The Life and Times of Call the Midwife

Sarah xx