Episode One - Great British Sewing Bee. Jenni's story.

BOOM - The Secret's Out.

There was only one way for me to watch the premier of The Great British Sewing Bee Series Two. With bunting, beautifully handmade cupcakes (made by Charlotte Hall), popcorn and prosecco at the ready, surrounded by friends and family. We eagerly sat down to watch along with 3.1 million other viewers.

As soon as it began we all squealed! It was amazing! The big secret was finally, in this case, being projected on a big screen for all to see! I was on the telly. It's really weird seeing yourself from angles that only other people can see I must admit! I can see why Claudia Winkleman doesn't watch herself, even though I think she is wonderful. I was cringing!

Putting my self-deprecation aside, it was a joy to watch the other contestants. I finally got to see what they were doing. I knew I was surround by some talented sewers, but WOW seriously, it is only now that what I felt has been confirmed.

So I had to go bold! Challenge one being the pattern challenge, I knew I wanted to put my mark on the Bee, by choosing fabric that I would seriously wear! I loved that fabric, but it could have gone very wrong! So glad the nerves didn't make me forget to make sure my pattern ran down the front. PHEW. However under the eagle eye of May Martin, my under-stitching let me down. I honestly didn't know what that was at that point. I understood what it was achieving but I didn't know that it needed to be so close to the edge/seam. With feedback taken on board and ranking 4 in the first challenge, I was pleased.

Challenge two and its down to alterations. I HAVE NEVER WORKED WITH WOOL EVER. This was scary. I didn't know how it was going to handle under the needle, but once I got my hands on the skirt. I was put at ease, a little. Starting as I mean to go on. I asked myself 'what would you make for yourself?' DUNGAREES!!! Not to May and Patrick Grant's taste it seemed but hey, I would wear it so who cares! Luckly the skirt was my size and I did put it on, but sorry no pictures taken. It was fun as I had the other contestants in stitches as I had the dungarees over my trousers!  It took an age to turn those straps out and the shots don't leave much to the imagination if so inclined. But keeping with the pack at 5th position. I left for the day feeling uneasy. Was I doing enough?

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Next day, with the made to measure challenge ahead of me. I was nervous. Stepping into uncharted territory, I was going to make my Silk nightgown. Inspired by Rear Window's Grace Kelly. You know the scene where she is standing in the bathroom doorway, with that stunning gown.  Well that's the one! My first ever self drafted pattern constructed out of newspaper in my kitchen, I was now going to make it out of silk. A fabric I have never used before and didn't practice with. I was seriously jumping into the deep end. With wonderful coloured silk and lace flying around the sewing room. I tried to not let my plain but classic ivory silk with no lace, get the better of me. Silk is a tough cookie, and with 24 tucks I was begining to regret the bold move. Such a beautiful model who might be cat walking without a gown. I felt I was letting myself down and doubting why I should even be there. I just didn't have the experience behind me as I had only been sewing approximately a year at that point. With the judges not holding back - I was out of there it seemed. Standing in that line for what seemed an age, waiting for a response. My heart stopped a beat when I heard I was staying. That non of us would be going. Oh my life, I have a second chance!

So armed with a big hug from May and Patrick. Being told to have a little more faith in myself by all contestants and the judges. Taking on board their critical feedback, i'll stop being a 'naana', 'keep it snooty' and its onwards and upwards to episode two. go #teamjenni

Now I want to hear from you. What was your favourite garment, task, contestant and best bits?

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