My guest appearance on Sew It All TV!
I’ve been meaning to share this with you all for a while. Several weeks ago, I flew to Colorado to film an episode of the new PBS sewing show, Sew It All!
It was a really interesting experience overall. The host is Ellen March, who also happens to be the managing editor of Sew News magazine. While Sew It All usually brings guests on to show step-by-step projects, Ellen asked me to use the show to explain some of the fundamentals of working with sewing patterns. I was thrilled to be asked, because video seems a perfect format for showing some of the fine points of using patterns and fabric.
On the other hand, I was pretty nervous. I’m not used to doing video, and I am generally a quiet person. I won’t lie, I am not a TV personality. I lean way more toward laid back than energetic, and I’m not sure TV is made for the calm and soft spoken. But whatever, my excitement obviously far outweighed the fear, and it ended up being really fun! I’m learning that I enjoy this kind of thing, even if it feels weird or difficult.
The other challenging thing about it was that the whole half-hour show was done in one long take. Remember, this is PBS, so there weren’t commercial breaks. Having to remember all the steps and everything I wanted to say, while also trying to ignore the cameras and act and speak normally was really hard. Luckily, Ellen was a complete pro and kept things moving seamlessly. She makes it look easy.
But just as an aside, here is one thing I don’t know if I could get used to when it comes to TV: the makeup! Oh my goodness. Obviously, you have to wear a lot more makeup for TV than you would normally. And from what I could see, under the cameras and bright lights I looked perfectly normal. But wow, I felt like I was going to prom!
After the show, we took the opportunity to stick around Denver for a couple days. It’s a beautiful city and reminds me in some ways of Portland, except with sturdy brick buildings and better Mexican food. There were flowers in bloom everywhere, and the weather was gorgeous much of the time. It was a welcome change from the Spring rain here in Oregon. Here I am kicking back on our hotel balcony with a glass of bubbly.
So that was my first TV adventure! If you’re interested in seeing the show, it will be airing this Fall. No one can tell me exactly when, because not all PBS affiliates will carry it or show it at the same time. But I’ll keep you posted if I find out more!
Comments
Swan
June 3, 2011 #
This is amazing and just makes me smile. Congratulations!! I love the balcony lounging. Yey.
Stephanie
June 3, 2011 #
How cool! :) Please do let us know if you hear when it is airing!
Melissa
June 3, 2011 #
Congrats Sarai, you are amazing! Can’t wait to see it!
Deedrie
June 3, 2011 #
Hooray!! I dvr Sew it All so I never miss an episode! I’m looking forward to seeing you on it this fall.
Lauren
June 3, 2011 #
congratulations on your tv appearance :) how exciting!! can’t wait to see it :)
Sarai
June 3, 2011 #
Thanks everyone!
Corvus
June 3, 2011 #
I just moved to Denver- they film a sewing show here? Now I love it even more.
What’s your favorite mexican restaurant you tried? I’m still in the early exploration stages of resettling.
Sarai
June 6, 2011 #
Actually, it’s filmed in Golden, but we did stay in Denver. :)
I’m afraid I don’t remember… only that we went to a taqueria and it was great!
Carlotta Stermaria
June 4, 2011 #
Congratulations! Do you have any idea wether non-American audiences would be able to watch it? Half an hour class on pattern-making would certainly be interesting!
Sarai
June 6, 2011 #
I don’t know yet, but I’ll keep you all posted if I find out. I’d love it if it were available online in the future.
Casey
June 4, 2011 #
What an amazing opportunity for you Sarai! Here’s hoping I can catch it sometime–we don’t have tv (well, just for watching movies ;), but it sounds amazing!
Sarai
June 6, 2011 #
We’re the same… no TV really, just our computers for movies. But luckily my parents have Tivo. :)
Hillary
June 4, 2011 #
This is very exciting; congratulations! Keep us posted if you find out they ever post online episodes; I know a few PBS shows have made it to hulu and the like. I’m another who opts to no longer have regular TV; but I do miss this kind of thing.
Cherie
June 6, 2011 #
Sarai, congrats on the filming opp, very cool. I am just getting back into sewing after a 10-year hiatus, and need all the inspiration I can get! I’m loving your patterns also, will be buying some as soon as I’m set up!
Also, I did email my PBS station to tell them to carry the show!
Sarai
June 6, 2011 #
That’s awesome, I’m sure they appreciate it!
Katrina
June 7, 2011 #
I was just in Denver visiting friends, and I had the same thought as you on how similar it was to Portland! Only with much better Mexican food and a lot more sunshine. :)
Glad you had a good trip, and congrats on the show!