I have long been a fan of what could be called DIY shows but that really isn’t quite accurate. From the New Yankee Workshop to This Old House, from The French Chef to America’s Test Kitchen, from Sewing With Nancy to Fons and Porter I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about a topic or two that I might, or might not, have any prior knowledge about.
When we started gaining access to The Great British Baking Show, I started learning a lot about non-American baking. As a rather decent baker, this show was eye opening and fascinating. With Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry as judges, not to mention eventually Pru Leith, I couldn’t help but learn a lot.
A few years ago I happened across The Great British Sewing Bee and was immediately captivated. I am NOT a garment maker, I am a quilter. Totally different skill set. That being said, I have been fascinated by garment construction even though I have had no interest in trying it myself. The Sewing Bee has been an education in and of itself. With top sewing teachers and a Savile Row tailor, it is impossible not to learn a lot about construction.
Recently I came across The Great Pottery Throw Down. I can’t begin to tell you how much I have learned about a process, a skill set, that I had never really given much thought to before.
When I would think about pottery what came to mind was tableware. It never dawned on me that pottery includes hand made tiles, sinks, lamp bases, sculpture, and a whole lot more. Watching the show has taught me so much, not to mention given me a greater appreciation for the processes involved.
There are loads of reality competition shows out there but the ones that really interest me are the ones where I can watch enthusiasts develop their skills, create amazing things and support their fellow contestants.
I may never use the skills I’ve seen but I can appreciate what I have learned. Then again, one day I might decide to give one of these processes a try. You never know!
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