2026 Fashion On The Ration Challenge

Cherryfudge

Thanks for the reminder! I meant to watch and other things got in the way. There's always catch up TV over the weekend.

Baileys_Babe

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82073197#Comment_82073197

I agree, but I always feel with programmes of this format that nobody should get evicted in the first 2 weeks and then evict 3 people in week 3 and then the standard 1 person evicted per week. That way everyone gets a couple of episodes to get over their nerves and display their skills and the judging should be done on the previous 9 rounds.

PollyWollyDoodle

I agree with that, Week 1 always feels too soon. I’m watching with some enjoyment but I find myself getting irritated about the time limits. I know they have to put some restrictions in, but it just seems daft to me to expect people to make something of quality in the limited time available. Most of them are either going to rush it or leave something undone.

It would also be good if there was more explanation, in the first series I’m sure I remember much more detail about how to do things.

PipneyJane

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82074082#Comment_82074082

Agreed @Baileys_Babe. I do wonder about the criteria used to select the contestants. Do they have to show a portfolio of garments? Write an essay? It is quite obvious that some of the contestants are much more experienced than others, which makes me think the production company are only interested in “looks good on TV” however cruel that may be.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82072057#Comment_82072057

Good purchase @CapricornLass. They will last you years, so a wise use of your coupons. FWIW, I’m still wearing the pair that I purchased over a decade ago. (Don’t remember when, but I know I bought a replacement pair in Wellington, New Zealand, in November 2018, because these were showing wear, but they aren’t dead yet. The replacements are in the bottom of the wardrobe.)

• Pip

daisy_1571

I agree they should all get a couple of weeks, they do it now for strictly so why not. I didn't agree with the assessment of why they picked the one to go. Its called gb 'sewing' b bit gd 'design and ambition' b. The best sewer should have stayed in my view. If they'd said that to me I'd have been feeling very miffed indeed

maryb

Confession time. I am blowing my coupon budget big time. I lost a lot of weight a couple of years ago and my winter coat and everyday jacket looked awful. I went through last winter with a down anorak which I didn’t really like If it was mild it was too hot and if it was wet the rain ran off it and soaked my legs. I dithered too long about buying a decent wool coat and found my size was sold out everywhere. I’m also quite fussy about fabric. Every time I go into Hobbs I go HOW much??? for a coat that’s a third plastic. Part of the problem was not being able to decide between black and navy as a neutral. It’s easier to get black accessories but I never feel quite right wearing black with navy, as if I got dressed in the dark

So I have ordered in good time this year. I have gone for a smart black coat (sadly, we are at the age where we have funerals to go to) AND a maroon/brown/green tweed jacket cut exactly like aBarbour but which will be a lot warmer for every day wear. And it goes with every colour in my wardrobe. Both of them are 100 percent wool and there was a really good deal on them

Maybe 2027 will be the year I finally stick to my ration

CapricornLass

Another spend to declare - 6 coupons for 2 pairs of cycling shorts. Not that I really need more shorts, but the ones I have are - well- short. I can at least wear these in public!

Cherryfudge

I bought yet more socks on Friday - as a gift. I think that's 12 pairs bought this year and no other new clothes!

maryb

The tweed Barbour style coat didn't fit right. Shame but that's money and coupons saved. Here's hoping the smart black coat will be ok. I do hate buying online. The cost of sending things back is not insgnificant and it's an expensive trying on charge!

Laura_Elsewhere

I must sort out my coupons- I have a scribbled note somewhere…! ;)

I made the sunflower-dress and have been wearing it happily. First version was awful, real weepy-fit stuff, but I left it for a couple of weeks, and dismantled it and it worked second time round with some on-the-hoof changes.

I bought sandals and hiking shoes, but have to take back the hiking shoes as one of the lacing-loops has just shredded completely after wearing once. Not impressed, do a refund and will look elsewhere…