I sewed the last sashing strip on the Swoon quilt about five minutes ago and once I finish my egg and cheese sandwich, I'm off to buy batting and backing. Since there are about 10,000 threads to snip, a whole lot of pins to baste it and hours of quilting and binding time ahead, I'm looking for some good TV/streaming suggestions. I've seen Downton Abbey, I love Law & Order and I've been known to watch a fair share of HGTV and the Food Network while stitching, but I need something new! Please, tell me…what do you watch when you are working on a project? Jane and I both thank you.
Oooh. I can’t wait to see! Enjoy quilting this lovely quilt. I just finished watching Bleak House (you may have already seen it, but I loved it!).
For tv series, I liked Bones and Dr. Who. Both have about 5 seasons available. I also like to watch old movies. I’m looking forward to seeing the responses, because I’m looking for something new, too.
for something lighthearted, I’ll get into bed and watch the “Marriage Ref” (Jerry Seinfeld created it)…it always gives me a good laugh! You can find it on Hulu.
I am in love with NCIS. Good characters, stories, and Mark Harmon! And plenty of seasons to watch!
I’d suggest, Doc Martin, which you can stream on Hulu. Great british dramedy.
Cuteness – can’t wait to see the full view! š
I’ve heard good things about Friday Night Lights.
I’ve been watching all eight seasons of 24 on Netflix streaming while I sew. You don’t have to pay really close attention all the time to get what’s going on, but it’s still pretty exciting — great for multitasking. And I second the nod to Doc Martin: LOVE IT!
While quilting this weekend, I watched “Melissa and Joey” on Hulu or Netflix. Its an ABC Family show starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence. Its okay. Light-hearted. Entertaining for mind-numbing sewing. š
I have no idea if you can stream it but Friday Night Lights is an absolutely fantastic show.
Can’t wait to see the finished project, so I hope some of these work for you;
Doc Martin is lovey, and I love Fry and Laurie in Jeeves and Wooster, also, old school either To the Manor Born or The Good Life, and for crime fun, how about Midsomer Murders… I am really listing my secret shame TV viewing. Love it all.
British mysteries: Inspector Lewis, Marple, Poirot, Inspector Lynley… Also enjoyed the quirky Doc Martin, and Monarch of the Glen. Seems I need some kind of British accent to accompany my stitching š
Bones, is another favorite.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!
I heard Parks and Rec was good but I never wanted to watch it. Finally we got desperate and ended up watching them every night until we ran out. The first season isn’t that good, but I’d read to stick with it, and the second season is GREAT. Wish the third season would come out already . . . .
Can’t wait to see the finished quilt!!
Congratulations on a finished top!!
I’d say A Good Wife, but it looks like you’re already a fan.
Did you watch the HBO mini series Mildren Pierce? Fan-tastic!
Happy quilting!
I can’t wait to see it finished! I’m completely obsessed with Swoon right now, I have got to start my own.
‘Big Bang Theory’ is really funny, although it might not be great with kids around, it’s definitely PG-13. But really smart and hilarious and fun.
There was a summer series on the USA network called ‘Suits’ that was quite entertaining.
And if you haven’t seen the BBC series called ‘Sherlock’ its FANTASTIC. Three, hour-and-a-half episodes of Sherlock Holmes set in modern London? Yes please!
These are good suggestions! And I can’t wait to see the finished product (you’re nearly there.)
netflix has a bunch of great PBS/National Geographic series for streaming. Our National Parks is a great one and those are safe for young eyes and ears. If it’s just mama watching and you like campy T.V, I really enjoyed Desperate Housewives (not proud of this trashy T.V watching!) but I loved working on projects while watching/listening. It’s soooo bad yet sooo good.
I’m a huge fan of Doc Martin as well. We just watched and loved the Number One Ladies’ Detective Agency. Based on the books. Fun, a heartwarming sense of ethics, and set in Botswana! Can’t wait to see the quilt!
Lisa Clarke mentioned British mysteries — I love those, too. Plus we just discovered Kavanaugh QC on dvd at our public library. Kind of like a serious version of Rumpole of the Bailey. It stars John Thaw, who played Inspector Morse (Inspector Lewis’ old boss).
BBC’s Sherlock was good. For mini series, I recommend BBC’s North and South and Bleak House.
The first thing that came to mind was the new Sherlock. So good! I can’t wait to see that quilt!
I’m a hard core HGTV house hunters junkie, I especially love the House Hunters International. Chalk it up to being nosy, or wondering how differently people live in other countries, it usually what is on my TV. I’d like to get into books on tape, by sis swears by them š
I have to agree with others. BBC’s Sherlock is fantastic! It’s instant play on Netflix.
Agree on Sherlock, Doc Martin, but don’t forget there is always anything by Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte :). Good luck!
Bones….or BBCs Larkrise to Candleford. Beautiful quilt…I’m going to make it for my little girl.
Have you ever watched The West Wing? (pre-teen appropriate as well which is a bonus if the kids will be in and out of the room – don’t be put off by the side story in first couple episodes; not indicative of the series) BEST SERIES EVER… and I’m convinced it makes you smarter! I presume you watch Project Runway? Always good background.
Are you a diehard Arrested Development fan yet? If not – you need to watch ASAP! Best series ever!!!!
Prison Break – not only is it all available for streaming on Netflix AND is a gripping show, the male lead, Wentworth Miller is so easy on the eyes! Also lots and lots of the Cosby Show. And West Wing – thought that is more a knitting-in-front-of-the-tv kind of show because I would hate for the sewing machine to drown out the awesome dialogue.
Parks and Rec, Seasons 2 & 3. Season 1 is “eehhh”.
I should mention, there are episodes of Parks and Rec that are NOT child appropriate. Particularly the Ron and Tammy episodes. Just FYI…
I loved the series Life After People. Fascinating!
Pretty! Bones, In Plain Sight, Cosby, Numbers…we like our streaming TV shows.
friday night lights is on netflix….and sons of anarchy is also. we have watched both of these shows over the summer. (ps.SOA is not appropriate for kids imo)
You must watch the BBC production of North and South, starring Richard Armitage. Uh-maz-ing. So good. I watch it over and over! It’s on Netflix!
I love love love this Miniseries too (not to be confused with the American one of the same name but very different story). I watch it all the time when sewing. Best thing Richard Armitage has done – he is up there with Colin Firth for brooding!
I love love love this Miniseries too (not to be confused with the American one of the same name but very different story). I watch it all the time when sewing. Best thing Richard Armitage has done – he is up there with Colin Firth for brooding!
I’m sure this will be another beautiful quilt!
How about Parenthood. Don’t know if it’s on Netflix, but you can find it on the NBC website or on Hulu. The 3rd season begins soon so you can probably watch 2 seasons and be all caught up for fall!
Mad Men!!
Try The Tudors…there are like a million hours of it!
I second Friday Night Lights if you haven’t watched them yet. You can stream them on Netflix, etc. I loved them so much!!Have you seen the Pillars of the Earth mini series? That was another good one to sew to. The quilt is going to be amazing. Can’t wait to see it.
I am a huge fan of Masterpiece Theatre–both Classic and Mystery. Anything from that genre is perfect. However, my guilty pleasure this summer was watching Season One of The Walking Dead (an AMC series). I got the DVD set from my library and watched them all over a 2 day period. It was fantastic! The quilt is going to be divine. Happy stitching!!
I’ve been rewatching Mad Men (now streaming on netflix!) while finishing up my Alabama Chanin dress. Since I’ve seen it once, I don’t have to pay perfect attention to the show, which is nice when I need to pay attention to my stitches.
I’ve used Band of Brothers, the extended versions of the Lord of the Rings movies, and Friday Night Lights for long stretches of sewing/basting/quilting. Recently I watched The Forsyte Saga, a 2002 miniseries – you might like it if you liked Downton Abbey – very melodramatic.
Most of our shows around here are for geeky homeschoolin’ types because that’s what we watch. š There is a series called Life After People…very interesting to see how scientists predict what will happen to common everyday things–like nuclear reactors! Along with computer generated hypotheses, they also use real life examples of buildings being reclaimed by nature or what have you to support their theories. Also Mythbusters is another favourite around here. Or how about a little Bob Ross? He’s my favourite show on t.v.–has been since i was about 12 or 13. š
Good luck with the quilt finishing! We’re all excited to see it. You are one of the ladies that has inspired me with her creations–this summer i made a quilt top and this weekend my mom and i are taking a free hand quilting class so it can be finished over the fall. Now to learn how to bind a quilt and i’ll be set. š
I’m sure it’s been mentioned, but the Tudors is great and I second Arrested Development. Although neither would be appropriate for Jane! Otherwise, Bones is always a favorite.
Downton Abbey series two starts in the UK this very weekend…
Doc Martin, for sure!
Lost in Austen, if you are into period and comedy … really fun! find on youtube (lost in austen ep. 1)
Cosby is so great! Also even though it is a kid show Avatar the Last Airbender (the cartoon). Seriously such a great series, the story is excellent enough for adults to enjoy and though the charaters are centered around teens they talk kindly to each other and you do not see any one die (a huge bonus for me as most dramatic shows you see people after they are shot ie CSI shows). I can’t say enough good things about it! Plus it’s so cute to watch my daughter try to water bend.
If you like Law and Order, try Rizzoli and Isles. It is on TNT and stars Angie Harmon. I also love Parenthood. Can’t wait to see your finished project! I love your quilts!
Big Bang Theory is my favorite show ever. Probably most enjoyable if you’re a bit nerdy! š
Castle–Seasons 1-3 available on itunes, maybe netflix. Season 4 starts September 19. Fun and addictive! Our go-to family show.
I love the show Castle. It has many seasons and the new season starts next wk. Awesome show!,, also GLEE can be streamed on Netflix. Easy to listen to and fun to hear the music, love it!
Ballykissangel (PBS) – you can get the series at the library. A small village in Ireland with a new, young priest coming into town and all of the characters he meets. Front and center where everyone meets is the pub of course! The scenery is beautiful and the actors are terrific.
Did you watch the 2nd season of The Good Wife? I loved that one.
The Emma mini-series was fantastic, and you and Jane could definitely enjoy that one together.
I watched Pillars of the Earth during my last big project and LOVED it. Also Project Runway of course….
oooh! So many good suggestions here, and I’ll add a few to the list:
Weeds~prolly not the best for the young’uns but GOOD GOOD!
Lie to Me~good for sewing as it gets repetitive quickly but some cute fellows and accents š
24~has been mentioned. Love Keifer!
Damages~a bit cliche here and there but worthwhile while crafting
I really loved Bleak House as well~
Happy sewing!
music for me. just music. š
xx
I have really enjoyed the summer season of shows on USA. I checked and some are on “On Demand”. Necessary Roughness, Suits, Royal Pains, Covert Affairs, all were great. So great in fact I don’t understand why they are not on regular TV. Have fun !
For British miniseries I loved Cranford, Wives and Daughters, Jeeves and Wooster, and Sherlock. I’ve been rewatching Mad Men this summer while nursing my newborn and I can say it’s totally worth repeat viewings. If you want funny, I’d recommend Party Down. It took me an episode or two to get into it, but once I did I spent many, many hours laughing out loud.
Law & Order reruns are my very favorite project watching–since I’ve already seen them all a dozen times, I can watch with half a brain while the other half concentrates on the task at hand. Have you tried Law & Order: UK, on BBC? It’s recycled L&O plots, with British accents. How can you beat that??
This is good couch-crafting weather we are having, isn’t it? I will be knitting this weekend as well! Enjoy!
My suggestion too.
Doc Martin is a great suggestion, as is the new Sherlock Holmes PBS aired last year. If you like Law and Order and Downton Abbey, you might like MI5(Spooks) because it is british and a crime drama. You might also like Wallander, which also aired on PBS. The Good Wife is good stuff and if you loke scifi, give Fringe a try. Enjoy and can’t wait to see the quilt. :0)
I second Parks and Rec.
I just bought the SWOON pattern and am deliberating about fabric choices. I can’t wait to get started. Hurry on up and show yours off to inspire me! š Any handy tips on the construction of this one????
the only tip i can think of is to press the seams open. there are lots of points that match up and this made it easier for me!
Bones! And I have been getting the Agatha Christie BBC productions, Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot…amazing!
you can watch all of Friday Night Lights with Jane on Netflix!
I listen to books–you can find most any thing from romance novel to great mysteries.
I’m also a big fan of Downton Abbey (new season starts in just over a week here)but I also love Southland, Dexter, True Blood is ok, The Killing and Falling Skies….and one of the best The Walking Dead (new series of this starting here in october…can’t wait!!!) š
White Collar is awesome.
the bbc planet earth series is perfect making stuff tv. It’s not streaming on netflix, but it’s worth the little wait. The caves one is crazy good!
Parks and Rec!!! When Adam Scott becomes involved, it is the most hysterical show ever. Also love Suits, Burn Notice, and the Closer… And Puh-leeeze tell me you’re watching Project Runway, which is, of course, almost too distracting for sewing but HIGHLY entertaining. xo
Pride and Prejudice is lovely. Also, what about Spooks, BBC1’s spy drama, that’s fantastic. And Lewis, which I see someone else has also mentioned. They are all really great. And for something American, I have been enjoying Lie to Me – just wish there were more than four series.
the series I watched when doing miles of parallel stitches on a quilt was by Starz, Pillars of the Earth. I had read the book, so I didn’t have to be paying constant attention, but it was still great! 7 episodes, one hour each. Now when I sew I listen to audiobooks, then i don’t even have to look up from my sewing to be fully immersed in a fantastic story.
I’d love to recommend some shows! Stop by my blog and click on the Movies and also Television labels (on the right hand side). Happy stitching!
I don’t really know you or your taste, but these are my guilty pleasures lately:
Mad Men
Bones
Babylon 5 (from the 90’s)
Lots of great streaming suggestions. I’m a BBC type though I also loved West Wing. I’m currently enjoying Bramwell. About a british woman MD in the 1890s.
I am a huge Joss Whedon fan, and I’m planning to watch Firefly when my 4 year old is not in the room and I’m working on projects. Not sure if it’s appropriate for your daughter though. I also enjoy watching Voyager, Smallville, and Veronica Mars.
Oh my goodness, the BBC Sherlock IS fantastic – I definitely second that! I also third and fourth it if that’s allowed. š Although now that I’m scanning down I see that others echoed this…
Personally, I watch a lot of Grey’s Anatomy. I just started Mad Men – quite liking it so far. When Master Chef or Hell’s Kitchen is on, I like those too – I can listen without having to really watch.
Better Off Ted…tv series (Hulu or Netflix can’t remember now)…funny! Wish there were more of them!