Project Runway, Season 8, episode 1 (no spoilers!)

Project Runway Season 8 started tonight. I watched the show (and will probably watch it again while sewing, if it's available on the On Demand schedule). My initial observations and reactions are:

1. It's an awful feeling when you realize that you have in your stash the fabric being dissed by the judges (either the exact fabric or it's cousin). Well, I can use it for a different garment. On the bright side, I also have material that is similar to the fabric that was used in the winning garment. Of course, it was mentioned in a silk purse/sow's ear context. Yah, I have the sow's ear. Several yards of it in different colors.
2. Most belly dancers don't dress like that. Well, maybe the skirt, but not the top. Unless they are intoxicated...
3. I like the longer format but the extra 30 minutes seemed to be absorbed by the large herd of designers. I'm hopeful that we will see more of the design process when there are fewer designers.
4. If I were on the show, I would pack a sarong, sari, or pashima shawl for fashion emergencies. Didn't any of the designers read articles on how to save space when packing for travel?
5. The Lifetime commercials are getting better. The movies still feature strong women characters, but they don't seem to be as cloying as they were during the last season. However, I do anticipate that by mid-August, I'll want to discipline all those high school students who attended the party where that main character's husband died under mysterious circumstances. "Just tell the truth right away and you will save many people from suffering and agony!"
6. The Austin Scarlett/Santino Rice show is strangely engaging. It's a combination of makeover show and a fish out-of-water show. I was expecting the designers to be very snarky, but they were very respectful which was a nice surprise.