I seem to recall on the pre-show that showed their auditions, Anya said she had been *designing* clothing for a while, but only *sewing* for 4 months prior to the audition.
That I can believe. Designing, and subsequently having people create patterns from and sew from said designs, does not equate to being able to sew. Plus, the auditions were held months before the first episode, so she had more time to work on her skills.
I can see it being possible, that she has only been doing her own manufacturing for less than a year, based on my experiences with quilting.
And no, I don't like this year's cast much either. And I'm getting a bit tired of MK. I don't understand why they keep elevating crappy designs and trashing good ones.