Episode 1 summary

• The episode began with 12 new sewers being introduced to the competition.
• They were then tasked with making a twist top, which was a straightforward construction blouse top but with a twist!
• For the Transformation Challenge, the sewers had to take some old office wear – like, shirts, a pencil skirt and blouse – and gave it their own personality to reflect their style.
• Finally, in the Made to Measure round, the sewers met their models for the first time and attempted to perfectly fit and style a dress that had cut-out details.

The judges were impressed with the creativity and skill of the sewers, and there were some very close calls. In the end, it was Tony W who claimed garment of the week, with his elegant and stylish classic dress with a twist.

Here are some of the highlights from the episode:

• Aasma won the first round with a stunning twist top that was sewed perfectly. I think the other sewers need to be seriously worried about her, if she's like that on the first attempt!
• The Transformation Challenge was a lot of fun, and it was great to see the sewers put their own personal stamp on the office uniform. Matthew won this round with some half & half affair. It was very creative and I'm guessing reflects his personality. One half was business smart with frills, and the other was a bondage type affair but somehow he pulled it off and the judges loved it..
• The Made to Measure round was always going to be difficult, but the sewers rose to the challenge and produced some stunning dresses. Tony W's dress was the winner and also claimed him garment of the week!

• Catherine was the first sewer out of the competition, after she failed to finish any of her garments. Despite going out early, she was clearly popular as in the final round, all the other sewers rallied around to help her out, but sadly to no avail.

Just as the heat wave arrives in Derbyshire, next week's episode is Holiday week, so looking forward to lots of floaty, bright fabrics for those cool summer outfits.

Sewing Bee is on BBC1 at 9pm on Wednesday 1st June.