Tonight sees the return of the Great British Sewing Bee, so I thought it would be a good time to go back to where it all started: Season One.

On 2 April 2013, the first episode of this quirky little show aired on BBC2. I’m not sure anyone really knew what to expect or whether it would work. Would an hour of watching people really make for interesting TV?

The answer – at least for me – is a resounding yes!

Repeats of the first series started airing on Really last week, or on the Dplay app if, like me, you only stream things now. Perfect timing to get me in the mood for the new series.

As soon as the music starts, I’m smiling. It almost feels like coming home. Time to settle in…

As we enter the sewing room for the first time, I can see sewers I recognise, and a few that I appear to have completely forgotten. There’s Patrick and May – I miss May! Don’t get me wrong, I like Esme, but May’s like the Mary Berry of sewing, she’s just a bit more approachable and seemed to focus more on technique.

The first challenge is an A-line skirt. Relatively simple – not too many pattern pieces, a couple of darts and a zip. I feel like I might manage this one (emphasis on might). I’ve done darts before but zips quite frankly scare me.

During the challenge we get to know the contestants a little more. Some, like Sandra, Ann and Tilly, I recognise immediately. Jane and Michelle I seem to have forgotten completely, which doesn’t bode well. I think I remember Lauren, but I coul she mixing her up with someone from another season.

I have to say, I’m so jealous of how much space they have to cut out. Such a dedicated space is so different from hoping my folded fabric will fit on the kitchen table (I haven’t dared cut on the floor yet – might be tricky with wolfhound laid on your fabric).

(Side note: I love Tilly’s top, I keep getting distracted by wondering where I can find something with those sleeves. I’m also bobbing my head along to the music as I watch)

I love how different the eight skirts are. I think this is what got me interested in sewing right here, how people can take the same pattern and just take it in completely different directions.

The alteration challenge here is one of the most simple seen across the series – I think they were still feeling their way at this point. Still, varied success with the results. Sandra and Mark made a pig’s ear of it and Jane’s fringing is… different… Let’s leave it there.

(Side note 2: Do we think Ann’s capable of doing anything less than impeccably?)

On to the made to measure challenge, these are always my favourite. There’s more time for them to do something more complex and you get to see more of their personalities. Plus, I’m in awe of anyone who can make stuff for other people. I’m still grappling with making clothes for myself.

I vaguely remember some of these dresses and the designs are shown on screen (that reversible dress).

Wait – man down! Jane’s been taken ill. Who remembered there was this much drama in the first episode? Poor Jane. At this point, I can’t remember if she makes it back.

Looking at the final dresses you can start to see people step away from the pack – and not all for good reasons. Michelle obviously attempted too much and Lauren’s is way too snug – can the poor girl breathe? I like the look of Mark and Tilly’s dresses. Ann and Sandra’s are obviously well made, but I’m not as keen on the styles.

It’s not a massive surprise who leaves, though I think Stuart had a lucky escape. Hope he does better next week.

All in all, it’s been nice to go back to the first episode. There was so much I’d forgotten. I definitely think there’s been a shift more towards design rather than technique in more recent series, but I guess things can’t stay still. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the new series.

I’ll end with my favourite quote from the show, courtesy of Stewart:

I’ve never made a skirt before Claudia – let alone an A-line!

And said with such attitude!

Enjoy the new series everyone!