Hot on the heels of the 'Great British Bake Off' comes another creative competition series. Episode one (of four) is on BBC2 on Tuesday April 2 at 8pm. In the series, eight keen stitchers must show their sewing skills under the pressure of time, then have them judged by May Martin from the Women's Institute and Savile Row's Patrick Grant. As with the 'Great British Bake Off' one competitor is awarded garment of the week, and two leave.

The challenges include making an A-line skirt from scratch, customising the neckline of a purchased top, and making a dress. Two men and six women are taking part, ranging in age from 27 to 81, and the presenter is Claudia Winkelman.

I'm not sure whether the skills of sewing and dressmaking will translate as successfully as baking into a competition format. With the 'Great British Bake Off' most people could relate to what the bakers were going through, as most people cook and have used an oven, but I wonder whether the viewing public will grasp the sewing skills necessary in this new series.

Having said that, my TV is set to record the series!

Click here for the BBC's 'Great British Sewing Bee'

Stop press: click here for the laundry bag pattern from the first episode of 'Great British Sewing Bee'