'The feet are fabulous!' – The hunt is on to find Britain's best knitter in the Game of Wool

The first episode of Game of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter has just aired, and it's already a hit! Over the course of eight weeks, the nation will watch on tenterhooks as ten of the country's best knitters battle it out to be crowned Britain's Best Knitter.

Set in beautiful Ayrshire, the first episode introduced us to the Yarn Barn (every knitter's dream). Surrounded by stunning countryside and stocked with all the yarn and haberdashery a crafter could ever want, we're convinced the colourful Yarn Barn is destined to become as iconic as the Sewing Bee studio and Bake Off tent.

Let's talk about the first episode!

Our first impression of the show was that we absolutely love soft-spoken judges Di and Shelia. What a wonderful pair they are! We're also so impressed with the diverse line-up of contestants. From 18-year-old students to ex-marine builders, all ten contestants shared their passion for knitting with the world, and it was a beautiful sight to behold.

Each week, the contestants will be given two tasks: a Solo Challenge and a Group Challenge. For the first solo challenge of the series, the knitters were tasked with creating a Fair Isle tank top which reflected their own personality and story.

Challenge one: Fair Isle tank tops

This reimagining of the traditional Scottish Fair Isle design challenged the contestants' creativity, construction and speed – we've never seen such speedy knitting! With just 12 hours to complete their designs, the tension in the barn was palpable.

We loved Holger's emotional support chicken and Issac's adorable 'silly goose' themed top. Gordon opted for a more traditional approach, which involved steeking—a risky technique in which the knitter cuts the head and arm holes from the finished design.

The hours flew by, and each contestant started to feel the pressure, with Dipti even telling Tom Daley that she was too busy to talk (we've all been there!). Then it was time for Di and Shelia to judge the first challenge of the series with Tom modelling each tank top (we've been told there's some exciting guest judges and models to come!)

Everyone can knit nowadays without shame or embarrassment

– Gordon

Sadly, Gordon's steeking didn't pay off, and Dipti's tank top didn't fit. We loved Meadow's modern design, but our favourite had to be Lydia's Ghanaian-inspired knit. Featuring symbols representing love and unity, we loved the colours and the meaning behind her design.

Challenge two: sofa covers

Next, the knitters were split into two teams and tasked with creating an imaginative sofa cover in just 10 hours. The two teams took very different approaches. Holger led the way for team one, creating an ombre sofa cover made from large knitted cables.

Issac came up with an ambitious sunset design for team two's sofa cover, which morphed into a holiday scene featuring a sandy beach, starry sky and crashing waves. Issac attempted the notoriously tricky intarsia stitch for his sunset design, which cost the team precious time.

The feet are fabulous!

– Di

Judged blind, Di and Shelia had no idea which contestants were on each team, and they weren't afraid of sharing their true opinion. The holiday-themed sofa fell short with the judges, who criticised its cohesion and lack of finesse. The cable knit sofa cover won the challenge thanks to its overall look, but was still judged for a lack of ambition – Di and Shelia are ruthless when it comes to judging.

So who was cast off?

This week's Big Knitter title was awarded to Aisha for her incredible beach theme tank top. Who knew you could put a porthole in a knitted top? She was given a baaa-dge of excellence, cementing her place in the competition.

Sadly, the judges chose to cast off Gordon this week. His steeking technique didn't quite pay off, sending him home from the Yarn Barn.

We can't wait for next week's Game of Wool episode, where an unlikely combination will appear on our screens... knitting and dogs!

Make your very own blanket with our new knit-along

In celebration of Game of Wool, we've teamed up with our friends over at Simply Knitting to bring you a new knit-along! Each Monday, a new section of the Lace & Blooms blanket will be released, ready for you to knit along with Sunday's episode.

Knitting not your thing? Take part in our crochet along instead!