Thelma begins the search for her ten new trainees. All of them are gypsies or travellers, some left school at 11 and some are unable to read, write or even tell the time.
Thelma's girls begin their course in dressmaking. Feisty teen Irish traveller Margaret struggles with authority and clashes with fellow trainee Bridget.
Thelma mixes family and business, inviting Margaret to stay in her own home. Pressure mounts for the team as tragedy hits Grace's family and she has to leave to attend a traditional gypsy funeral.