British Sewing Bee Finalist Credits Science Background for Success

Yasmin Proctor-Kent, a research and development scientist at Leica Biosystems, reached the finals of the 2025 BBC series of The Great British Sewing Bee. The television competition, which has now completed 11 seasons and boasts more than a dozen international versions, tests amateur sewers' skills in pattern making, altering garments, and creating made-to-measure pieces under time pressure. According to sources close to the production, Proctor-Kent's experience as a scientist played a significant role in her success on the show. "I think my background in science helped me to approach sewing as a problem-solving exercise," Proctor-Kent said in an interview. "I was able to break down complex patterns and garments into smaller, manageable parts, and then reassemble them using my knowledge of materials and construction techniques." Proctor-Kent's achievement follows in the footsteps of other scientist contestants who have participated in the show. Cell biologist Charlotte Newland, who won series four in 2016, left her career in scientific publishing to become a sewing teacher and now works as a birth and postnatal doula. "The sewing bee made me a lot more flexible and less terrified of not having a predictable work progression," Newland said. "I love how the skills you develop as a scientist can be applied to sewing and other crafts. Like science, sewing requires creativity, as well as a methodical approach." The Great British Sewing Bee has become a global phenomenon, with international versions airing in over 20 countries. The show's success has sparked a renewed interest in sewing and textile arts, with many viewers turning to social media platforms to share their own sewing projects and connect with like-minded individuals. As for Proctor-Kent, she is currently based in Melbourne, Australia, and continues to work as a research and development scientist at Leica Biosystems. While she has no plans to leave her scientific career behind, she does intend to continue sewing and exploring the creative possibilities of the craft. "Sewing has given me a new outlet for my creativity and a sense of accomplishment that I don't always get from my work in science," Proctor-Kent said.