British Sewing Bee Finalist Credits Science Background for Success

Yasmin Proctor-Kent, a research and development scientist at the cancer diagnostics company 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, Proctor-Kent, who is currently based in Melbourne, Australia, displayed waistcoats made by her dad behind her while competing on the show. This unique display showcased the skills of her father, a testament to the family's involvement in the sewing community. Proctor-Kent credits her scientific background for her success in the competition, stating that the skills she developed as a scientist can be applied to sewing and other crafts. "I love how the skills you develop as a scientist can be applied to sewing and other crafts," she said in an interview. "Like science, sewing requires creativity, as well as a methodical approach to problem-solving." The Great British Sewing Bee has a long history of featuring amateur sewers with diverse backgrounds, including scientists. Cell biologist Charlotte Newland, who won series four in 2016, left a career in scientific publishing to become a sewing teacher and now works as a birth and postnatal doula. Newland credits the sewing competition for making her more flexible and less terrified of not having a predictable work progression. "The sewing bee made me a lot more flexible and less terrified of not having a predictable work progression," she said. "I love how the skills you develop as a scientist can be applied to sewing and other crafts." The show's global reach and diverse cast have made it a staple of international television. The Great British Sewing Bee has been adapted in over a dozen countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The show's popularity has also inspired a community of amateur sewers, who share their projects and experiences on social media platforms. As for Proctor-Kent, she continues to work as a research and development scientist at Leica Biosystems. Her experience on the show has not only showcased her sewing skills but also highlighted the transferable skills between science and sewing. Proctor-Kent's success on the show serves as a reminder that creativity and problem-solving skills are essential in both scientific and artistic pursuits. In a statement, a spokesperson for Leica Biosystems praised Proctor-Kent's achievement, saying, "We are thrilled to see Yasmin's talents being recognized on a global stage. Her dedication to her work and her passion for sewing are an inspiration to us all."