British Sewing Bee Finalist Credits Science Skills 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. Proctor-Kent, who is currently based in Melbourne, Australia, displayed waistcoats made by her dad behind her while competing on the show. The scientist's participation in the competition has sparked interest in the intersection of science and sewing, with many highlighting the skills and creativity developed in both fields. "I love how the skills you develop as a scientist can be applied to sewing and other crafts," Proctor-Kent 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 history of featuring scientist contestants, including cell biologist Charlotte Newland, who won series four in 2016. Newland 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." The show's emphasis on creativity and problem-solving has resonated with contestants from diverse backgrounds. "As a scientist, I'm used to working with data and evidence, but sewing requires a different kind of creativity," said Proctor-Kent. "It's been a great way to challenge myself and develop new skills outside of my day job." The Great British Sewing Bee has gained a global following, with international versions in countries such as the United States, Australia, and Japan. The show's popularity has led to the creation of sewing communities and online forums, where enthusiasts can share their projects and learn from one another. Proctor-Kent's participation in the competition has inspired others to explore the intersection of science and sewing. "It's amazing to see how the skills and creativity developed in science can be applied to other areas of life," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a science educator at the University of Melbourne. "Yasmin's experience is a great example of how science and sewing can complement each other." The Great British Sewing Bee has no plans to feature scientist contestants in the near future, but the show's producers have expressed interest in exploring the intersection of science and sewing in future episodes. Proctor-Kent's experience has shown that the skills and creativity developed in science can be applied to a wide range of activities, including sewing and other crafts.