Behind the Seams: The perfect gift for fans of The Great British Sewing Bee

I'm a dedicated home sewist and came late to the Sewing Bee craze, watching it on catch up during lockdown, enjoying it immensely. It was that connection that drew me to this book.I have to admit, I did not know a great deal about Esme and how she became involved in the show but this book has changed that. It's a great insight into her life and career, which also talks about sewing skills, design and pattern cutting with passion and clarity.I was totally immersed in her story and her front row seat on UK fashion in the 70's through to today. It's given me inspiration and re ignited my desire to be a better pattern cutter. Most of all, it's been a glimpse into a life that has been filled with opportunity and adventure.It's clear Esme has not shied from any door that opens and she is an inspiration to us all - take the chances that come your way along life's journey.

A change of cast members is always hard to get used to but Esme has endeared herself throughout the Sewing Bee series. Reading this book gives an insight to why. The sparky personality comes through, and re seeing the TV programmes I can see the changes she has brought and the reason for her disappointment in the first series she judged when one skirt following another emerged from a maternity dress. I love to sew but have no passion for making fashion in the same way as is shown in behind the seams. A good behind the scenes look at Esme's career.

This book arrived in very good condition and on time. It was a Christmas gift so have not read it yet. But it looked an interesting insight into Esme Youngs life.

This is a lovely, well written book by a very interesting lady, i didn't know of her until she came into the sewing bee but she's definitely be someone I'd like to meet. Very interesting life she's had with many more adventures left to come

A lovely lady and an interesting life, but it's a pity she wrote it herself. You can hear her voice behind it - and it's flat. Her narratorial skills are not of the same quality as her sewing skills. The material is squandered - interesting detail about the times and personalities is given no more weight than the vast amount of family detail. It was a case for a ghost writer, or at least a very good copy editor to talk her through how to make good use of her material. I am aware, however, that the home sewing fraternity has greatly enjoyed it, so perhaps the fault is in me!

I’ve absolutely loved this autobiography. I bought it thinking it would be mainly about Esme’s life in sewing and being an avid sewist myself was looking forward to that. However it is much more about her rather bohemian family and her working relationships. Esme has a wonderfully dry sense of humour and her story about informing her mums GP about her death creased me up. I haven’t read beyond this point yet but felt I had to write my review now whilst it is still fresh in my mind. As a mine of funny stories as well as an insight into a fascinating life I cannot recommend this book enough.

I am an avid fan of Sewing Bee and that is where I first met Esme on TV, she is quite unusual and therefore fascinating and to read her autobiography was a privilege, she is an icon to anyone interested in fashion, creating, design, cutting patterns, material selection etc etc etc. I am an avid beginner at sewing but I am inspired to try more and more different and creative aspects of what is making clothes that hopefully at the end of the day can actually be worn, fingers crossed.

Loved this book. Esme had me laughing out loud at times, she certainly displays her sense of humour. I'm the same age as Esme and love fashion and like her have made my own outfits since my teens, so could really relate to this book but also feel it will appeal to any age group especially if you love the fashion industry and of course Sewing Bee. A throughly good read.