Blink inks deal for Great British Sewing Bee judge Young's memoir

Blink Publishing has signed the memoir from “The Great British Sewing Bee” judge Esme Young, Behind the Seams: My Life in Creativity, Friendship and Adventure. 

Susannah Otter, publishing director at the Bonnier Books UK imprint, acquired UK, EU and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada from Ariella Feiner at United Agents on behalf of Matt Nicholls at United Agents. 

Behind the Seams will be published in the UK and Ireland on 14th April 2022 in hardback, audio and e-book, with a special edition available at Waterstones. 

Blink said: “To any self-respecting sewing fan, Esme Young needs no introduction. The diminutive judge of ’The Great British Sewing Bee’ has a sharp eye for a wonky seam, and an even keener eye for a good necklace.” 

The book will chart Young’s journey from sewing enthusiast to clothing and costume expert via squat-living and friendships with other major creative figures. Blink said: “Her life, in many ways, is the story of post-war Britain. Born in 1949, she spent her childhood mostly outside and very much unsupervised. She discovered sewing aged seven, and a passion was born. As a teenager, she made her way to London and Central St Martins, when her life truly began. Living in a squat with other young creatives, Esme made the most of the collective creative zeal of the ’70s and ’80s: watching Notting Hill Carnival with David Bowie, starting a clothing line called Swanky Modes with three friends and £50 each. The ’90s saw another career move, this one into costumes for films such as ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ and ‘The Beach’, before she moved onto the small screen herself. 

“A celebration of a creative life lived differently, Behind the Seams is a reminder that it’s never too late or too soon to pick up a needle and start stitching in a new direction.” 

Young said: “Telling the story of my life has been an exciting but terrifying experience – making the bunny outfit for Renée Zellweger and later becoming a judge on ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ (GBSB) in my late 60s were both much easier. Who knows what’s round the corner? Many thanks to United Agents, Bonnier Books and the GBSB for their support, without them this wouldn’t have happened.” 

Feiner commented: “Esme’s memoir is a fascinating look at a life filled with countless wonderful stories and adventures. ‘Sewing Bee’ fans are going to absolutely adore it.” 

Otter said: “As a long-term ‘Sewing Bee’ devotee, the chance to publish the wonderful Esme was totally irresistible. Her appetite for creativity and adventure is an inspiration to us all.”