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  • Behind the Seams

  • The perfect gift for fans of The Great British Sewing Bee
  • By: Esme Young
  • Narrated by: Esme Young
  • Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (385 ratings)

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Behind the Seams

By: Esme Young
Narrated by: Esme Young
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Summary

*** THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER***

From adventures at Central Saint Martins to The Great British Sewing Bee, go behind the scenes of Esme Young's amazing life....

At age five, Esme was asked to write in her notebook, but instead, she filled it with drawings—the only way she knew to express herself. At seven, when it was discovered she was partially deaf, she found refuge in her sketchbooks. Shortly after, Esme made her first garment and a passion for sewing and designing was born. As a teenager, she made her way to London where her creative journey truly began.

Living in a squat with other young creatives, Esme made the most of her time; studying at Central Saint Martins, launching a clothing line called Swanky Modes with three friends and £50 each, watching Notting Hill Carnival with David Bowie and altering a dress for Cher. The '90s saw a career move into costumes for films, where she designed outfits for Trainspotting, 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 early, or too late, to pick up a needle and start stitching in a new direction.

©2022 Esme Young (P)2022 Bonnier Books UK

What listeners say about Behind the Seams

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Esme telling us her story - a joy to listen to

What a fascinating insight into an exciting life where every opportunity was welcomed open armed. Esme is an inspiration and her book is a wonderful read.

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What a surprise

Been a fan since Esme came to our attention on sewing bee but wow what a life lived and so humble would defo be a recommendation

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A good listen

A remarkable life and a remarkable woman. Esme has certainly packed a lot in. I would definitely recommend this

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Thank you, Esme!

Thank you for sharing your story and letting us get to know you a bit better. I will remember this read for a long time, and when I need it, I’ll listen again. I found it incredibly inspiring, both as a bit of a sewing nerd and as a human being looking to live my life close to friends and family and making the best out of each day. You rock!

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Fascinating woman!

I knew nothing about Esme before listening to her reading her book and now I’m a huge fan. What a wonderful, unassuming, fascinating, woman. Definitely worth a read/listen. Probably worth taking her as a role model too!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Interesting

What a life! Not brilliantly read but the author narrating brings authenticity. Recommended even if you are not a seamstress.

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Excellent

Very interesting and an easy listen. Would recommend to everyone who knows who Esme is !

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Loved

Wow she is simply marvellous so creative and inspiring . I loved every second of this book and will definitely listen again and again , she has had an amazing life so far and I can’t wait to listen to the next chapter of her life and adventures if she decides to put it on paper again 🧵🪡❤️

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Reading experience

Having watched the British Sewing Bee for several years I found this autobiography most interesting. I am some years older than Esme, an intermittent home sewer I enjoyed all the sewing references and Esme's closeness to her family and friends was heartwarming to listen to
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Great book Esme

Thank you Esme for telling us your story. Well done on "going for it" and narrating it yourself. Much better to hear your voice instead of an actor's. Well written, and interesting to me as a sewer. Needlework - my most useful O'level from 1963.

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