What an incredible Great British Sewing Bee final! Our three talented finalists (Mia, Tony and Asmaa) battled it out to be crowned Britain's Best Amateur Sewer, going head to head to create three garments worthy of the Met Gala.
In the nail-biting episode, it was the fantastic Asmaa who won The Great British Sewing Bee 2023. The 46-year-old consultant breast surgeon wowed the judges throughout the series with her neat stitching, creative flair, and eye for detail.
I can't really put into words how I'm feeling, this isn't real, it can't be me! It feels amazing.
Asmaa
In the final Asmaa created a gorgeous silver Victoriana evening dress that would be fit for a ball. She then won the Transformation challenge with her Billy Porter-inspired men's outfit.
Finally, Asmaa created the most incredible dress we've ever seen on the Sewing Bee. Her two-in-one reveal dress started off as a flattering blue number then used a hook system to reveal an elegant green ball gown – stunning!
That final gown was spectacular! I'm not sure I've ever seen anything quite so special on Sewing Bee.
Patrick Grant
We sat down with Asmaa to get all the series nine gossip and reflect on her Sewing Bee journey.
Meet Asmaa, the winner of the 2023 Sewing Bee!
How does it feel to be the Great British Sewing Bee 2023 winner?
Watching it tonight brought back all the memories and it was as if I was reliving the moment in the Sewing Room hearing my name announced. It feels unreal, exciting and wonderful, and very emotional.
I couldn’t really remember what happened at the time, but I remember I froze when they called my name out.
I could hear people in the background but it was a fuzzy memory, and I do remember hugging Esme!
Have you made Wales proud?
I have always counted myself as adopted Welsh, my children were born in Wales and I have lived most of my life in Wales so I do feel a sense of home and belonging.
I really hope I have made them proud, because I am proud of Wales.
Was it a slow burn and did you gradually grow in confidence as a Sewing Bee?
In all honesty, I never thought I knew everything about sewing, but what I didn’t expect was to learn so much from Sewing Bee.
What about your fellow Finalists – Mia and Tony R?
Mia and Tony R are and have always been amazing, we supported each other, particularly at the final. There was lots of talking between us about the challenges and helping each other.
We are very different as people but have such a common passion for sewing, it was a wonderful journey to share.
Your Garment of the Week in Episode 8 was the red hot smoking jacket – will you keep that?
The model who wore it said he loved it and would love it for one of his portfolio shoots, I am going to send that to him, so that has already found a home.
And the Breakfast at Tiffany’s dress for the pattern challenge, I would definitely wear for a ladies special occasion! It might need a little altering.
It took until Episode 7 that you won Garment of the Week, Patrick said you had always been the bridesmaid but never the bride until that stage...
That was a very good and fair comment and pretty much summed up everything. I knew that I was always trying to do far too much and never quite made the mark.
I never felt at any point that I should have won Garment of the Week before that, but Episode 7 was a turning point for me.
Amongst everything I've done in the last 45 years of my life, this has to top it all. Not the medical degree, not anything else, this is it.
Asmaa
Winning Garment of the week three times in a row, for 7, 8, and 9, did you get a glimmer you might be in the running to be the Great British Sewing Bee winner for 2023?
When I won three weeks running I couldn’t quite believe it, but I didn’t take it as a guarantee that I would win as it was still there for any of the finalists to win. I never took it for granted that I would win the final.
What is the best way to describe the relationship between this year’s Bees?
Family is the first thing that comes to mind when describing this year’s group of Bees.
Where do you keep the trophy?
So the trophy lives on the mantlepiece in my living room, up until now I have had to hide it when friends come around but now it has pride of place.
Did you ever imagine you could get to this stage?
I never ever imagined that I would get to this stage, ever, honestly! I don’t know what my expectations were of going into the series, but I never thought that I would win!
Learning English by reading Mills & Boon books?
I don’t know why I said that on TV, what was I thinking!
I took a lot of stick at work for that comment, hilarious.
Was the Final a scary time for you and what were your best bits?
I went into the Final with a lot of nerves and I felt them through the pattern challenge and then my nerves peaked at the transformation challenge. I stopped at one stage, took a deep breath and carried on.
What kept me grounded in the final was having my friend Pritti there with me as a model.
How tense was the atmosphere at the Final?
‘The atmosphere was more tense in the first day of the final, by the second day the nerves were still there but I think that was because it was our final challenge.
It was that sense of knowing it would be our last ever challenge ever together, and as we were nearing the end strangely it did become quite calm.
What is the best way to describe the relationship between this year’s Bees?
Family is the first thing that comes to mind when describing this year’s group of Bees.
Who would you love to make an outfit for?
I would love to make a dress for Sara! She rocks everything she wears and I would love to see her in one of my creations.
There were some new themes in this series – is there any particular week you particularly enjoyed and one that you found tricky during your time on Sewing Bee.
I really enjoyed 1990’s week and the most tricky week for me was Reduce Reuse Recycle week.
Best and worst moment overall for you during the series, can be during filming or away from the set with the other Bees?
‘Best moment was the final made to measure and the reveal of the second dress. I have no idea how I pulled that one off. I had spent a lot of time planning it and practising it but there was no guarantee that it would work on the day.
I was so pleased that it came out so well.
My worst moment was during children’s week when Fauve left the Bee!
Overall favourite challenge and least liked challenge?
My overall favourite challenge was making the Audrey Hepburn-inspired pattern challenge in Fashion Icons week.
Least liked was the Made to Measure challenge in Reduce Reuse Recyle Week using crochet blankets!
Would you encourage other amateur sewers out there to have a go on the series and why?
I would encourage other amateur sewers to go for it! It is a once in a lifetime experience that surpasses all expectations.
Anyone you want to thank?
My husband for all his support and looking after the children when I was away and my mum for all her help, support and advice.
My manager at work and my team were incredibly supportive and helped to sort out all my leave so I could go on the show.
How did you watch the series and the Final?
I watched the series with the family and then the final was a wonderful family affair, we had a great night.
Not giving up the day job yet?
‘I love my job I have an incredibly fulfilling job with a mindful hobby so it is great to have the two in my life, and after a busy day at work I do like to unwind with my sewing.
I still make clothes for my kids but they are growing up now, so it’s only when they allow me. They were all so proud when I won and my youngest still hasn’t quite grasped it!
We noticed your love of heels on the show...
Red soled heels have been my shoes for work since I became a consultant.
I got my first pair then, and then for birthdays - they are my luxury to myself. In theatre – I wear my pink crocs with butterflies on.
The only thing that's really kept me going and kept me balanced in life, especially in the last few years, has been sewing. It's my escape, my way to forget all the troubles of the world and at work. And I don't think I will ever, ever stop.
Asmaa
What has it been like at work and getting recognized?
Work has been absolutely amazing and incredibly supportive. They have been watching it avidly and I have been recognized a few times which is a bit strange but nice.
My patients have all been watching it too, so that’s been lovely. One lady who I treated last year sent me a gift - her husband does woodwork and he made me my own unpicker.
I thought that was amazing, incredibly sweet and thoughtful.
Next for you in the sewing world as far as you know?
I would love to make sewing more than a hobby in my life but will have to wait and see where this wild ride takes me.
I would really like to create a range of bras for mastectomy patients and I am working on ideas for that now.
What will you take away from your experience of being on The Great British Sewing Bee?
I will take away a lifetime of friends that I wouldn’t have met without the Bee.
My eyes were opened to a whole new world that I didn’t know existed beyond the NHS and hope to be a part of it in the future.
Congratulations Asmaa!
We loved watching Asmaa's sewing skills grow throughout this year's competition. From her suave smoking jacket to her tote bag transformations, we've loved watching her grow in confidence and creativity.
She's a truly worthy winner and we can't wait to see what she does next.
That wraps up The Great British Sewing Bee 2023. The show will return in 2024, as applications for the next season concluded on 30th June 2023.
All that's left to do is patiently wait for 2024 and keep an eye out to apply to join the show in 2025.
In the meantime, there are loads of sewing patterns you can start stitching right now on Gathered if you're feeling as inspired as we are!
Find your next binge-worthy craft show with Gathered
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Head over to our Craft TV section, packed with show recommendations, interviews and more.
