Serena Baker

Serena is the winner of The Great British Sewing Bee 2021.

 

Growing up in Glasgow, Serena did not start sewing until she was 15, but once she tried it, sewing quickly became her passion and a constant in her life. Together with her mum, she would continue to test herself with new skills and techniques, inspired by watching the Great British Sewing Bee. Serena has always had an interest in buying second-hand clothes, and more recently has been developing her sewing skills further by refashioning not only second-hand clothes, but also those in her wardrobe she does not wear anymore.

 

At 18, Serena moved to Edinburgh to study medicine. It was during her fourth year that she was able to compete in The Great British Sewing Bee. Now in her fifth year of six, she fits sewing alongside her busy degree whenever she can. She also enjoys running and cycling around Edinburgh and beyond the city.

 

Being able to take part in The Great British Sewing Bee was a dream of Serena’s. She immersed herself in the experience and was given incredible feedback from the judges about her precise, technical sewing. During the 10-week programme, she developed her creativity and personal style, partly inspired by her fashion icon Villanelle from the television show Killing Eve. Serena is the first Scottish and the youngest ever winner (at 22) of The Great British Sewing Bee.

 

After Serena was crowned the winner of series 7, judge Esme Young said:

“I have this thing about really, really, really talented sewers. They have fairy dust that they throw over the garment and it doesn’t even look like it’s been touched by human hands. That’s what your sewing is like.”

 

Serena continues to document her sewing journey on Instagram (@serenasews_), where she is involved with the online sewing community, embraces her passion for sustainable fashion, shares tips she has learned over the years and journals her creations.