The Sewing Social

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In this episode, Amy Scarr (also known as Almond Rock Sews on Instagram) shares her inspiring journey into garment sewing, from discovering a love of making her own clothes to becoming a passionate advocate for "Big Four" sewing patterns and creative dressmaking.
Amy explains why she champions brands like Simplicity, McCall's, and Butterick, she busts some of the common myths around using commercial sewing patterns, and shares practical tips to help sewists build confidence and achieve a better fit.
We also explore how sewing has become an important outlet for Amy's creativity and mental wellbeing, discussing the joy of making, developing a personal style, and why pattern hacking is a brilliant way to create a wardrobe that's uniquely your own.
Whether you're new to garment sewing or looking to get more from your sewing patterns, this episode is packed with practical advice, creative inspiration, and encouragement to help you sew with confidence.

Key Takeaways: 

Amy's sewing journey progressed from hobby to career
She provides tips for using big four sewing patterns
We discuss the mental health benefits of sewing
Amy talks about her love for pattern hacking and customisation techniques
She discusses her approach to personal style and dopamine dressing

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
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If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest details: 
Instagram: @almondrock_sews
Website: www.almondrock.co.uk
Youtube: @almondrock
Embroidered dress progress
https://youtu.be/7qU-YowuNlI?is=179fKgswEld16_eC
Laced bodice dress
https://youtu.be/SxxTDljM_fM?is=mytkiy6e24vQ0WGD
Me Made May 2025 with Jimi 
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMdmlu9YA0UsDYBAtCTR6MF0SDpuAwaXo&si=SHeqcUjkhvW1VsJL
Me Made May 2026 with Jimi
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMdmlu9YA0UsHZDrvHRTrXW6UwJp3dakK&si=ZLeucGukVpKNRpd1

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters

00:00 Amy's Sewing Journey Begins
02:27 Career Path in the Sewing Industry
04:35 Freelancing and Current Projects
05:26 Writing for Sewing Magazines
07:32 Inspiration and Learning in Sewing
08:15 Personal Style and Dopamine Dressing
11:36 Favorite Patterns and Tips for Beginners
15:25 The Evolution of Sewing Patterns
17:49 Sewing as a Creative Outlet
20:08 Body Positivity Through Sewing
22:21 Me Made May: A Fun Experiment
25:19 YouTube Journey and Content Plans
27:45 Current Projects and Future Aspirations
29:50 Rapid Fire: This or That Game
33:39 Substack

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In this episode, Luke-Matthew Iveson, winner of The Great British Sewing Bee, shares his inspiring journey from learning to sew with his grandmother as a child to becoming one of the UK's best-known sewing personalities and content creators.
Luke reflects on his experience of winning The Great British Sewing Bee, how the show transformed his life, and the opportunities that followed. 
We discuss the power of sewing as a form of self-expression, the positive impact creativity can have on mental wellbeing, and how finding a supportive sewing community helped shape his confidence and career.
From teaching and content creation to inspiring the next generation of sewists, Luke offers a fascinating insight into life after the Sewing Bee and why sewing remains such an important part of who he is.
Whether you're a fan of The Great British Sewing Bee, looking for sewing inspiration, or curious about how creativity can support wellbeing and personal growth, this episode is packed with warmth, encouragement, and practical insights.

Key Takeaways:
Luke learned to sew as a child with his grandma
He won Season 10 of The Great British Sewing Bee
Luke explains the role of drag in his sewing and self-expression, and the importance of representation in the sewing community
He talks through how he created a capsule wardrobe and its impact on style
His Sewing for strangers series has given him purpose
Luke's new book 'Around the World in Eighty Sews' is available for pre-order now!

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details: 
Website: www.sewlukeivo.com
Instagram: @sewlukeivo
Facebook: Luke-Matthew Iveson
Tiktok: @sewlukeivo
YouTube: @sewlukeivo
Book: https://www.dashbook.fr/book/around-the-world-in-80-sews

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Luke Iveson
00:42 The Early Days of Sewing
03:35 Journey to the Sewing Bee
05:36 Experiences on the Show
08:25 Navigating Fame in the Sewing Community
09:15 Sewing as Self-Expression
13:02 Transitioning to Full-Time Sewing
15:07 The World of Drag and Sewing
17:54 The Importance of Representation
19:40 Sewing for Well-Being
21:47 Sewing for Strangers
25:42 Around the World in Eighty Sews
29:17 Future Plans and Projects
32:29 Substack

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In this episode, Dr Claire Ashley shares how she discovered sewing during a challenging period in her life and how it grew from a practical skill into a powerful source of creativity, confidence, and wellbeing. 
From teaching herself to sew, to building a colourful handmade wardrobe, Claire reflects on the lessons, challenges, and joys of her sewing journey.
We explore the mental health benefits of sewing, including how creative hobbies can boost self-efficacy, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Claire also shares her passion for sustainable fashion, upcycling clothes, and embracing a more mindful approach to making.
Whether you're new to sewing, looking to rekindle your sew-jo, or interested in the connection between creativity and wellbeing, this inspiring conversation is packed with practical tips, encouragement, and fresh ideas for your next sewing project.

Claire Discusses: 
Her self-taught sewing journey during the pandemic
The role of sewing in mental health and wellbeing
Upcycling charity shop finds into new garments
Challenges and rewards of sewing from scratch and upcycling
Inspiration from nature and social media for sewing projects

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @wiredtomake
Tiktok: @wiredtomake
Book: The Burnout Doctor 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399412809

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Claire Ashley and her sewing journey
06:25 Claire’s inspiration for her own sewing 
07:41 Upcycling charity shop garments
12:16 What sewing brings in one sentence
12:36 Exciting plans
14:03 Where you can find Claire
14:35 Join my Substack

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In this episode, Dr Claire Ashley explores the fascinating connection between sewing and mental wellbeing, uncovering the psychology behind why we sew and what keeps us coming back to our machines. 
From motivation and creativity to identity, self-expression, and emotional attachment, to handmade clothes, we delve into the deeper role sewing plays in our lives.
We also discuss common challenges that can affect your sew-jo, including stress, anxiety, burnout, social media comparison, perfectionism, and major life transitions. 
Claire shares practical insights into how understanding the psychology of sewing can help you rediscover your motivation, build a healthier relationship with your hobby, and find greater enjoyment in the creative process.
Whether you've lost your sew-jo, feel overwhelmed by your project pile, or are curious about the mental health benefits of sewing, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how creativity can support wellbeing.

Claire discusses: 
The concept of sew-jo and factors affecting motivation
The role of social media and comparison in sewing
Sewing for an aspirational identity versus practical needs
Emotional attachment to handmade garments and decluttering challenges
The influence of life transitions, motherhood, and body changes on sewing habits
The concept of enclothed cognition and dressing for the desired self
Dopamine's role in fabric shopping and planning
Strategies to improve sew-jo through environment and habits
The psychological benefits of sewing and self-expression

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @wiredtomake
Book: The Burnout Doctor 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399412809

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Claire Ashley and today’s topic - The Psychology of Sewing
01:17 Sew-jo
07:12 Sewing for the life you don’t have
11:43 Decluttering handmade garments and the emotional attachment
17:58 Motherhood and sewing for someone you hope to be rather than who you                are now
21:44 Fabric stashes and why our brains make us create them

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In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Claire Ashley to explore ADHD, how it really presents in adulthood, and why sewing can become a powerful tool for self-regulation.
We discuss the core symptoms of ADHD, why so many women are misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life, and the link between ADHD, anxiety and chronic overwhelm.
This is an honest, practical conversation about neurodiversity, creativity and building a healthier relationship with your sewing practice.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, struggled to finish projects, or found that sewing both soothes and consumes you, this episode will resonate.

Claire Discusses:
Executive dysfunction and task paralysis
Hyperfocus and creative burnout
Masking, perfectionism and shame
Using sewing as a calming, structured outlet
How to balance a hobby without turning it into pressure

Follow me: 
Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod
                     @thedalythread
Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod
If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 
Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod
Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:
[email protected]

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 
The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @wiredtomake
Book: The Burnout Doctor 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399412809

Affiliate Links:
Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com
     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/
     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Dr Claire Ashley and today's topic ADHD
03:35 ADHD presents differently in women
06:19 Diagnosis later in life
07:30 Overwhelm paralysis
09:41 Hyperfocus
11:07 Using sewing as a positive outlet and avoiding overwhelm
13:53 ADHD, burnout and anxiety
16:13 Substack