The Sewing Social

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In this episode, Dr Claire Ashley explores anxiety - what it is, why it happens, and how it affects the body as well as the mind. 
Drawing on both her medical expertise and lived experience, she explains the physiological response behind anxiety symptoms, from racing thoughts to a heightened stress response.
We talk about practical strategies for managing anxiety in everyday life, and how creative hobbies like sewing can play a powerful role in supporting mental health.
 From regulating the nervous system to creating moments of focus and calm, sewing offers more than just a finished garment - it can become part of a sustainable wellbeing routine.
If you’ve ever wondered why anxiety feels so physical, or how to manage anxiety symptoms in a gentle, realistic way, this conversation offers both science-backed insight and practical tools.

Claire discusses:
What is anxiety and its physiological basis
How sewing induces mindfulness and flow state
The impact of arts engagement on cortisol and inflammation
Perfectionism and its link to anxiety in sewing
Practical tips for reconnecting with sewing for anxiety relief

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:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

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

Guest details:
Instagram: @thesorbelloedit
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 anxiety
03:59 How engaging in creative arts helps anxiety
08:52 Perfectionism and anxiety
12:37 Tips for people wanting to engage in sewing without pressure
14:08 Substack end of the show

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In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Claire Ashley, (a GP and passionate sewist) for an honest and informative conversation about burnout, how to recognise the symptoms, and what recovery can really look like.
Claire shares her personal experience of burnout alongside her medical perspective, explaining the science behind chronic stress and how it impacts both our physical and mental health. 
We talk about the early warning signs that are often missed, why burnout is more than just “feeling tired,” and how high-achieving, caring professions can be particularly vulnerable.
We also explore the role creative hobbies like sewing can play in burnout recovery - offering structure, focus, and a sense of progress during periods of overwhelm.
This episode blends medical insight with lived experience, and offers practical, compassionate guidance for anyone navigating stress, burnout, or looking for healthier ways to support their wellbeing.

Claire discusses: 
What burnout actually is and its core components
Signs and symptoms of burnout
The impact of burnout on brain and body
The role of creative hobbies in recovery
Practical tips for preventing burnout

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:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

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

Guest Details: 
Instagram: @thesorbelloedit
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 the Podcast Format
02:26 Understanding Burnout: Definition and Symptoms
08:21 The Journey Through Burnout: Personal Experiences
11:04 The Role of Creative Hobbies in Recovery
17:24 Sewing as a Therapeutic Tool for Anxiety

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In this episode, Lauren Guthrie shares the story behind her journey from working as a physiotherapist to founding Guthrie & Ghani, and how a love of sewing slowly grew into something much bigger than she ever expected.
We talk about her experience on The Great British Sewing Bee and how that moment shaped the direction of her career, as well as the realities of building and evolving a fabric shop in an ever-changing industry.
Lauren reflects on the growth of the sewing community over the years, what it really takes to source beautiful, high-quality fabrics, and how she’s navigated the challenges of scaling a creative business while staying connected to the joy of making.
It’s an honest conversation about growth, not just in business, but personally and creatively, and about building something that’s rooted in community as much as it is in sewing.

Key takeaways:
Lauren used to be a Physiotherapist but became burnt out and decided to change career.
Lauren was on the first season of The Great British Sewing Bee - she feels this has shaped her career so far.
Guthrie and Ghani has been going 13 years so far and continues to evolve.
Lauren acquired G&G's sister company Pattern Trace in the last couple of years.
The Sewing Society kits that G&G are well known for have changed recently from monthly releases to a quarterly box.

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:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

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

Guest Details:
Website: www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk
Instagram: @guthrieghani
                  : @guthrieghani_studio
                  : @patterntraceuk
Youtube: @laurenguthrieghani

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 Introductions
00:10 Lauren's Journey into Sewing and Business
05:00 The Experience of Being on The Sewing Bee
05:54 Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship
08:04 From Healthcare to Creativity: A Personal Journey
10:28 The Evolution of the Sewing Community
14:14 Building a Supportive Sewing Community
15:25 Evolving Business: From In-Store to Online
16:58 Sourcing Fabrics: Balancing Trends and Personal Taste
18:44 The Transformation of Sewing Kits
22:48 Designing Fabrics: A Personal Touch
29:19 Acquiring Pattern Trace: Expanding Horizons
31:28 Exciting Future Plans for Guthrie and Ghani
36:28 Substack end of the show

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In this episode, Lisa Wagner shares her remarkable journey from learning to sew alongside her mother and grandmother in Australia to becoming a couture dressmaker, pattern drafting educator, and founder of Draft.ed.
We explore the value of skills passed down through generations, why fit is about so much more than measurements, and how learning to draft your own patterns can transform your confidence as a sewist. 
Lisa also shares insights from decades spent designing bespoke garments and explains how her latest project, Draft.ed, is making personalised sewing blocks more accessible to home sewists around the world.
A thoughtful conversation about craftsmanship, creativity, slow sewing, and the enduring power of making clothes that truly fit.

Key Takeaways:
Lisa explains how she can still vividly see her Grandmother's hands teaching her how to thread a needle and hand sew - she explains the importance of connection and passing skills down from generation to generation. 
Lisa feels that the process of sewing well fitting garments should be a slow process, as it's important to make it well and make it right.
She's worked across many industries from project management to costume design, and wedding couture, but now she has developed a tool for sewists to input their measurements and generate a pattern block bespoke to their body.

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:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

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

Guest details: 
Instagram: @lisawagnerlondon
                     @draftedsewingpatterns
Website: www.lisawagnerlondon.com
                 www.draft-ed.com
Discount Code: SEWSOCIALPOD for 50% off a pattern block

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 Lisa Wagner and her sewing journey
00:39 The significance of passing down sewing skills through generations
07:34 The role of sewing in identity and wellbeing
20:26 Introduction to Draft.ed and its purpose
31:17 How to measure for perfect trouser fit
44:25 The process of pattern fitting and adjustments
48:33 The creative process in pattern drafting
48:34 Discount code

Winners of the One Year Giveaway!!!
Trina's Fun Box - Sew and Stow Board
Ciao Linda Sews - Oliso Iron
Anglomist - A pack of Aurifil Threads
Koekenutsel - A pack of Aurifil Threads
Lyndyloulou1 - £25 Sew Essential Voucher
Nictwit25 - A PDF pattern of your choice from Izzo Sew Studio 
Congratulations to all the lovely winners!

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This week, Amy and Theresa from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club share their journey from passionate sewists to successful sewing pattern designers, and how they’ve built a brand centred around creativity, sustainability, and approachable garment sewing. 
In this episode, we talk about designing beginner-friendly sewing patterns, embracing experimentation, and their “scrap theory” approach to reducing waste and rethinking fabric offcuts. 
We also discuss the evolution of modern sewing culture, personal style, and their exciting plans for a new creative retail space in California.

Key takeaways: 
Amy and Theresa discuss their journey from sewing hobbyists to independent sewing pattern designers. 
They discuss the idea behind “scrap theory” and creative ways to reduce fabric waste in sewing. 
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club are known for designing beginner friendly sewing patterns that encourage confidence and experimentation. 
They are working towards building an inclusive sewing community through both online connection and an in-person creative space. 
They also love to create cohesive fabric collections and inspire sewists to explore personal style creatively. 
Both Amy and Theresa feel that sewing should feel approachable, playful, and free from perfectionism.

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:
thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

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

Guest Details:
Website: www.matchymatchysewingclub.com
Instagram: @matchymatchysewingclub

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 Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
00:50 The Journey into Sewing
03:32 From Hobby to Business
06:00 Designing Patterns: The Process
10:53 The Philosophy of Matchy Matchy
14:49 Sustainability and Creativity in Sewing
16:06 Understanding Scrap Theory
19:17 Encouraging Playfulness in Sewing
19:22 Introduction to Beginner-Friendly Patterns
21:59 Breaking the Rules in Sewing
25:04 Designing Fabric Collections
28:48 A Day in the Life at Matchy Matchy
31:25 Exciting Future Plans for Matchy Matchy
33:41 Fun Quickfire Game: This or That
36:07 Giveaway details