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In this episode of The Sewing Social, I'm joined by Sarah Laws, founder of My Handmade Wardrobe Patterns, pattern designer, sewing educator and passionate advocate for helping people create clothes they truly love to wear.
Sarah takes us back to where it all began, sharing how learning to sew as a child sparked a lifelong passion for dressmaking and ultimately led her to design sewing patterns that empower makers of all abilities.
We chat about the journey from hobby to career, the realities of running a creative business, and the joy of helping others discover the confidence that comes from making their own clothes.
Together, we explore one of the biggest challenges many garment sewists face -getting the right fit. Sarah shares practical advice on understanding your body, making pattern adjustments with confidence and why achieving a great fit has far more to do with understanding proportions than chasing a dress size. It's an encouraging conversation that reminds us sewing is about creating clothes to fit our bodies, not changing our bodies to fit our clothes.
We also discuss the importance of body positivity within the sewing community and how making your own wardrobe can transform the way you think about clothing, style and self-confidence.
Sarah shares why she believes sewing is such an empowering skill and how it encourages us to celebrate our individuality rather than compare ourselves to unrealistic standards.
Community is another thread running through our conversation. From the hugely popular Crafty Sewing Camp to the Weekend Sewing Club, Sarah explains why creating welcoming spaces for sewists to learn, connect and be inspired has become such an important part of her work.
Whether you're new to garment sewing, looking to improve your pattern fitting skills, or searching for inspiration to build a handmade wardrobe that reflects your personal style, this episode is packed with practical advice, thoughtful conversation and plenty of encouragement.
In this episode, we discuss:
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Guest Details:
Website: https://www.myhandmadewardrobepatterns.com/
Instagram: @mhwpatterns
The next pattern making Retreat: - September (3 spaces left): https://www.myhandmadewardrobepatterns.com/shop/p/retreat-january2026-5zh6j-k39xg
Weekend Sewing Club: https://www.myhandmadewardrobepatterns.com/weekend-sewing-club-sales
Crafty Events: https://www.craftyeventsuk.co.uk/
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: From Family Influence to Fashion Design
02:53 Education and Experience: The Foundation of a Fashion Career
06:17 The Birth of a Business: Crafty So and So
07:41 Empowering Women Through Sewing: The Transition to Teaching
13:04 Creating Patterns for Real Bodies: My Handmade Wardrobe
20:01 Celebrating Change: Designing for the Evolving Female Body
23:16 The Weekend Sewing Club: A New Initiative
27:49 Pattern Making and Fitting: Common Themes
31:25 Crafty Sewing Camp: A Joyful Gathering
34:55 The Dressmakers Ball: Celebrating Creativity
37:54 Future Plans: Intentional Wardrobe Programme
48:22 Substack
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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:
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@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:
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Guest details:
Instagram: @almondrock_sews
Website: www.almondrock.co.uk
Youtube: @almondrock
https://youtu.be/7qU-YowuNlI?is=179fKgswEld16_eC
https://youtu.be/SxxTDljM_fM?is=mytkiy6e24vQ0WGD
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMdmlu9YA0UsDYBAtCTR6MF0SDpuAwaXo&si=SHeqcUjkhvW1VsJL
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMdmlu9YA0UsHZDrvHRTrXW6UwJp3dakK&si=ZLeucGukVpKNRpd1
Affiliate Links:
Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
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:
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:
*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:
Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
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:
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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:
*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:
Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
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:
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:
*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:
Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
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:
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:
*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:
Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
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
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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:
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:
*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:
Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
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:
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:
*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:
Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
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:
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:
*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:
Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
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:
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:
*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:
Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD
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
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Gemma Daly (@thedalythread) hosts The Sewing Social Podcast - join her as she chats with passionate makers who sew their own clothes, small business owners and enthusiastic members of the sewing…
This podcast discusses topics such as eco friendly fabrics, embracing slow fashion, the enjoyment of sewing, and the importance of a supportive community.