The Sewing Social

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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:
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
Tiktok: @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 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:
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 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:
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 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:
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
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 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