The Psychology of Sewing: Motivation, Identity and Wellbeing with Dr Claire Ashley

The Psychology of Sewing: Motivation, Identity and Wellbeing with Dr Claire Ashley

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2499363/fan_mail/new] 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

ADHD and Sewing: How Creative Hobbies Support Focus, Calm and Self-Regulation with Dr Claire Ashley

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2499363/fan_mail/new] 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

Understanding Anxiety with Dr Claire Ashley: Systems, Science and How Sewing Can Help

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2499363/fan_mail/new] 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

Burnout Symptoms and Recovery: Dr Claire Ashley on Stress, Sewing and Wellbeing

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2499363/fan_mail/new] 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

Behind the Scenes of Guthrie and Ghani: Growth, Community and the Power of Sewing

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2499363/fan_mail/new] 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