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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

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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: @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

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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:

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:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*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