Threads Magazine Podcast: "Sewing With Threads"

Episode 76: Sewing and Neurodiversity with Hannah Choi
Release Date: April 3, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 76 of the "Sewing With Threads" podcast, hosted by Carol Frazier of Threads Magazine, the discussion centers around the intersection of sewing and neurodiversity. The episode features Hannah Choi, an executive function coach for Beyond Booksmart and host of the podcast Focus Forward. With a background in psychology and education, Hannah brings valuable insights into how executive function skills impact sewing practices, especially for individuals with ADHD, learning disabilities, or autism.

Understanding Executive Function

Defining Executive Function

Hannah Choi begins by demystifying the term "executive function." She explains that executive functions are higher-level mental skills located in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for managing and executing daily tasks.

"Executive functions are mental skills that we use to execute our days... from the minute you wake up until the minute you go to sleep, you are using your executive functioning to navigate your day." ([02:20])

Signs of Executive Function Challenges

Hannah emphasizes that challenges with executive function aren't exclusive to those with diagnosed conditions like ADHD or autism. Everyday stressors, trauma, and distractions can also impair these skills.

"You do not have to have a diagnosis to struggle with executive functioning... stress, trauma, just any kind of distraction can really pull from that front part of our brain and make it difficult to access our executive function skills." ([04:15])

Executive Function Skills in Sewing

Using the process of sewing a garment as a framework, Hannah outlines various executive function skills essential for a productive sewing practice.

1. Cognitive Flexibility ([04:00])

   • Definition: Flexible thinking to adapt to new patterns or techniques.
   • Application: Imagining and executing a new skill or converting a paper pattern into a wearable garment.

2. Planning ([04:00])

   • Definition: Organizing and strategizing project timelines.
   • Application: Scheduling sewing projects around busy periods, such as planning to make a dress in the spring instead of summer.

3. Organization ([04:00])

   • Definition: Keeping tools, fabrics, and notions organized to prevent waste and inefficiency.
   • Application: Maintaining an inventory of supplies to avoid unnecessary purchases.

4. Impulse Control ([04:00])

   • Definition: Resisting the urge to make spur-of-the-moment decisions that could lead to unnecessary expenses or clutter.
   • Application: Refraining from buying additional notions when already well-stocked.

5. Attention ([04:00])

   • Definition: Maintaining focus on detailed tasks to avoid mistakes.
   • Quote: "I have accidentally sewed the waistband on a skirt backwards twice... because I was not paying attention." ([08:15])

6. Time Management ([04:00])

   • Definition: Allocating appropriate time for different stages of the sewing process.
   • Application: Estimating how long tasks like cutting patterns or sewing sections will take.

7. Task Initiation ([04:00])

   • Definition: Overcoming procrastination to begin sewing projects.
   • Application: Creating a conducive environment by addressing hunger, fatigue, or emotional states before starting.

8. Emotional Regulation ([04:00])

   • Definition: Managing emotions, especially when facing challenges or mistakes in sewing.
   • Quote: "Learning how to control your emotions and breathe through the challenging things helps set yourself up for success." ([10:30])

9. Metacognition ([04:00])

   • Definition: Reflecting on one's own thought processes to improve future performance.
   • Application: Reviewing what worked or didn't after completing a sewing project to enhance future planning.

Overcoming Sewing Challenges

Carol shares personal experiences with task initiation, highlighting how small obstacles like clearing a cutting table can impede starting a project. Hannah suggests strategies to overcome these barriers by setting manageable goals and forgiving oneself for temporary setbacks.

"It's okay. It's not that hard to clear that table off. And you can forgive yourself for actually maybe just shoving stuff into a pile and putting it aside for a minute so that you can get started." ([13:00])

Repetition vs. Novelty in Sewing

The conversation delves into the balance between repeating familiar patterns and introducing new elements to a sewing routine.

• Repetition:

  • Benefits: Provides comfort and builds confidence through familiarity.
  • Hannah's Insight: Repeating the same garment can serve as a safe environment to practice and reinforce executive function skills.

  "If someone feels comfortable making the same thing over and over again, that's okay... It's a great way to practice that flexible thinking in a really kind of safe environment." ([14:20])

• Novelty:

  • Benefits: Introduces new challenges that can enhance cognitive flexibility.
  • Considerations: While novelty can be motivating, taking on overly ambitious projects may lead to frustration.

  "Novelty can be very motivating... but... taking on a huge thing... you may be setting yourself up for a lot of frustration." ([17:37])

Hannah advises finding a balance, suggesting modifications to familiar projects before embarking on entirely new ones.

Sewing as Therapeutic Practice

Hannah advocates for sewing as a therapeutic tool to improve executive function skills. She highlights the adaptability of sewing to various cognitive and emotional needs.

"If you met someone who clearly had executive function challenges, would you consider recommending learning how to sew as some type of a therapeutic occupational therapy?... I think it is." ([25:21])

Benefits Highlighted:

• Self-Confidence: Creating tangible items boosts self-esteem.
• Dopamine Regulation: Engaging in enjoyable activities like sewing provides a healthy dopamine release.
• Generalizable Skills: Executive function skills learned through sewing can be applied to other life areas, such as planning a wedding or managing daily tasks.

Managing ADHD and Hyperfocus

Hannah discusses how ADHD influences sewing practices, particularly regarding hyperfocus—a state of intense concentration on rewarding activities.

"One feature of ADHD is something that is very interesting and very rewarding can lead to you hyper focusing on it and getting into that sort of flow state really easily." ([28:54])

She explains that while hyperfocus can be advantageous, it can also lead to neglecting other necessary tasks. Understanding personal cognitive patterns is crucial for balancing focus and managing responsibilities.

Self-Care and Setting Boundaries

The episode emphasizes the importance of self-care in maintaining a sustainable sewing practice. Hannah advises setting clear boundaries to prevent external demands from overwhelming one's sewing routine.

"Setting boundaries is a really, a really important skill to learn... if you're working on a project that is something that's super frustrating, something that you're not enjoying, that is a killer for your motivation and a killer for your creativity." ([19:04])

Carol echoes this sentiment, noting the impact of social media on setting unrealistic sewing expectations and the need to establish personal standards.

"Nowadays it's very easy to become sort of hooked on some unrealistic expectations and standards based on all the social media that you see... you just have to say to yourself, nope, that's not for me. I need to find out what is for me and do that." ([20:51])

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a reaffirmation of sewing's role in enhancing executive function skills and promoting mental well-being. Hannah and Carol emphasize that sewing is an inclusive activity that offers both creative satisfaction and cognitive benefits.

"You can reward yourself with many aspects of what you've done... what you have done is such a special thing." ([27:38])

Listeners are encouraged to embrace sewing not only as a craft but also as a means to support their cognitive and emotional health.

Key Takeaways

• Executive Function Skills: Essential for effective sewing practices, encompassing planning, organization, attention, and emotional regulation.
• Sewing as Therapy: An effective tool for improving cognitive functions and boosting self-confidence.
• Balance Between Repetition and Novelty: Repeating familiar projects builds confidence, while introducing new elements fosters cognitive flexibility.
• Self-Care and Boundaries: Crucial for maintaining motivation and preventing burnout in sewing endeavors.
• Inclusive Activity: Sewing welcomes individuals of all neurodiversity backgrounds, offering tailored benefits for personal growth and mental well-being.

For more insights and discussions on sewing, visit Threads Magazine and subscribe to the "Sewing With Threads" podcast to stay updated on the latest episodes.