The Sewcial Hour Podcast

32 Episodes
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By: Bethany McCue & Audra Chaimson

A Podcast for Sewists by SewistsHosted by: Bethany of Craft with BethanyCo-Hosted by: Audra of Sew Dreamy Studio

Episode 31: Sewing Costumes
#31
Today at 5:00 AM

Episode 31: Sewing Costumes

This week on The Sewcial Hour, we’re diving into a topic that brings out big feelings in the sewing world — costume sewing! Whether you love the creativity or dread the chaos, we’re unpacking the magic, the mayhem, and all the lessons that come from sewing costumes.

From Halloween and cosplay to theater productions and school projects, we talk about what makes costume sewing such a unique (and sometimes stressful!) experience. We’ll share the joys, challenges, and skill-building opportunities that come with sewing everything from wings to corsets — plus a few last-m...


Episode 30: Sewing with Kids
#30
10/07/2025

Episode 30: Sewing with Kids

This week on The Sewcial Hour, we’re tackling a fun (and sometimes chaotic!) topic — sewing with kids. Whether you’re teaching your own children, grandkids, or students, we’re sharing our favorite tips, kid-friendly projects, and pitfalls to avoid so you can make sewing a positive experience for everyone.

We’ll chat about why sewing with kids matters, how it builds patience, confidence, and creativity, plus our go-to beginner projects like pillowcases, scrunchies, and simple garments. We’ll also share ways to keep things low-pressure and fun — from letting kids p...


Episode 29: Preparing for Holiday Sewing – How to Plan, Pace, and Protect Your Joy 🎄✂️
#29
09/30/2025

Episode 29: Preparing for Holiday Sewing – How to Plan, Pace, and Protect Your Joy 🎄✂️

Holiday sewing season is here! In this week’s episode of The Sewcial Hour, Bethany and Audra share practical tips for tackling your festive projects without sacrificing your sanity (or your joy). From setting realistic goals to honoring your limits, you’ll learn how to avoid burnout, plan ahead, and keep the magic in your making.

We talk:
 🎁 The “Pinterest effect” and why expectations can sneak up on you
 📝 Choosing projects wisely and creating realistic timelines
 💡 Tips for batching...


Episode 28: Listener Mailbag – Answering Your Questions
#28
09/23/2025

 🎉 We’ve officially hit six months of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, and what better way to celebrate than with a listener Q&A? This week, we’re diving into your questions — from quilting must-haves and beginner garment sewing, to projector sewing, repurposing clothes, memory bears, and even what it’s really like to work in the sewing industry.

Whether you’re curious about drafting your own patterns, wondering if you need a serger, or just looking for fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with practical tips, honest advice, and a few laughs along the way.

Plus, we share...


Episode 27: Upcycling with Luisa
#27
09/16/2025

Episode 27: Upcycling with Luisa

This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Luisa Hurtado — fashion designer, sewing educator, Brother Sewing ambassador, and content creator with a true passion for upcycling! Born in Mexico and now based in Las Vegas, Luisa inspires sewists worldwide with her bilingual tutorials, innovative designs, and creative approach to turning everyday items into one-of-a-kind fashion.

In this episode, we chat with Luisa about:
🧵 Her journey from fashion design to content creation and teaching globally with Domestika
♻️ Why upcycling holds so much creative (and sustainable...


Episode 26: Dealing with Criticism & the Quilt Police
#26
09/09/2025

Whether you’ve been sewing for years or are just starting out, chances are you’ve met the infamous quilt police. You know the type, the ones quick to point out “rules” or tell you you’re doing it wrong. In this episode, Bethany and Audra dive into the world of sewing criticism: the constructive, the unsolicited, and the projection-based comments that can show up both online and in person.

We explore why the quilt police exist, how to tell the difference between feedback that helps and feedback that hurts, and most importantly, how to protect your joy in sew...


Episode 25 – Pride & Joy Quilting with Guest Veruschka Zarate
#25
09/02/2025

Episode 25 – Pride & Joy Quilting with Guest Veruschka Zarate

This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re joined by the incredibly talented and award-winning quilt maker and pattern designer Veruschka Zarate of Pride & Joy Quilting. Known for her bold, vibrant designs and mastery of foundation paper piecing (FPP), Veruschka shares how she discovered her passion for quilting, what inspires her jaw-dropping creations, and her favorite tips for quilters ready to try FPP for the first time.

We chat about her journey from learning traditional piecing in 2016 to becoming a BERNINA and Handi Quilter Amba...


Episode 24: Longarm Quilting with Adam Rateliff
#24
08/26/2025

Episode 24: Longarm Quilting with Adam Rateliff

This week, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Adam Rateliff: quilter, educator, and creative force behind @adamsewfun. Adam has stitched his way from a childhood love of fiber arts to a career teaching quilting around the globe, inspiring makers to embrace bold color, break a few “rules,” and have fun in their creative space.

In this conversation, Adam shares how discovering longarm quilting changed the trajectory of his life, the joys and challenges of teaching worldwide, and his advice for anyone curious about diving into this powerf...


Episode 23: Why We Sew
#23
08/19/2025

This week, we’re slowing things down and getting personal talking about the deeper reasons why we sew. For many of us, sewing is so much more than a hobby; it’s a lifeline, a creative outlet, and a way to connect with others.

Bethany and Audra explore the mental health benefits of sewing like mindfulness, stress relief, and the joy of tangible accomplishment as well as the physical perks and brain boosts it brings, from improved hand-eye coordination to preserving cognitive function as we age. We also dig into the power of sewing to build connection, comm...


Episode 22: Pixel Quilts with Dee Bushrod
#22
08/12/2025

Episode 22: Pixel Quilts with Dee Bushrod
The Sewcial Hour Podcast

This week, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Dee Bushrod, the creative force behind Pixel Quilts. Dee’s work transforms photographs and images into breathtaking quilts that look like they’ve leapt straight out of a digital screen and onto fabric.

From her first Super Mario quilt in 2008 to her current portfolio of portraits, pop culture icons, and personal photo quilts, Dee has spent years perfecting her process. In this episode, she shares her journey from self-taught sewist to full-time pixel quilting artist, her ti...


Episode 21: The Great Sewing Machine Debate
#21
08/05/2025

Episode 21: The Great Sewing Machine Debate
The Sewcial Hour Podcast

It’s time to talk about the workhorse of every sewing room, the sewing machine! In this episode, Bethany and Audra dive into all things sewing machines: how to choose the right one, what features really matter, and how to keep your machine running like a dream.

Whether you’re shopping for your first machine, eyeing an upgrade, or just love geeking out over machine features, this episode is packed with tips for every sewist. We’ll cover everything from buying basics (new, u...


Episode 20: Sewing with Unconventional Materials
#20
07/29/2025

Episode 20: Sewing with Unconventional Materials

This week, we’re thinking outside the fabric store! Join Bethany and Audra as we dive into the world of sewing with unconventional materials—from thrifted treasures to household odds and ends, nothing is off-limits.

We kick things off with a fun icebreaker: What’s the weirdest or most unexpected material you’ve ever sewn with? (Bethany’s answer might surprise you!) Then we explore why stepping outside traditional textiles can spark creativity, save money, and even help the planet.

We take a deep dive into upcycling...


Episode 19: Sewing on a Budget – Create More, Spend Less
#19
07/22/2025

Episode 19: Sewing on a Budget – Create More, Spend Less

Sewing doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby! In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany and Audra are diving into their favorite money-saving strategies, thrifty sewing hacks, and honest talk about resisting the pressure to “buy it all.” Whether you’re just getting started or trying to rein in your fabric budget, we’ve got tips to help you stitch smarter—not spendier.

From DIY ironing tables and porcupine quills (yes, really) to remnant bins and resale goldmines, we’re sharing what works, what...


Episode 18: Siah Swag Bags – with Guests Kassiah & Susan
#18
07/15/2025

Episode 18: Siah Swag Bags – with Guests Kassiah & Susan

This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re joined by the powerhouse sister duo behind Siah Swag Bags: Kassiah Myers and Susan Thiriot! What started as a handmade hustle has grown into a beloved brand known for vibrant bag-making content, must-have supplies, and community-fueled creativity.

We chat all about their journey from craft fairs and classroom teaching to running a thriving sewing business with a devoted YouTube following, Patreon crew, and live teaching events across the country. From industrial thread to industrial machines, these ladi...


Episode 17: Fabric Fundamentals for Sewing Bags
#17
07/08/2025

Episode 17: Fabric Fundamentals for Sewing Bags - Choosing the Right Material for the Job

Whether you're stitching up your first tote or crafting your 50th clutch, choosing the right fabric can make or break your bag-making experience. In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany and Audra break down the essential fabric know-how every bag maker needs, from structure and durability to style and stitchability.

We’re sharing our favorite materials for different bag types, tips for handling specialty textiles like cork and vinyl, and the inside scoop on what fabrics not to use if...


Episode 16: Threading Through the Trends
#16
07/01/2025

Episode 16: Threading Through the Trends – What’s Hot in Sewing for 2025

From 90s plaid to visible mending, sewing in 2025 is anything but boring! In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany and Audra break down the top sewing and quilting trends shaping the creative world this year: think big bows, functional fashion, sustainable stitching, and a major romantasy aesthetic takeover. ✨

We’re chatting about what trends we love (hello, quilted everything), which ones we’re trying (visible mending and longarming!), and why some of these movements go deeper than fashion they’re about expres...


Episode 15: Sewing in the Margins of Life
#15
06/24/2025

Episode 15: Sewing in the Margins of Life – Making Time for Creativity Amid Chaos

Life gets busy—like really busy. Between work, family, adulting, and everything in between, finding time to sew can feel nearly impossible. In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany and Audra get real about the struggle to carve out creative time in hectic seasons and why sewing isn’t just a hobby - it’s self-care.

We’re sharing personal stories, relatable moments (yes, Audra once stitched while getting her hair foiled!), and practical strategies for squeezing in sewing—eve...


Episode 14: Sewtopia
#14
06/17/2025

Episode 14: Sewtopia – Quilting, Chaos & Community with Amy & Megan

This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re joined by the dynamic duo behind Sewtopia—Amy and Megan! While we had a list of questions about running a modern quilt shop, hosting epic sewing retreats, and curating drool-worthy fabric kits... let’s just say things didn’t exactly go as planned. 

From hilarious detours to heartfelt moments, this episode is packed with laughter, behind-the-scenes glimpses into the Sewtopia universe, and lots of real talk about creativity, community, and the beauty of modern quilting.

Whether you’ve atte...


Episode 13: Finding Your Sewing Style
#13
06/10/2025

In this week’s episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re diving into something every sewist eventually navigates: finding your sewing style! From following fleeting fashion trends in our youth (tanning bed stickers, layered tanks, and all) to discovering the confidence and freedom that comes with tailoring garments to fit your body and your life, this episode is all about that journey.

Bethany and Audra reflect on how their personal styles have evolved and how sewing has empowered them to dress for themselves, not just the trends. Whether you're deep into garment sewing, dabbling in bag maki...


Episode 12: All Things Sewing Retreats!
#12
06/03/2025

Episode 12: All Things Sewing Retreats

Ready to pack your machine and escape into a weekend (or week!) of creativity? This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re diving into all things sewing retreats: what they are, how to find the right one for you, and why they might just be the recharge your sew-jo needs.

We’re sharing our personal retreat experiences, what we pack, what we look for in a retreat, and how to know if you're ready to join one. Whether you're dreaming of a relaxing getaway with fellow makers, curious about them...


Episode 11: Overcoming Creative Blocks
#11
05/27/2025

🎧 Episode 11: Overcoming Creative Blocks

Get your sew-jo back with simple tips, playful techniques, and a little sewing self-care!

In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany and Audra dive into a relatable topic for every maker: creative blocks. Whether your sewing machine is gathering dust or you're stuck in a rut, this conversation is full of real talk and actionable ideas to help you reignite your creativity and get back to doing what you love.

From easy wins and playful stitching with scrap fabric to creating a cozy, inviting workspace, the...


Episode 10 – Guest Interview: Misty Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company
#10
05/20/2025

This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we welcome our second-ever guest—and she’s sewing royalty! Join us as we sit down with Misty Doan, Creative Leader at Missouri Star Quilt Company, host of At Home with Misty and Homespun, and an inspiring voice in the world of modern quilting.

From her early sewing inspirations to balancing creativity with motherhood, Misty shares openly about her journey as a creator, educator, and encourager in the sewing community. We also dive into her design process, her upcoming Craftours trip to Kenya, and how she keeps her creativity thriving whil...


Episode 9: The Comparison Trap: Social Media, Self-Doubt & Creative Confidence
#9
05/13/2025

Welcome back to The Sewcial Hour Podcast! This week, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for many makers—the comparison trap. With constant posts of perfectly staged sewing spaces, flawless finishes, and endless new projects, it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough. Today, we’re talking about how social media can stir up self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to “keep up” in the creative space.

In this episode, we discuss:

The bandwagon effect: new patterns, trending fabrics, and sewing FOMO

How to recognize when comparison is...


Episode 8: Making for Others - Navigating the Joys and Pressures of Handmade Gifting
#8
05/06/2025

Episode 8: Making for Others - Navigating the Joys and Pressures of Handmade Gifting

Welcome back to The Sewcial Hour Podcast! This week, we’re diving into a topic that every maker has faced at some point—making for others. Whether you’re creating handmade gifts out of love, obligation, or habit, there’s often an emotional toll that comes with sewing for someone else. From early projects made with enthusiasm to later ones that feel like pressure, we’re breaking down the difference between “have to” and “want to” when it comes to gift sewing.

In this heartfelt...


Episode 7: Meet Missy Luukkonen of The Little Green Bean
#7
04/29/2025

This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we're excited to welcome our very first guest — Missy Luukkonen, the creative behind The Little Green Bean.

Missy is a full-time maker, business owner, and sewing educator who has been crafting whimsical and practical creations for over 30 years. She joins us to share her inspiring story, from learning to sew in high school to building a successful handmade business with her husband in northern Minnesota.

In this episode, we dive into:

How The Little Green Bean began and the meaning behind the name

Missy’s jour...


Episode 6: Summer Wardrobe Refresh – Patterns We Love & Swimsuit Sewing! ☀️🧵👗
#6
04/22/2025

Release Date: April 22, 2025
Hosts: Bethany (@CraftWithBethany) & Audra (@SewDreamyStudio)

The sun is out, the fabric is flowing, and we’re ready to refresh our closets with handmade pieces! In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re diving into our favorite summer sewing patterns, including our go-to picks for dresses, sets, and even swimsuits. Whether you’re beach-bound or backyard lounging, we’ve got you covered (literally).

✨ In This Episode:
Each of us shares our top 3 summer patterns + a swimsuit favorite
🔹 Bethany's picks:
– Sage Dress (Made for Mermaids)
– Southport Dress...


Episode 5: Sewing Room Must-Haves – What You Really Need (and What You Don’t) 🧵
#5
04/15/2025

Episode 5: Sewing Room Must-Haves – What You Really Need (and What You Don’t) 🧵

Release Date: April 15, 2025
Hosts: Bethany (@CraftWithBethany) & Audra (@SewDreamyStudio)

Today on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re talking sewing room essentials - the tools, notions, and gadgets we swear by... and the ones we could definitely live without. Whether you're brand new to sewing or just looking to fine-tune your setup, this episode is packed with helpful tips to level up your space without wasting money.

✨ What We Cover in This Episode:
🔹 Must-have tools for beginners and seasoned sewists alike
🔹 Ou...


Sewcial Hour Podcast - Episode 4: The Demise of JoAnn – What It Means for Sewists & Crafters 🎙️🧵
#4
04/08/2025

Release Date: April 8, 2025
Hosts: Bethany (@CraftWithBethany) & Audra (@SewDreamyStudio)

Today, we’re diving into the fall of JoAnn Fabrics—an iconic name in the sewing and crafting world. Whether you were a loyal customer or just popped in for an emergency spool of thread, Joann’s impact on sewists, crafters, and makers can’t be ignored. So… what happens now?

✨ What We Cover in This Episode:
 🔹 JoAnn’s closure & its ripple effect—what it means for the sewing industry
 🔹 How the loss of Joann affects new sewists, small businesses, and hobbyists
 🔹 The cosplay & anime maker commun...


Episode 3: Sewing & Stress – How Creativity Can Help
#3
04/01/2025

Episode 3: Sewing & Stress – How Creativity Can Help 
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Hosts: Bethany (@CraftWithBethany) & Audra (@SewDreamyStudio)

April is Stress Awareness Month, and in this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re talking about the power of creativity in managing stress. Whether you turn to sewing, crafting, or another creative outlet, making time for creativity can be exactly what you need to combat anxiety and find balance.

✨ What We Cover in This Episode:
 🔹 How creativity helps reduce stress and anxiety
 🔹 The importance of making time for creativity—even just 10 minutes!
 🔹 Our personal experiences...


Episode 2: How We Got Here 🎙️🧵
#2
03/25/2025

Hosts: Bethany (@CraftWithBethany) & Audra (@SewDreamyStudio)

In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re diving into our journeys in the sewing industry—how we turned our passion into careers, the highs and lows along the way, and how YOU can carve your own path in the world of sewing!

✨ What We Cover in This Episode:
 🔹 How childhood dreams and early influences led us to sewing
 🔹 The turning points that shaped our careers in the sewing industry
 🔹 Challenges we faced and lessons learned along the way
 🔹 Tips for breaking into the sewing world—whether a...


Episode 1: Meet the Hosts 🎙️✨
#1
03/18/2025

Episode 1: Meet the Hosts 🎙️✨
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Hosts: Bethany (@CraftWithBethany) & Audra (@SewDreamyStudio)

Welcome to The Sewcial Hour Podcast! In this debut episode, Bethany and Audra introduce themselves, share how they met at the 2024 Houston Quilt Market, and reveal how their instant friendship led to reviving this podcast. After a 10-month hiatus, The Sewcial Hour is back—better than ever—with a fresh structure, exciting new segments, and occasional guest appearances.

You'll hear about our plans for future episodes, including our signature “You Love to See It” segment, where we wrap up each episode on a positive n...


Welcome to The Sewcial Hour Podcast
#1
03/15/2025

Welcome to The Sewcial Hour Podcast! 🎙️✂️ A podcast for sewists, by sewists, hosted by Bethany (@CraftWithBethany) and Audra (@SewDreamyStudio).

Join us every Tuesday as we dive into all things sewing—from industry trends and niche techniques to inspiring stories and expert insights. Whether you're stitching at your machine, running errands, or just need some creative inspiration, we've got you covered!

✨ Join the conversation!
💬 Connect with fellow sewists in our Sewcial Sewists Facebook group
📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast
📺 Watch & subscribe on YouTube

Hit subscribe and ge...