The Sewcial Hour Podcast
Hosted by: Bethany of Craft with BethanyThe Sewcial Hour Podcast, hosted by Bethany, is a podcast for sewists by sewists - bringing creativity & community together through honest conversations about sewing, handmade fashion, quilting, creativity, and the real-life experiences behind making things by hand. With new episodes every other Tuesday, the podcast features inspiring guest interviews, industry conversations, creative encouragement, and relatable discussions for sewists of all skill levels. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook, watch video episodes on YouTube, and join the private Facebook group, The Sewcial Sewists, to continue the conversation, share your makes, and connect with fellow sewing...
Episode 54: Sewing Subscription Boxes: Are They Worth It?
Would you love having sewing goodies delivered right to your door every month… or would your sewing room quickly become even more stuffed with things you may never use? 😂
In Episode 54 of The Sewcial Hour, I’m joined by Brooke Stambersky of Brooke’s Bitchin’ Stitches for a fun conversation about sewing subscription boxes and the big question: Are they actually worth it?
We’re talking about the appeal of subscription boxes, the mystery factor, cost vs. value, stash accumulation, sewing guilt, and who these boxes might actually be best for. We’ll also share some green flag...
Episode 53: From Narrow Boat to Cottage Sewing
What happens when your sewing space goes from a cozy Narrow Boat to a cottage in Scotland? 🏡🧵
In Episode 53 of The Sewcial Hour, I’m chatting with my friend Tracy Perks of Rope & Anchor Trading Co. Tracy joins me from the UK for a casual conversation about her quilting journey, her recent move to a cottage in Scotland, and what it’s like to suddenly have a whole lot more room to sew!
We talk about Tracy’s unique approach to quilt pattern design and her wonderfully distinctive writing style, the inspiration behind her patterns, and how her...
Episode 52: Quilting with Corey Pearson
What happens when a love of quilting turns into a career that takes you across the country, introduces you to incredible people, and makes you one of the familiar faces in the quilting community?
In Episode 52 of The Sewcial Hour, I’m joined by Corey Pearson, Chief Quilter at Linda’s, for a conversation about quilting, creativity, travel, community, and the journey that brought him to where he is today.
Corey and I talk about how he discovered quilting, his path to becoming Chief Quilter at Linda’s, and what that role really looks like behind...
Episode 51: Finding Your Voice in the Sewing Industry
What does it really take to build a creative career without losing yourself in the process?
In Episode 51 of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany is joined by guest co-host Lina Owen for an honest conversation about creativity, social media, and finding your place in the sewing industry. Together, they explore the challenges many makers face, from navigating layoffs and rebuilding confidence to resisting the pressure to fit neatly into a niche.
Bethany and Lina open up about the emotional side of creating, the reality of trying to turn a passion into a career, and how...
Episode 50: Amy Chappell of Ameroonie Designs
Episode 50: Amy Chappell of Ameroonie Designs
What does it take to turn a love of sewing into a thriving creative business?
In Episode 50 of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany sits down with Amy Chappell, the designer and maker behind Ameroonie Designs, to talk about building a handmade business, designing sewing patterns, and finding joy in creating through every season of life.
Amy shares the journey that led her from sewing for her family to becoming a well-known pattern designer and educator. Together, Bethany and Amy discuss the realities of running a creative business...
Episode 49: When Creativity Feels Heavy | with Lina Owens of Quilting with Latinas
Episode 49: When Creativity Feels Heavy | with Lina Owens of Quilting with Latinas
Creativity isn't always joyful.
Sometimes life changes everything, and the things that once brought us comfort become the hardest to return to.
In this deeply personal episode of The Sewcial Hour, Bethany is joined by guest co-host Lina Owens of Quilting with Latinas for an honest conversation about what happens when creativity feels heavy. Together, they share their lived experiences navigating job loss, burnout, identity shifts, and the emotional weight that can make creating feel impossible.
They...
Ep 48: Fundamentals of Sewing with Cornelius Quiring
In Episode 48 of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany sits down with garment sewing educator, pattern drafting teacher, and content creator Cornelius Quiring for a thoughtful conversation about the fundamentals of sewing, garment construction, fit, and finding confidence through creativity.
When Cornelius was just three years old, a farm accident left his body asymmetrical. Frustrated by clothing that wasn't designed to fit his unique body, he learned how to draft patterns and sew garments for himself, transforming sewing into a powerful tool for self-expression, problem-solving, and empowerment. Today, he shares those skills with thousands of sewists around the...
Episode 47: The Myth of “Advanced” Sewing
Who Gets to Decide Your Sewing Level?
What does “advanced sewing” actually mean?
Is it mastering difficult techniques? Sewing with tricky fabrics? Pattern drafting? Perfect topstitching? Or is it simply having the confidence to try something new?
In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany dives into the complicated world of sewing skill labels — beginner, intermediate, advanced, confident beginner — and unpacks why those labels are far more subjective than most sewists realize.
Because the truth is: there’s no universal standard for sewing difficulty. One designer’s “easy weekend project” might leave anot...
Episode 46: Quilt with Miss Kate
Episode 46 of The Sewcial Hour is all about quilts, community, and building a business that feels like hanging out with your best quilting friends. This week, Bethany and Audra sit down with Kate Hay — the owner of Quilt with Miss Kate — to talk about growing up in the quilt world, working behind the scenes in the fabric industry, and creating an online quilt shop that makes quilters feel truly seen.
Kate shares what it was like growing up in her mom’s quilt shop, Patchwork Plus, before spending years as a sales rep for Moda Fabrics and eventu...
Episode 45: The Confidence Ladder of Making
Episode 45: The Confidence Ladder of Making
This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re diving into something every maker experiences, but don’t always have language for: confidence. 🧵✨
When you first start sewing, everything feels intimidating: patterns are confusing, techniques feel overwhelming, and every project feels like a test. But over time, something shifts. You begin to trust your hands, your instincts, and your creative decisions.
In this episode, we’re breaking down what we’re calling The Confidence Ladder of Making: the four stages makers move through as they grow:
Imit...Episode 44: Bessie Pearl Binding Co.
This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re joined by Karen Wade, founder of Bessie Pearl Binding Co. — a company that has helped thousands of quilters finally enjoy the finishing step with beautifully made, ready-to-use bias binding.
If binding is the part of quilting you dread (👀 you’re not alone), this episode is for you.
Karen shares how Bessie Pearl was born out of a very real sewing room frustration and how that one problem turned into a thriving product-based business. With a background in retail and over a decade of growth, she gives us an ins...
Episode 43: The Economics of Handmade
This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re talking about a topic that can get uncomfortable real fast… money. 💸✂️
Why does fabric feel so expensive? Why do makers consistently underprice their work? And what are we actually paying for when we choose handmade over mass-produced?
In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the true cost of creating - from materials and tools to the often-overlooked value of time, skill, and experience. Because spoiler: that “quick afternoon project” didn’t just take an afternoon… it took years to be able to make it that quickly.
<...Episode 42: Foundation Paper Piecing with Julius Handmade
This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re joined by quilt designer and maker Julius Rempe-Night of Julius Handmade to talk all things Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) — one of the most striking and precise techniques in modern quilting.
Known for his bold geometric designs, fearless color palettes, and thoughtful approach to creativity, Julius shares how he discovered FPP, why he fell in love with the technique, and how it became the foundation of his pattern design work. With over eight years of experience, he’s helping quilters of all levels see that FPP isn’t just about pr...
Episode 41: QuiltCon Recap
In this week’s episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re recapping all things QuiltCon!
From the quilts that completely stopped us in our tracks to the trends we saw everywhere, we’re breaking down our biggest takeaways from this year’s show. We’re talking bold color palettes, modern design moments, the vendors that had everyone buzzing, and the inspiration overload that only QuiltCon can deliver.
We’re also sharing:
Our favorite quilts and why they stood outCreative techniques we’re dying to tryBehind-the-scenes moments and funny storiesWhat surprised us most about the eventHow Qu...Episode 40: Projector Sewing
Have you ever bought a PDF pattern… and then procrastinated for days because you didn’t want to print, tape, and cut it out?
In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re diving into the world of projector sewing — the tool that has completely changed how Bethany sews and the one Audra is currently setting up (with a healthy mix of excitement and intimidation).
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of using a projector for sewing, this episode is for you. We’re breaking it all down in a beginner-friendly way and walk...
Episode 39: Love Your Sewing Space
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we’re talking about a relationship that might need a little extra love — your sewing room.
In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Audra and Bethany dive into how your sewing space impacts your creativity, motivation, and joy. After last week’s conversation about WIPs and UFOs, we’re taking things one step further and talking about how to create a sewing space that supports you instead of stressing you out.
Because if your sewing room feels chaotic, cluttered, or guilt-inducing, it’s really hard to feel inspire...
Episode 38: WIPs & UFOs
Every sewist has them: Works in Progress and UnFinished Objects lurking in bins, closets, and the corners of our sewing rooms… quietly judging us.
In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Audra and Bethany are talking about all things WIPs & UFOs and why we get stuck, how unfinished projects can weigh on us emotionally, and how to decide what’s actually worth finishing (and what’s okay to let go).
We’re breaking down:
Why WIPs happen (and why they’re not a personal failure)The difference between projects that deserve patience a...Episode 37: The Lies We Tell Ourselves
What does it actually mean to be a “real” sewist — and who gets to decide?
In this episode of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Audra and Bethany unpack the quiet, sneaky stories that keep sewists stuck: the lies we tell ourselves about needing better tools, needing to be perfect, needing to look a certain way, or needing permission before we begin.
We talk about where the idea of the “real sewist” even came from, how social media has reshaped confidence and comparison in the sewing world, and why so many of us end up waiting in...
Episode 36: New Year, New Sewing Goals
As we wrap up 2025, we’re slowing down, reflecting, and looking ahead with intention. In this final episode of the year, Audra and Bethany dive into how to set sewing (and life) goals for 2026 that actually feel good - not overwhelming, not guilt-filled, and not destined to be abandoned by February.
We start with a little reflection on the moments from 2025 that made us proud (including big trips, big leaps, and a whole lot of growth), then walk you through simple, practical ways to shape goals that fit your real life.
We talk about:
Ho...Episode 35: From Group Chat to Sewing Retreat
What happens when the sewing group chat finally leaves the internet and becomes real life? ✨🧵
In Episode 35 of The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany and Audra are joined by former guest Missy Luukkonen for a cozy, laughter-filled recap of their girls sewing trip to Peoria, Illinois.
For four glorious days, the three of them piled into an Airbnb filled with sewing machines, fabric stacks, pajamas, wine glasses, and nonstop laughter. They stitched late, laughed until they cried, and soaked up the kind of creative energy that only happens when sewists come together in real life.
...
Episode 34: Cloud9 Fabrics - Sustainable Style, Creative Vision & the Future of Fabric
🎙️ Episode 34: Cloud9 Fabrics - Sustainable Style, Creative Vision & the Future of Fabric
This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re thrilled to sit down with Gina Pantastico and Michelle Engel, two of the brilliant founders behind Cloud9 Fabrics, a company known for its gorgeous designs, commitment to sustainability, and thoughtful approach to fabric manufacturing.
If you’ve ever sewn with Cloud9, you know: their fabrics feel as good as they look. In this episode, we explore the story behind the brand, how they bring collections to life, and the passion that has fueled th...
Episode 33: Gratitude, Growth & Great Deals
This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany and Audra are wrapping up the year with gratitude, laughter, and a little strategic sewing talk. ✨🧵
In this cozy, year-end chat, the hosts reflect on the moments, projects, and people that made this year of The Sewcial Hour Podcast so special, from community highlights to personal creative wins.
Then it’s time to get practical! With Black Friday right around the corner, Bethany and Audra break down their best strategies for navigating the biggest sewing shopping weekend of the year without stress, overspending, or getting overwhelmed. Whether you’re...
Episode 32: Guest - Genesis Hall | The Genesis of a Journey
Episode 32: Guest - Genesis Hall | The Genesis of a Journey
This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, Bethany and Audra are thrilled to welcome 15-year-old award-winning quilter and fabric designer, Genesis Hall! 🌟
From living abroad as a military kid to launching her debut fabric collection with Riley Blake Designs, Genesis’ story is a beautiful example of how creativity, courage, and community can come together to shape a young artist’s path. She shares how travel, culture, and curiosity have influenced her quilting style and how she’s balancing teenage life with an emerging career in the sewin...
Episode 31: Sewing Costumes
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
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 🎄✂️
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
🎉 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
