The Sewcial Hour Podcast

3d ago

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. In this episode, they talk about: • How sewing friendships grow — and why they matter so much • What it really takes to turn a group chat into an actual trip • Letting go of perfection and embracing connection • Why sewing retreats are about more than just finishing projects • How saying “yes” to community can spark creativity and confidence If a sewing retreat or girls sewing getaway is on your 2026 bucket list, consider this your gentle nudge to take the leap. The friendships, memories, and creative joy are worth it. 🎒🧵🍷 Whether you’re dreaming of planning your first sewing retreat or just craving deeper connections in the sewing community, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, encouraged, and ready to book the Airbnb. Follow Us: Craft with Bethany - https://www.instagram.com/craftwithbethany/ SewDreamy - https://www.instagram.com/sewdreamy The Little Green Bean - https://www.instagram.com/thelittlegreenbean ✨ Next Week: Planning for 2026 and sewing with intention! 💬 Join the Conversation: Share your favorite takeaways and connect with other sewists in our Facebook group, The Sewcial Sewists : https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesewcialsewists ✔️ Subscribe to The Sewcial Hour ✔️ Leave a review if you enjoyed today’s episode ✔️ Share your favorite Black Friday sewing tips with the community on IG or in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook group

Dec 2

🎙️ 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 their mission since the beginning. ✨ In This Episode: • The Cloud9 Origin Story: how Gina and Michelle built a company centered around organic cotton, ethical sourcing, and beautiful design. • Behind the Scenes of Fabric Production: from initial design concepts to working with artists, selecting substrates, and navigating today’s manufacturing challenges. • Industry Trends & Future Insights: where they see the sewing world headed and what excites them most right now. • Advice for Makers & Aspiring Designers: guidance for indie designers, small businesses, and anyone dreaming of designing fabric or collaborating with manufacturers. • Spool School: a special guest-led edition! • You Love to See It: celebrations, accomplishments, and creative wins from all four of us. Gina and Michelle also give us a peek into their day-to-day roles at Cloud9: Gina as Director of Operations with decades of global sourcing experience, and Michelle as Creative Director with a talent for discovering artists and telling stories through design. 🌿 Explore More from Cloud9: 📘 Look Book: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/cloud9may2025.html 🌐 Website: https://cloud9fabrics.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloud9fabrics 🎙️ Call to Action: Subscribe to The Sewcial Hour Leave us a review if you enjoyed today’s conversation Follow @cloud9fabrics and explore their latest collections Share your favorite Cloud9 makes or fabric pulls in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook group! Next week: A fun, behind-the-scenes episode recorded at our sewing retreat with Missy, Audra, and Bethany!

Nov 18

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 eyeing new notions, planning a machine upgrade, or perfecting your sewing wishlist, they’ve got you covered with tips for smarter, happier stitching. They dive into: - What they’re most thankful for this year - Their game plan for Black Friday fabric + sewing deals - How to build a wishlist that keeps you focused (and inspired!) - Big-ticket buying tips, price-checking, and supporting local shops - Why shopping with a sewing friend might just save you from impulse buys - Plus: This week’s Stitch & Share and You Love to See It moments! Listeners are encouraged to join in the fun by sharing their #SewingWishlist or gratitude moments in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook group or by tagging the hosts on Instagram. ✨ Next Week: A conversation with Gina Pantastico & Michelle Engel of Cloud9 Fabrics! 💬 Join the Conversation: Share your favorite takeaways and connect with other sewists in our Facebook group, The Sewcial Sewists : https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesewcialsewists ✔️ Subscribe to The Sewcial Hour ✔️ Leave a review if you enjoyed today’s episode ✔️ Share your favorite Black Friday sewing tips with the community on IG or in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook group

Nov 4

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 sewing industry. We chat about her first fabric line — “The Genesis of a Journey” — inspired by her time growing up in Europe, and her exciting collaborations with Renaissance Ribbons and Aurifil Thread. Plus, Genesis offers heartfelt advice for other young makers finding their voice in a creative world that’s often a few generations older. Stick around for our rapid-fire fun round, some “You Love to See It” wins, and an inspiring look at what’s next for this rising star of the sewing community. ✨ Links & Resources: 🧵 Instagram: @gennyfromthequiltblock 🎨 Fabric Collection: The Genesis of a Journey – Riley Blake Designs 🎀 Notions: Renaissance Ribbons – Genesis Hall Collection 🧶 Thread Collections: Checker Distributors Fat Quarter Shop Brewer Sewing 💡 Affiliate Links: SewTites Juki Junkies 💬 Join the Conversation: Share your favorite takeaways and connect with other sewists in our Facebook group, The Sewcial Sewists . 📲 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tag a young maker who might be inspired by Genesis’ story! Next week: Thanksgiving Reflections & Black Friday Planning 🦃🧵

Oct 21

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-minute “night before Halloween” confessions. 🎧 Tune in to hear: 🧵 Why costume sewing can be a great creative outlet (and learning tool) 🎭 The difference between fun and perfection-driven projects 💡 Our best tips for sewing unusual materials — and keeping your sanity And don’t miss the costume photos we’re sharing over in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group and on Instagram! Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/ Follow The Sewcial Hour Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewcialhourpodcast/ Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/craftwithbethany/ Follow Audra: https://www.instagram.com/sewdreamy/ #TheSewcialHourPodcast #CostumeSewing #SewingCommunity #CosplaySewing #SewistsOfInstagram

Oct 7

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 pick their own fabrics to celebrating progress over perfection. 🎧 Tune in to hear our icebreaker, “What was your favorite go-to show as a child?” and join the conversation by sharing your (or your kids’) first sewing memories in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group or by tagging us on Instagram! 💬 Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and don’t forget to share your sewing tips with us in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group! Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/ Follow The Sewcial Hour Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewcialhourpodcast/ Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/craftwithbethany/ Follow Audra: https://www.instagram.com/sewdreamy/ #TheSewcialHourPodcast #SewingWithKids #SewingCommunity

Sep 30

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, shortcuts, and self-care 🧵 How to give yourself permission to scale back without guilt Plus, we swap stories of our own holiday sewing “flops” (hello, 10-week sew-along!) and share practical ways to make this season more manageable and meaningful. ✨ Tune in to Episode 29 and start your holiday sewing season feeling prepared, calm, and inspired. Then tell us your holiday sewing wins and flops in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group or tag us on Instagram! 💬 Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and don’t forget to share your thrifty sewing tips with us in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group! Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/ Follow The Sewcial Hour Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewcialhourpodcast/ Follow Bethany: https://www.instagram.com/craftwithbethany/ Follow Audra: https://www.instagram.com/sewdreamy/

Sep 23

🎉 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 what other podcasts we’re listening to, swap seasonal sewing favorites, and of course — wrap things up with our beloved “You Love to See It” segment. ✨ Tune in to hear your questions answered and join the conversation in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group. Who knows — your question might show up in our next mailbag episode! 💬 Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and don’t forget to share your thrifty sewing tips with us in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group! Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/ Follow The Sewcial Hour Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewcialhourpodcast/