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 making, obsessed with quilting, or exploring utility projects your sewing style is uniquely yours and constantly evolving.

We also share our current obsessions in this week’s Stitch & Share segment (hint: jelly rolls and laptop cases!) and wrap it all up with a feel-good You Love to See It moment.

💬 Icebreaker: What’s one fashion trend from your past you’d definitely leave behind? Join the conversation in our Facebook group, The Sewcial Sewists!

✨ Next Week: We're chatting with Amy & Megan from Sewtopia, a beloved sewing shop based in Utah!

💬 Stay connected:
Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social @TheSewcialHourPodcast.

Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group to continue the conversation after the episode ends!
New episodes drop every Tuesday!

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 themed retreats vs. free-sew formats, or just wondering what the hype is all about, this episode will give you all the insider info.

Plus! Bethany announces her Sew With Me Retreat happening this October and registration opens Friday, June 6th at 10am CST!
👉 Learn more & register here: craftwithbethany.com/sew-with-me-retreat

Icebreaker: If you had to leave for a retreat in 5 minutes what project are you grabbing first? Come share in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group!

Sewcial Spotlight: Simone of Intensely Distracted and her amazing woven labels.

Tune in and get inspired to take your sewing on the road (or just across town)!
Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social for updates.

#SewingRetreats #SewcialHourPodcast #SewWithMeRetreat #SewcialSewists #CreativeGetaways #SewingCommunity #RetreatReady #SewingLife

🎧 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 hosts share their go-to methods for moving through a creative funk. Plus, learn about the power of body doubling and why sometimes, the best way to get sewing again is to just start small.

✨ Spool School Tip: Bethany shares a game-changing trick to avoid thread nests at the start of your seams, this one works for all types of fabric!

💬 Icebreaker: What’s one non-sewing thing that inspires your creativity? We’d love to hear, join the conversation in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group and share under today’s episode thread!

🎉 You Love to See It: Bethany celebrates new branding photos by Laura O’Brien Photography, and Audra honors veterans for Memorial Day with a meaningful moment of gratitude.

Check out Laura O’Brien Photography Here: https://www.lauraobrienphotography.com/

🔜 Coming Up Next Week: Episode 12: All Things Sewing Retreats! Don’t miss it!

👉 Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest updates.

Thanks for hanging out with us today—and remember, “Keep it stitchy, friends!”

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 while staying grounded in family and community.

✨ Plus, don’t miss:

• A rapid-fire round of fun sewing questions
  
  
• Misty’s thoughts on creative confidence and advice for new sewists
  
  
• Our Thread Talk deep dive with Misty
  
  
• This week’s “You Love to See It” moments from Bethany & Audra
  
  

💬 Icebreaker: If you could sew with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be and why? Share your pick in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook group!

📌 SHOW NOTES:

• Misty’s Tutorials:
  • At Home with Misty
    
    
  • Homespun
    
    
  • Double Take
    
    
• ✈️ Kenya Retreat Info
  
  
• 📖 Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
  
  
• ✂️ Designs by Juju
  
  
• 📷 Follow Misty on Instagram: @mistydoan

🧵 Next week: Episode 11 – Overcoming Creative Blocks: Get Your Sew-Jo Back!

Be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow on social for all the latest updates.

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 stealing your joy
  
  
• Ways to reconnect with your own creative goals and pace
  
  

We also chat about what we’re working on in our Stitch & Share segment:

• Bethany is working on more quilted shoes (yes, there’s a YouTube tutorial coming!)
  
  
• Audra is finally sewing something practical—a wallet to replace her falling-apart Fossil one
  
  

Plus, don't miss our fun icebreaker: Would you rather have unlimited thread or unlimited needles? Drop your answer in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook group under today's episode post!

As always, we wrap up with a little sunshine in You Love to See It, and give you a sneak peek at next week’s episode featuring a special guest: Misty Doan!

📲 Stay Connected:
- Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook group
- Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast
- Watch & subscribe on YouTube

Thanks for listening—we hope our stories inspire you to follow your sewing dreams!

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, we discuss:

• The evolving feelings around sewing for others over time
  
  
• The importance of setting boundaries that honor your schedule, budget, and energy
  
  
• Letting go of expectations—yes, we’re channeling our inner Elsa
  
  
• Why it’s okay if your gift isn’t used exactly as you imagined
  
  

We also share our Sewcial Spotlights of the week:
- Bethany features Christine Hebert of Modern Charm Stitchery
- Audra gives a shout-out to Teresa Coates and her upcoming Bring on Summer! Maker Retreat. Sign up here - https://crinkledreams.com/products/bring-on-summer-maker-retreat

Plus, don’t miss our fun icebreaker: Which Disney princess do you relate to most? Share your answer with us in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook group under today’s episode thread!

We wrap things up with feel-good moments in You Love to See It, a sneak peek at next week’s episode on The Comparison Trap, and all the usual inspiration you’ve come to expect.

Thanks for tuning in—we hope our stories inspire you to follow your sewing dreams!

SHOW NOTES
🧵 Free PDF Project Planner & Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.sewdreamystudio.com/
🌞 Maker Retreat with Teresa Coates & Hawke: Bring on Summer Retreat

📲 Stay Connected:
- Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook group
- Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast
- Watch & subscribe on YouTube

If you’re loving the podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your favorite sewing buddies!

Keep it sew-cial!

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 journey as a maker and entrepreneur
  
  
• All the details about her exclusive Sewing Squad membership
  
  
• This week’s Spool School: Missy’s advice — “Do what brings you joy”
  
  
• Our favorite feel-good moments in “You Love to See It”
  
  

We’re also starting things off with a fun icebreaker: What’s the longest you’ve ever worked on a sewing project without stopping? Be sure to share your answer in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook group under today’s episode thread.

Stick around for a sneak peek at next week’s episode, where we’ll talk about the joy of sewing for others.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media for all the latest updates.

Thanks for tuning in — we hope Missy’s story inspires you to follow your sewing dreams and create with joy.

Keep it sew-cial!

Connect with Missy Luukkonen – The Little Green Bean

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlegreenbean

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThelittleGreenBean

Website: https://www.thelittlegreenbean.com

Sewing Squad: https://www.thelittlegreenbean.com

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 (True Bias)
– Lowland Adult Easy Set (Lowland Kids)
– Forget Me Knot Tee (Copper Creek Patterns)
– Beach Beauty Swimsuit (Ellie & Mac)
🔹 Audra’s picks:
– Blooma Tank (Paradise Patterns)
– Rhea Dress (Tammy Handmade)
– Flint Pants/Shorts (Megan Nielsen)
– Sharon One-Piece Swimsuit (Sirena Patterns)

🧵 Thread Talk: A mini deep dive into summer sewing tips, fabric picks, and pattern prep.

👙 Icebreaker: Sewing swimsuits - yay or nay? Join the convo in our Sewcial Sewists Facebook group under today’s episode thread!

📩 BONUS DOWNLOADS Available in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group:
📄 PDF with pattern links & photos
🧵 Fabric store guide featuring faves like Mood Fabrics + more for garments, bags, quilting & more!

🌞 Coming Next Week: Our first guest episode featuring our first guest: Missy from The Little Green Bean!

📲 Stay Connected:
✨ Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/163ny2ZNUT/
✨ Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast
✨ Watch & subscribe on YouTube

If you’re loving the podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your favorite sewing buddies!

#TheSewcialHourPodcast #SummerSewing #SewYourWardrobe #SewcialSewists #SewingPodcast #MeMadeSummer #SwimsuitSewing #IndiePatterns