The Sewcial Hour Podcast

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 instead of making — even when we already have everything we need.
From the belief that you need a fancier machine before you can improve, to the fear that you can’t sell or share your work unless it’s flawless, this conversation is about naming the mental roadblocks that hold us back and gently pulling them apart.
If you’ve ever thought:
• “I’ll start once I upgrade my tools.”
• “I’m not good enough yet.”
• “I can’t sell unless I’m perfect.”
• “Other people are real sewists… I’m just pretending.”
…this episode is for you.
We’re inviting you to question those rules, rewrite the narrative, and reconnect with your creativity on your own terms — not the algorithm’s, not the industry’s, and not the imaginary standard you never agreed to.
🪡 Join the conversation:
DM us or comment and tell us — When did you first feel like a “real” sewist? Or what made you question if you were?
Follow & connect with us:
Instagram & Facebook: @TheSewcialHourPodcast
Join our Facebook group: The Sewcial Sewists
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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:
How to identify your why before you set any goals
The three types of goals every sewist should consider: skill, project, and system goals
How to use the “Start, Stop, Continue” method to reset your habits
Why it’s okay (and healthy!) to let your goals evolve as you do
Planning tools and micro-systems that support your creativity instead of stressing you out
The power of tiny actions like 15 minutes of sewing, one seam a day, or a monthly reset
We also share our own words of the year and sewing goals for 2026 - from streamlined focus to exciting new growth - and wrap things up with a little “you love to see it” moment and a peek at what’s coming next.
Whether you’re a hardcore planner or someone who usually avoids resolutions altogether, this episode is here to help you create a sewing year that feels supportive, joyful, and aligned with the life you actually live.

Join us as we close out 2025 and stitch our way into a creative, intentional 2026.

✨ Next Week: The Lies We Tell Ourselves About Being a ‘Real’ Sewist

💬 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

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

🎙️ 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!

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