The Sewcial Hour Podcast

After four years of conversations, stories, inspiration, and community, it’s time to say happy sewing and farewell to The Sewcial Hour Podcast.
I know this news may come as a shock to many of you, and this wasn’t a decision I made lightly. After a lot of thought, I’ve decided it’s time to turn off the mic and wrap up this chapter of my sewing journey.
In this final episode, I’m sharing a little about this decision and, most importantly, saying THANK YOU to every listener who has tuned in from around the world and to the incredible guests who have shared their stories, knowledge, businesses, and passion for sewing with us over the past four years. You’ve helped make this podcast something truly special, and I’m so grateful for every single one of you who has listened, shared an episode, left a review, or been part of this community.
But please know this isn’t the end of the community we’ve built together! ❤️
I believe there’s an even better way for us to connect, learn, and create together through video. Sewing is such a visual craft, and I’m excited to bring more of that experience to you through The Stitch Show, my weekly sewing show on YouTube!
Join me every Wednesday night as I sew alongside a guest, share tips and techniques, teach you something new, and inspire you to try your next project. You can sew along with us, ask questions, learn something new, and continue building connections with fellow sewists.
Here’s how we can stay connected:
Follow Craft with Bethany on Instagram and Facebook for sewing inspiration, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel and join me for The Stitch Show every Wednesday night.
Visit my website to explore my sewing projects, classes, retreats, and more.
Join my email newsletter so you don’t miss updates, new projects, upcoming events, and ways to sew together.
While The Sewcial Hour Podcast is coming to a close, our sewing adventures are far from over. Thank you for being part of this chapter, for welcoming me into your earbuds, and for helping create a community that reaches far beyond the microphone.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for four wonderful years.
Until we meet again, happy sewing! 🧵❤️
Keep sewing, keep creating, and keep bringing creativity and community together.
— Bethany, Craft with Bethany
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/craftwithbethany/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/craftwithbethany
Website - https://www.craftwithbethany.com/

What happens when you decide to turn the dream of owning a quilt shop into reality?
In Episode 56 of The Sewcial Hour, I’m sitting down with one of my sewing best friends, Kelli Petersen of Sew High Creations, to talk about what it’s really like to start a quilt shop from the ground up.
About a year ago, Kelli made the decision to chase a dream and open a quilt shop in SE Iowa. That dream officially became a reality in May 2026, when she opened the doors to Sew High Creations and launched her online shop.
Now, nearly five months into being a quilt shop owner, Kelli is opening up about the journey, the good, the bad, the unexpected, and everything in between.
We talk about what it was like to take the leap, what she has learned since opening, the realities of running a quilt shop, the things she didn't expect, and what it's really like to turn a creative dream into a business.
This is such an honest and personal conversation, and I’m incredibly grateful to Kelli for being willing to share so much of her journey. Starting a business is rarely as simple as the dream makes it look, and I think you'll appreciate hearing the real story behind Sew High Creations.

Shop Sew High Creations
Whether you're in SE Iowa and want to shop in person or you're shopping from home, you can find Kelli and Sew High Creations online and in her shop!
🛍️ Shop Online:
https://www.sewhighcreations.com/
📍 Shop In Person:
20490 102nd Avenue
Mediapolis, IA 52637
📸 Follow Sew High Creations:
https://www.instagram.com/sewhigh_creations/

Connect with The Sewcial Hour

Follow The Sewcial Hour on Instagram and Facebook.
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video episodes.
💬 Join The Sewcial Sewists private Facebook group and continue the conversation with fellow sewists.
⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help other sewists discover The Sewcial Hour!
The Sewcial Hour - A Podcast for Sewists by Sewists. Bringing Creativity & Community Together.

What actually happens before a sewing pattern is released to the public?
In Episode 55 of The Sewcial Hour, we’re going behind the seams to talk all about pattern testing with two guests who bring very different perspectives to the process: Catherine Holbrook of Bringing Sewing Back, who specializes in garment sewing, and Delia Birch of A Stitch is a Stitch Quilt Co., who designs quilt patterns and provides technical editing services to fellow designers.
While the basic purpose of pattern testing is the same, to have experienced sewists make a pattern, identify issues, and provide feedback before it is finalized, the process can look surprisingly different between garment sewing and quilting.
Catherine and Delia help us break down both sides of the process, including:
🧵 What exactly is pattern testing and why is it important?
✂️ What are designers actually looking for when they select testers?
📋 How many testers do you need and how do you manage a testing group?
💰 Do pattern testers get paid or compensated in other ways?
📣 What about affiliate links and promoting the pattern after release?
📸 How important are photography and social media promotion?
⏰ How important are deadlines and commitments?
🔎 What makes someone a GOOD pattern tester?
💬 How should testers communicate when they find a problem?
👗 What makes garment testing different from quilt testing?
Whether you've ever wanted to become a pattern tester, you've wondered what happens behind the scenes of your favorite patterns, or you're a designer looking to build a better testing process, this episode is packed with practical insight from both sides of the sewing world.

Meet Our Guests
Catherine Holbrook - Bringing Sewing Back
Catherine discovered sewing in 2014 and quickly went from refashioning thrifted garments to drafting her own patterns and sharing her sewing journey online. Today, she creates everything from Barbie clothes to full ball gowns and has partnered with brands including Simplicity, Mettler Thread, BERNINA, and Styla Patterns.
📸 Follow Catherine on Instagram: @bringingsewingback
👉 https://www.instagram.com/bringingsewingback/
Delia Birch - A Stitch is a Stitch Quilt Co.
Delia creates original quilt patterns and offers technical editing services to fellow quilt designers. Based in New Mexico with her husband and three kids, Delia loves creating approachable quilt designs with clear instructions and thoughtful construction.
🌐 Website: https://astitchisastitchquiltco.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_stitch_is_a_stitch/

You Love to See It

Bethany also shares some exciting news about her first-ever virtual sewing retreat, coming in January 2027! If you've been collecting gorgeous jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm packs, and other precuts without knowing exactly what to make with them, this retreat is for you.
Learn more here: https://www.craftwithbethany.com/sew-at-home-quilting-with-precut

Connect with The Sewcial Hour
Follow The Sewcial Hour on Instagram and Facebook.
🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video episodes.
💬 Join The Sewcial Sewists private Facebook group and continue the conversation with fellow sewists.
⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help other sewists discover The Sewcial Hour!
The Sewcial Hour Podcast - A Podcast for Sewists by Sewists. Bringing Creativity & Community Together.

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 flags and red flags to look for before signing up and give our own verdicts on whether sewing subscription boxes are worth adding to your sewing life.
And, of course, we have to ask: Are subscription boxes inspiring us to sew more… or are they just enabling our fabric and notion addictions? 😉
🧵 Sew With Me: Monthly Virtual Sewing Club
Looking for a fun way to sew, connect, and stay motivated? Check out my Monthly Virtual Sewing Club, where we get together online to sew, chat, and work on our projects together!
👉 https://www.craftwithbethany.com/sew-with-me

Learn more about Brooke and follow along with her sewing adventures:
🌐 Website: www.brookesbitchinstitches.com
📸 Instagram: @brookesbtchinstitches
📘 Facebook: Brooke’s Bitchin’ Stitches
📌 Pinterest: Brooke’s Bitchin’ Stitches

Follow @thesewcialhourpodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
🎥 Subscribe to The Sewcial Hour on YouTube for video episodes.
💬 Join our private Facebook community, The Sewcial Sewists, and continue the conversation with fellow sewists.
⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help other sewists discover The Sewcial Hour!
The Sewcial Hour - A Podcast for Sewists by Sewists. Bringing Creativity & Community Together.

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 sewing life has evolved through the years—from quilting aboard a Narrow Boat to settling into a new home in the Scottish countryside.
And of course, we couldn’t chat about everything Tracy has been up to without talking about her new Christmas quilting book, which is available now! 🎄🎄
If you love hearing the stories behind the makers, discovering new quilt patterns, and getting a peek into the creative lives of fellow sewists, you’ll love this relaxed conversation with Tracy.
📖 Check out Tracy’s new Christmas quilting book:
https://amzn.to/4g8TeFz

🧵 Sew With Me Retreat - October
I also take a quick break in the middle of this episode to tell you about my upcoming Sew With Me Retreat this October!
If you're looking for a fun weekend filled with sewing, creativity, community, and plenty of time to work on the projects you love, I'd love for you to come sew with me!
👉 Learn more about the October Sew With Me Retreat: https://www.craftwithbethany.com/sew-with-me-retreat-october

Connect with The Sewcial Hour
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook: @thesewcialhourpodcast
🎥 Subscribe to The Sewcial Hour on YouTube for video episodes.
💬 Join our private Facebook community, The Sewcial Sewists, and continue the conversation with fellow sewists.
⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Be sure to follow/subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help other sewists discover The Sewcial Hour!
The Sewcial Hour - A Podcast for Sewists by Sewists. Bringing Creativity & Community Together.