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Available Episodes

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Episode 18: Siah Swag Bags – with Guests Kassiah & Susan
Episode 18: Siah Swag Bags – with Guests Kassiah & SusanThis 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 ladies are living the bag-making dream and bringing sewists along for the ride with their “Sew-in the States” and “Swag Dash” series.Of course, things got off track (in the best way), as Kassiah and Susan kept us laughing and swapping stories throughout the episode. We dive into favorite and least favorite bag fabrics, what it’s like to work with family, and what advice they’d give to fellow creatives carving out their own sewing path.Thread Talk: We put our guests on the spot to share a hot take!Icebreaker: What’s your favorite, and least favorite, bag-making fabric? Share your take in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group under today’s episode thread!You’ll also hear:Why directional fabrics can be a sneaky challengeHow community has fueled their successWhat it really takes to run a creative business (hint: sisterly teamwork!)Connect with Siah Swag Bags: Siah Swag Bags WebsiteYouTube: Siah Swag BagsPatreonFacebook Group – Siah Swag BagsInstagram: @siahswagbags✉️ Email: [email protected] Safari Duffle Bag Pattern: https://sew4home.com/our-sew4home-classic-safari-duffle/Coming Up Next: Episode 19: Sewing on a BudgetDon't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social for all the latest updates.Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/
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Episode 17: Fabric Fundamentals for Sewing Bags
Episode 17: Fabric Fundamentals for Sewing Bags - Choosing the Right Material for the JobWhether 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 you want your bag to last more than a weekend.Icebreaker: What’s your go-to bag style? Bethany loves a hands-free crossbody, while Audra says… why choose just one? Share your faves in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook group!In This Episode:Why fabric choice matters (woven vs. non-woven, structure, and directional prints)How to work with specialty fabrics: cork, vinyl, waxed canvas, quilting cotton & moreBest fabrics for different bag styles: totes, purses, backpacks, pouches, and upcycled designsWhat to keep in mind when using interfacing or stabilizersCreative tips for mixing textures, colors, and using leftover scraps for matching accessoriesStitch & Share:Bethany’s deep in quilting mode, while Audra’s stitching up a summer halter jumpsuit.You Love to See It:Bethany celebrates her son’s first job (proud mom moment!), and Audra’s giving Dave some well-earned appreciation for his podcast support.Next Week: We’re chatting with the founders of Siah Swag Bags, Kassiah and Susan, don’t miss it!Stay connected:Subscribe to the show, leave us a review, and follow along on Instagram and Facebook. Don’t forget to share your latest bag project in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group. We’d love to cheer you on! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/
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Episode 16: Threading Through the Trends
Episode 16: Threading Through the Trends – What’s Hot in Sewing for 2025From 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 expression, sustainability, and storytelling.Icebreaker: What sewing trend are you excited to try this year? Share your thoughts in our Facebook group The Sewcial Sewists!Trend Talk Highlights:3D florals, ruffles & oversized bowsNostalgic 90s printsEco-conscious materials & visible mendingRomantasy vibes in garments, bags, and quiltsHeritage design influencesThe rise of quilted apparel (and not just jackets anymore)Sewcial Spotlight:Bethany highlights Karlee Porter Design and her stunning free-motion graffiti quilting.Audra shares design inspo from Olivia Herrick on Instagram.Karlee Porter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karleeporterdesign/Olivia Herrick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviaherrickdesign/You Love to See It:Bethany embraces the summer slow down, while Audra finds joy in a quote that stopped her in her tracks.Next Week: We’re kicking off a new series all about bag making basics starting with fabric fundamentals!Stay connected:Follow us @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe on your favorite platform, and leave us a review to help more sewists find the show!Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ZCHvpEhqu/
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Episode 15: Sewing in the Margins of Life
Episode 15: Sewing in the Margins of Life – Making Time for Creativity Amid ChaosLife 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—even in 10-minute bursts. Whether you’re stitching during nap time, lunch breaks, or in the pickup line, we’re here to remind you: it counts.Icebreaker: What’s the most unexpected place or moment you’ve managed to sneak in some sewing? Join the convo in our Facebook group, The Sewcial Sewists!Spool School: Clean your machine. Seriously. Also… Audra learns some hard truths about interfacing.Topics include:Reframing sewing as a necessity, not a luxuryGiving yourself permission to makeCreative ways to sew in short, doable sessionsTips for working sewing into travel, family life, and even your social calendar❤️ You Love to See It: Bethany’s new shower and Audra’s ironing therapy moment (yes, really).📅 Next Week: Threading Through the Trends – we’re chatting all about what’s hot in the sewing world right now!Stay connected:Follow us @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review if you're enjoying the show. Every stitch of support helps!
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Episode 14: Sewtopia
Episode 14: Sewtopia – Quilting, Chaos & Community with Amy & MeganThis week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re joined by the dynamic duo behind Sewtopia—Amy and Megan! While we had a list of questions about running a modern quilt shop, hosting epic sewing retreats, and curating drool-worthy fabric kits... let’s just say things didn’t exactly go as planned. From hilarious detours to heartfelt moments, this episode is packed with laughter, behind-the-scenes glimpses into the Sewtopia universe, and lots of real talk about creativity, community, and the beauty of modern quilting.Whether you’ve attended a Sewtopia retreat, shopped their beautifully curated selections, or are just hearing about them for the first time—you’re in for a treat.🧵 Icebreaker: How would you describe your sewing style in three words? Drop your answer in our Facebook group The Sewcial Sewists—we’re sharing ours, too!✨ Thread Talk: What quilting trend would Amy & Megan love to see vanish forever... and which one should totally make a comeback?💬 Next Week: We’re diving into how to make time for sewing, even with a busy schedule. You won’t want to miss it!💬 Stay connected: Follow us on social @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review if you’re loving the show!Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook group to continue the conversation after each episode! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FQaNeMDN5/
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