🎧 Episode 11: Overcoming Creative BlocksGet 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!”
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Episode 10 – Guest Interview: Misty Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company
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 questionsMisty’s thoughts on creative confidence and advice for new sewistsOur Thread Talk deep dive with MistyThis 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 MistyHomespunDouble 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.
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Episode 9: The Comparison Trap: Social Media, Self-Doubt & Creative Confidence
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 FOMOHow to recognize when comparison is stealing your joyWays to reconnect with your own creative goals and paceWe 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 onePlus, 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 YouTubeThanks for listening—we hope our stories inspire you to follow your sewing dreams!
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Episode 8: Making for Others - Navigating the Joys and Pressures of Handmade Gifting
Episode 8: Making for Others - Navigating the Joys and Pressures of Handmade GiftingWelcome 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 timeThe importance of setting boundaries that honor your schedule, budget, and energyLetting go of expectations—yes, we’re channeling our inner ElsaWhy it’s okay if your gift isn’t used exactly as you imaginedWe 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-retreatPlus, 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 YouTubeIf you’re loving the podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your favorite sewing buddies!Keep it sew-cial!
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Episode 7: Meet Missy Luukkonen of The Little Green Bean
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 nameMissy’s journey as a maker and entrepreneurAll the details about her exclusive Sewing Squad membershipThis 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 BeanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlegreenbeanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThelittleGreenBeanWebsite: https://www.thelittlegreenbean.comSewing Squad: https://www.thelittlegreenbean.com