Episode 27: Upcycling with Luisa

This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Luisa Hurtado — fashion designer, sewing educator, Brother Sewing ambassador, and content creator with a true passion for upcycling! Born in Mexico and now based in Las Vegas, Luisa inspires sewists worldwide with her bilingual tutorials, innovative designs, and creative approach to turning everyday items into one-of-a-kind fashion.

In this episode, we chat with Luisa about:
🧵 Her journey from fashion design to content creation and teaching globally with Domestika
♻️ Why upcycling holds so much creative (and sustainable) power
🌎 Building community through bilingual content and brand collaborations
🎁 Her upcoming projects — including a brand new sewing pattern and local upcycling workshop

Luisa’s energy and creativity remind us that small steps can lead to big transformations — in sewing and beyond!

🎧 Tune in now for an inspiring conversation that will have you looking at your closet, thrift shop finds, and fabric scraps in a whole new light.

👉 Connect with Luisa:
Instagram: @imluluisa
TikTok: @designerluisa
YouTube: LuLuisa
Facebook: imluluisa
Website: luluisa.com
Domestika Course: Fashion Upcycling
Book Feature: Found.

💬 Stay connected:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and don’t forget to share your thrifty sewing tips with us in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group!

Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/

Follow The Sewcial Hour Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewcialhourpodcast/

Whether you’ve been sewing for years or are just starting out, chances are you’ve met the infamous quilt police. You know the type, the ones quick to point out “rules” or tell you you’re doing it wrong. In this episode, Bethany and Audra dive into the world of sewing criticism: the constructive, the unsolicited, and the projection-based comments that can show up both online and in person.

We explore why the quilt police exist, how to tell the difference between feedback that helps and feedback that hurts, and most importantly, how to protect your joy in sewing. From setting boundaries to reframing mistakes as learning opportunities, this episode is full of encouragement for anyone who’s ever felt judged for their stitches, fabric choices, or creative path.

💬 Have you had a run-in with the quilt police? We’d love to hear your story! Share it in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group or tag us on Instagram.

✨ Next week: A conversation with Luisa Hurtado (@imluluisa) on fashion design and upcycling!

💬 Stay connected:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and don’t forget to share your thrifty sewing tips with us in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group!

Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/

Follow The Sewcial Hour Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewcialhourpodcast/

Episode 25 – Pride & Joy Quilting with Guest Veruschka Zarate

This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re joined by the incredibly talented and award-winning quilt maker and pattern designer Veruschka Zarate of Pride & Joy Quilting. Known for her bold, vibrant designs and mastery of foundation paper piecing (FPP), Veruschka shares how she discovered her passion for quilting, what inspires her jaw-dropping creations, and her favorite tips for quilters ready to try FPP for the first time.

We chat about her journey from learning traditional piecing in 2016 to becoming a BERNINA and Handi Quilter Ambassador, teaching internationally, and even releasing her own WonderFil thread collection. Plus, she tells us what keeps her creativity flowing, how she pushes the boundaries of FPP design, and the joy she finds in teaching others.

Whether you’re new to paper piecing or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspiration, encouragement, and practical advice you won’t want to miss.

Follow Veruschka:
Instagram: @prideandjoyquilting
Facebook: Pride & Joy Quilting
TikTok: @prideandjoyquilting
YouTube: Pride & Joy Quilting
Website: prideandjoyquilting.com

✨ Next week: Dealing with Criticism & the Quilt Police - don’t miss it!

💬 Stay connected:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and don’t forget to share your thrifty sewing tips with us in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group!

Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/

Follow The Sewcial Hour Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewcialhourpodcast/

Episode 24: Longarm Quilting with Adam Rateliff

This week, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Adam Rateliff: quilter, educator, and creative force behind @adamsewfun. Adam has stitched his way from a childhood love of fiber arts to a career teaching quilting around the globe, inspiring makers to embrace bold color, break a few “rules,” and have fun in their creative space.

In this conversation, Adam shares how discovering longarm quilting changed the trajectory of his life, the joys and challenges of teaching worldwide, and his advice for anyone curious about diving into this powerful quilting technique. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already in love with longarming, Adam’s insights will help you approach your projects with more confidence and joy.

We also talk about finding your creative lane, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, and the rewarding connections that come from being part of the sewing community. And, of course, we have some fun in our rapid-fire round because every great sewing conversation needs a little laughter.

💡 Follow Adam and his quilting adventures:
Instagram: @adamsewfun
Facebook: Adam Sew Fun
YouTube: Adam Sew Fun
Linktree: Adam Sew Fun Links

💬 Icebreaker: If you could instantly be amazing at any non-sewing skill or hobby, what would it be and why? Share in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group or tag us on Instagram!

✨ Next week: Veruschka Zarate of Pride & Joy Quilting – don’t miss it!

💬 Stay connected:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and don’t forget to share your thrifty sewing tips with us in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group!

Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/

Follow The Sewcial Hour Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewcialhourpodcast/

This week, we’re slowing things down and getting personal talking about the deeper reasons why we sew. For many of us, sewing is so much more than a hobby; it’s a lifeline, a creative outlet, and a way to connect with others.

Bethany and Audra explore the mental health benefits of sewing like mindfulness, stress relief, and the joy of tangible accomplishment as well as the physical perks and brain boosts it brings, from improved hand-eye coordination to preserving cognitive function as we age. We also dig into the power of sewing to build connection, community, and confidence, backed by research that proves what sewists have known for years: this craft is good for the soul.

Along the way, we share personal stories, listener encouragement, and a few practical tips from Spool School including how painter’s tape can become your new favorite seam guide.

💬 We’d love to know what’s your “why” for sewing? Share in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group or tag us on Instagram!

✨ Next week: Longarm Quilting with Adam Rateliff (@adamsewfun) – don’t miss it!

💬 Stay connected:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and don’t forget to share your thrifty sewing tips with us in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group!

Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/

Follow The Sewcial Hour Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewcialhourpodca

Episode 22: Pixel Quilts with Dee Bushrod
The Sewcial Hour Podcast

This week, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Dee Bushrod, the creative force behind Pixel Quilts. Dee’s work transforms photographs and images into breathtaking quilts that look like they’ve leapt straight out of a digital screen and onto fabric.

From her first Super Mario quilt in 2008 to her current portfolio of portraits, pop culture icons, and personal photo quilts, Dee has spent years perfecting her process. In this episode, she shares her journey from self-taught sewist to full-time pixel quilting artist, her tips for mastering color value and contrast, and the creative joy that comes from turning tiny fabric squares into big visual impact.

We also talk about confidence-shifting sewing projects, the makes that change how you see yourself as a creator and Dee’s take on why sewing is truly whatever you want it to be.

💡 Follow Dee’s colorful world:
Instagram: @pixelquilt
Facebook: Pixel Quilt
TikTok: @pixelquilt
Website: https://pixelquilts.com/

💬 Icebreaker: What was your confidence-shifting sewing project? Share in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group or tag us on Instagram!

✨ Next week: Why We Sew: a heart-to-heart on the deeper reasons we pick up a needle and thread.

💬 Stay connected:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and don’t forget to share your thrifty sewing tips with us in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group!

Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/

Follow The Sewcial Hour Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewcialhourpodcast/

Episode 21: The Great Sewing Machine Debate
The Sewcial Hour Podcast

It’s time to talk about the workhorse of every sewing room, the sewing machine! In this episode, Bethany and Audra dive into all things sewing machines: how to choose the right one, what features really matter, and how to keep your machine running like a dream.

Whether you’re shopping for your first machine, eyeing an upgrade, or just love geeking out over machine features, this episode is packed with tips for every sewist. We’ll cover everything from buying basics (new, used, vintage) to matching machine features to your sewing style: garment sewing, quilting, bag making, embroidery, and beyond.

Plus, we break down the difference between must-have features vs. fun extras, share our favorite buying tips, and discuss the importance of servicing and maintenance (spoiler: it’s more often than you think!).

In our Stitch & Share segment, we show off recent makes, and as always, we wrap up with our “You Love to See It” favorites of the week. 🎉

💬 Icebreaker: What was your first sewing machine—and do you still have it? Share your story in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group or tag us on Instagram!

✨ Next week, we’re chatting with Dee Bushrod of Pixel Quilts - you don’t want to miss this one.

💬 Stay connected:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and don’t forget to share your thrifty sewing tips with us in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group!

Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/

Episode 20: Sewing with Unconventional Materials

This week, we’re thinking outside the fabric store! Join Bethany and Audra as we dive into the world of sewing with unconventional materials—from thrifted treasures to household odds and ends, nothing is off-limits.

We kick things off with a fun icebreaker: What’s the weirdest or most unexpected material you’ve ever sewn with? (Bethany’s answer might surprise you!) Then we explore why stepping outside traditional textiles can spark creativity, save money, and even help the planet.

We take a deep dive into upcycling, sharing tips for sourcing secondhand fabrics, tools for harvesting usable material, and ideas for turning old clothes and linens into fresh, functional projects. From sewing with cardstock to transforming sweatshirts into stylish bags, this episode is all about rethinking what’s possible at your sewing machine.

Plus, we shine the spotlight on two inspiring makers:
🧵 @sariditty (Sarah Thomas, Moda Designer – High Flight)
♻️ @sullysupcycled (Karen Sullivan, Upcycling Advocate)

And in our “You Love to See It” segment, we celebrate the return of Project Runway and throw some love toward our fellow anti-quilt-police sewists. 👏

💬 We’d love to hear about the wildest thing you’ve ever sewn with! Share in The Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group or tag us on Instagram.

🧵 Next week: The Ultimate Sewing Machine Debate – you won’t want to miss it!

💬 Stay connected:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TheSewcialHourPodcast, subscribe wherever you listen, and don’t forget to share your thrifty sewing tips with us in the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group!

Join the Sewcial Sewists Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15huSR1cbA/