The Sewcial Hour Podcast
Episode 39: Love Your Sewing Space
Hosts: Bethany McCue & Audra Chaimson
Release Date: February 10, 2026

Episode Overview

In this uplifting and practical episode, Bethany and Audra celebrate Valentine’s week by shifting the concept of “love” toward your sewing space. They explore how your creative environment can nurture (or hinder) your creativity, delve into organizational strategies, discuss the emotional connection to your working area, and share actionable tips for making any sewing area more functional and joyful—whether it’s a dedicated room or just a spot at the kitchen table. With warmth and humor, they remind listeners that “progress over perfection” is what truly matters in cultivating a space that inspires creativity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Loving Your Sewing Space Matters

• Emotional Impact: The space you create in can deeply influence your creative energy and mood.
  • “[Your environment] can directly affect your creative energy, whether you realize it or not.” – Audra (08:10)
• Mental & Physical Clutter: Leftover whips/UFOs and general disorganization not only hog physical space but also create mental burdens.
  • “We don't want it to be a dumping ground...or a shame spiral.” – Audra (01:27)
• Make it a Happy Place: Your sewing area should be an escape, not another source of stress.

2. Icebreaker: What Do You Love About Your Sewing Space?

• Bethany: Loves having a whole room and the ability to close the door. Wishes both her creative spaces could be merged into one larger area (currently divided between a garage studio and a guest room).
  • "I think a lot of people would agree that there's no such thing as having enough space for sewing." – Bethany (03:14)
• Audra: Cherishes the proximity of her space to her daughter’s room—creating a sense of connection and shared moments. She'd also love more space, but values what she has.
  • “I just really enjoy that she feels comfortable coming in and out of here in a way that she's part of the process.” – Audra (05:55)

3. Adapting and Organizing Your Space

• Functional Over Aesthetic: Your setup should work for how you actually create—not for Pinterest or Instagram.
  • “Your creative space...should support how you actually work. Not what you see on Pinterest...or some bougie sewing creative aesthetic.” – Audra (12:40)
• Change is OK: Spaces evolve with your needs and interests—don’t be afraid to give your area an occasional overhaul.
  • “As my needs have changed, my space has changed with it.” – Bethany (10:56)
• Everything Needs a Home: Organization is about each tool/material having an accessible spot, making resets quick and easy.

[Practical Organization Tips]

• Use Wall Space: Install pegboards and shelves for tools and thread, making them visible and reachable.
  • “Use your wall space...save some wall space to be functional. Use your hooks.” – Bethany (14:51)
• Store by Function: Example—separate thread racks for cotton and polyester, bins for embroidery threads, drawers for kits—all tailored to project needs (16:33, 16:37).
• Ask Yourself:
  • Can I easily find what I need?
  • Can I put things away without rearranging?
  • Does my layout support my most frequent projects? (17:40–18:57)

4. Decluttering: Purging, Donating, Letting Go

• Let Go Without Guilt: Freeing up space can breathe new life into your creativity.
  • “It was time for me to do a major purge. It's amazing how quickly all this stuff will stack up. And I can't tell you enough how freeing it was to purge those things.” – Bethany (23:12)
• Smart Donating: Target schools, guilds, or creative reuse centers (like Smart Art or the Textile Art Center) to ensure supplies find a loving new home.
  • “I've never ever had an issue if something creatively doesn't inspire me anymore, giving it and paying it forward to someone.” – Audra (25:09)
• Passing Down: Share with new sewists or creative youth—fostering the next generation.

5. Celebrating, Decorating, and Displaying Your Work

• Showcase Finished Projects: Hang wall quilts, display garments on dress forms, or frame block art.
  • “It's fun to have those things hanging because it should be a reminder of what you can do, of not things that are unfinished, but things you can do.” – Audra (30:40)
  • “Your art, your creativity can absolutely be a decorative way to add color and fun into your space...like us putting our kids’ art on the fridge as adults.” – Bethany (33:11)
• Rotate and Reminisce: Change displays with the seasons or holidays to keep inspiration fresh.

6. Sensory and Ergonomic Considerations

• Lighting: Multiple lights/studio lights help prevent eye strain (33:43).
• Comfortable Seating & Table Heights: Adjust to prevent back and neck pain; standing desks can be beneficial.
• Mini Ironing Stations: Intentionally position some tools to encourage movement and prevent burnout (35:36).
• Sensory Additions: Candles, music, podcasts, or audiobooks personalize the vibe and keep motivation high.
  • “I always light a candle. I love a candle in my space.” – Audra (37:09)
  • “Podcasts, music. I’ll turn on music...and have a dance party—I'm having fun.” – Bethany (37:27)
• Movement: Set reminders to get up and stretch or walk around (36:20).

7. The Power of 10 Minutes: Maintenance Over Perfection

• Tiny Efforts Matter: A daily or session-end reset keeps spaces manageable.
  • “Your sewing room doesn't need to be spotless. It just needs to be in a way you can reset it...You don't need a lot of time, I promise.” – Audra (38:20)
  • "We've got to stop apologizing for our messy spaces. That's a creative space, and I want to see you using it." – Bethany (38:49)
• Leave Clear Cues: Prepping the next steps can eliminate mental barriers when returning to a project (39:41).

8. Progress Over Perfection

• Realism Over Fantasy: Don’t chase staged photos—aim for a functional, supportive space that works for you.
  • "We're not looking for a perfect space...as long as the way you have it set up works for you, stokes your creative fire, and encourages you to continue to create. That's what this is all about." – Audra (40:57)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “I think a lot of people would agree that there's no such thing as having enough space for sewing.” – Bethany (03:14)
• “Your creative space...should support how you actually work. Not what you see on Pinterest...it needs to support how you actually work.” – Audra (12:40)
• “As my needs have changed, my space has changed with it.” – Bethany (10:56)
• “It's amazing how quickly all this stuff will stack up. And I can't tell you enough how freeing it was to purge those things.” – Bethany (23:12)
• “It's fun to have those things hanging because it should be a reminder of what you can do.” – Audra (30:40)
• “Your sewing room doesn't need to be spotless. It just needs to be in a way you can reset it.” – Audra (38:20)
• “Mic drop.” – Audra (40:59)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:07 | Introduction & Valentine’s Week Theme
• 02:15 | Icebreaker: What we love/would change about our own spaces
• 08:10 | How environment impacts creativity
• 10:56 | Adapting your space as your life or interests change
• 12:40–15:59 | Practical organization: everything has a home, use your wall
• 17:40 | Organizing by project frequency & easy accessibility
• 23:12 | The freeing benefits of decluttering & targeted donation
• 29:15 | Celebrating your own creativity via display
• 33:32 | Sensory tips—lighting, seating, and ambience
• 36:20 | Intentional physical movement & ergonomics
• 38:20 | The Power of 10 Minutes: quick resets & routines
• 40:57 | Progress, not perfection – the episode’s core message

Stitch & Share [41:03]

• Bethany: In the middle of making a quilted vest for QuiltCon using Ruby Star “strawberry” fabric—plans to perhaps make matching quilt sneakers next.
• Audra: Experiencing a rare “sojo” slump—reminding herself (and listeners) to practice self-compassion and that re-engagement is often as simple as 10 minutes stitched together.

Creative Motivation Tips:

• Body Doubling: FaceTime or sew with a friend to reignite your sewjo and find connection—even virtually (44:28).

"You Love to See It" [45:57]

• Bethany: Announced six upcoming in-person sewing retreats (doubled from three). Expresses excitement about teaching and connecting with the sewing community.
  • Madison, Indiana segment: “If you look at a Hallmark movie, you’ve seen Madison, Indiana.” (47:34)
• Audra: Simply delighted by the return of longer days and more sunlight, which brings renewed motivation.

Looking Ahead

Next Episode: Projector Sewing—Bethany and Audra will dive into how projectors are transforming patterns and workflows. (Teased at 49:47)

Final Thoughts

With infectious positivity, practical wisdom, and a focus on self-kindness, Bethany and Audra urge listeners to show their sewing spaces—and themselves—some love this Valentine’s week. Whether through a quick declutter, personal touches, or simply a few minutes of intentional care, loving your space is about making it work for you and nurturing the creativity that fills it.

Join the Conversation:
Share stories of your own space and works-in-progress in the Social Sewist Facebook group, and connect with the hosts and community on all major platforms.

Happy Valentine's Day & Happy Sewing!