Episode 9: The Comparison Trap: Social Media, Self-Doubt & Creative Confidence

05/13/25 • 37 min

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 FOMO
How to recognize when comparison is stealing your joy
Ways to reconnect with your own creative goals and pace

We 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 one

Plus, 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 YouTube

Thanks for listening—we hope our stories inspire you to follow your sewing dreams!

In this episode, we discuss:

The bandwagon effect: new patterns, trending fabrics, and sewing FOMO
How to recognize when comparison is stealing your joy
Ways to reconnect with your own creative goals and pace

We 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 one

Plus, 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!

Thanks for listening—we hope our stories inspire you to follow your sewing dreams!

Previous Episode

Episode 8: Making for Others - Navigating the Joys and Pressures of Handmade Gifting

Welcome 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 time
The importance of setting boundaries that honor your schedule, budget, and energy
Letting go of expectations—yes, we’re channeling our inner Elsa
Why it’s okay if your gift isn’t used exactly as you imagined

We 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-retreat

Plus, 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 YouTube

If you’re loving the podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your favorite sewing buddies!

Keep it sew-cial!

Next Episode

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 questions
Misty’s thoughts on creative confidence and advice for new sewists
Our Thread Talk deep dive with Misty
This 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: