A Big Life Update: Embracing Change, Following My Calling, and Stepping Into What’s Next
If you’ve been following along for a while, you know I always try to show up here with honesty: the good, the hard, the exciting, and everything in between. Today is one of those moments where life changed quickly and unexpectedly, and I feel it’s important to share that journey with you.
Last week, I was suddenly and unexpectedly laid off from my role as Director of Marketing & Education at a sewing industry company due to budget cuts. As many of you know, this year has been challenging for companies in our industry: tariffs, market shifts, and tighter margins have pushed many brands to make tough decisions. While I fully understand the bigger picture, the news was still heartbreaking. I truly loved the work I was doing and the impact I was having in growing that brand. It felt purposeful and aligned in so many ways.
At the same time, if I’m being completely honest, I’d been running myself into the ground. The past year brought 60–80 hour workweeks, constant travel, and a level of burnout that my body and mind were begging me to pay attention to. Deep down, I knew I needed to scale back for my mental and physical health. I also felt this persistent pull (a quiet, steady voice) urging me to pour more energy into my own brand, Craft with Bethany.
I’ve always believed everything happens for a reason. And sometimes, life gives you the push you wouldn’t have given yourself. Losing my job was that push. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I’m choosing to see it as a door swinging wide open, a sign to finally take the leap toward the dreams I’ve been nurturing behind the scenes.
I’m incredibly grateful for a supportive family who believes in me, who keeps cheering me on as I step into this new chapter. And I’m equally grateful for every industry friend, follower, and supporter who shows up for me daily. None of what I’m about to share would be possible without YOU.
So… on to the exciting stuff. Because wow a lot has been happening.
“The best kind of break is the one where you find yourself again, stitch by stitch.”
Following the Call to Longarm Quilting
On May 11, 2025, I shared something vulnerable on Instagram Stories: that I felt a powerful pull to learn longarm quilting and eventually teach it. It was just a gut-level calling , one I wasn’t sure would resonate, but the response from you all was overwhelming. You encouraged me, supported me, validated the dream I had only just spoken out loud.
And guess what?
That dream manifested.
I’m thrilled to officially announce that I’ve partnered with Janome as I embark on my longarm quilting journey. My new machines, including my first longarm, have already arrived and I can’t wait to share everything I’m planning. A full blog post about this partnership, what it means, and where I’m headed with longarm quilting is coming soon. This is truly just the beginning.
Expanding My Skills: Pattern Writing
Another secret I’ve been keeping?
For the past 10 weeks, I’ve been taking a pattern-writing course focused on Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. My goal is to create industry-standard, high-quality sewing patterns: the kind of patterns I’ve always dreamed of bringing to life.
This course wraps up next week, and I am SO proud of the hard work, late nights, and sheer determination that got me to this point. I cannot wait to show you what I’ve been working on and to launch my first patterns in the near future. Big things are coming and I mean big.
“Beautiful things happen when makers gather: friendships form, ideas flow, and creativity comes alive.”
2026 Sew With Me Retreats: Three Retreats, Three Projects, One Incredible Year
Retreat planning for 2026 is officially in full swing, and I’m over the moon to share that I’ll be hosting three retreats next year! Not only that, but each retreat will feature a different, skill-building project (no repeats!). I wanted to bring even more variety and opportunity to connect, learn, and create together.
Registration for my first 2026 retreat opens
Monday, December 1st at 11am CT
and I cannot wait to see who snags the 15 spots.
Yep… 15!
I’ve moved to a beautiful new retreat location in Middle Tennessee (just north of Nashville) that allows me to increase attendance from 9 to 15 guests while still maintaining the intimate, cozy feel we all love.
Our first retreat is March 26–29th, and we’re kicking off strong with… QUILTED SHOES!
I know they look wild, impressive, and maybe a little intimidating. But trust me, anyone can make them. With my step-by-step teaching at your pace, you’ll walk out of that retreat with the coolest quilted kicks on the block. Stylish AND handmade? Say less.
If you’re new here, my retreats sell out quickly, which is why I expanded capacity and added a third retreat for 2026. If you want a spot, I’d recommend setting an alarm for that December 1st registration time.
You can find all the details and FAQs here: https://www.craftwithbethany.com/sew-with-me-retreat
Closing Thoughts
Whew, that was a lot! But honestly, that’s my life right now: full of highs, lows, unexpected changes, and incredible new opportunities unfolding all at once. Through it all, I’m choosing to stay positive, stay open, and stay grateful.
There is so much more I’m excited to share with you in the months ahead. But for now, I just want to say thank you. This sewing community inspires me daily. Your kindness, your encouragement, and your love for creating push me to work even harder and dream even bigger.
Here’s to new beginnings, bold steps, and the beauty of believing in what’s possible.
With gratitude,
Bethany McCue
Craft with Bethany
“Thank you for choosing to spend your time here. It’s a gift I never take for granted.”
