Claim OwnershipThe Straight Stitch: A Podcast About Sewing and Other Fiber Arts.
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The Straight Stitch is a podcast about sewing and other fiber arts. Join Janet as she visits with makers about their projects, highlights what is new and noteworthy in the world of sewing, and talks about what's on her cutting table and under the needle. Occasional episodes may venture into related areas such as embroidery or knitting.
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Send us feedback about this episode! In this episode, I share my experience taking the Economy Block quilt class with legendary designers Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably. From the bold use of color and pattern to the playful approach they bring to traditional blocks, the workshop was full of inspiration and fresh ideas. This class was especially meaningful to me as I have been following Kaffe Fassett since the 1980s when I was yet a novice knitter. To be able to meet him in person some 40 yea...
Send us feedback about this episode! Our guest today is award-winning microquilter Amy Pabst, known for her breathtaking miniature quilts that pack incredible detail into impossibly small spaces. Amy shares what first drew her to textiles, the techniques and tools that make microquilting possible, and the patience and precision required to make quilts on such a small scale. We also talk about where she finds inspiration and how she integrates what she’s learning in pursuit of a fine arts degr...
Send us feedback about this episode! Curious about machine embroidery but not sure where to start? Janet just purchased her first embroidery machine and has been learning how to use it. In this episode, we cover the basics of beginning embroidery—from choosing your first machine and essential supplies to setting up your first design. Whether you want to personalize gifts, add flair to your quilts, or explore creative projects, this episode will give you the confidence to press “start” and beg...
Send us feedback about this episode! September is National Sewing Month here in the states. This episode is a chatty roundup of all the exciting events that have been happening lately, from sewing celebrities visiting the local quilt store to lots of fun sewing projects. Grab your favorite beverage and let’s visit! Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My website: www.janetszabo.com See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com
Send us feedback about this episode! In this episode, we visit again with JoJo Beazel, owner of Seams Perfect Industrial Sewing Machines, to talk about the world of heavy-duty stitching. JoJo shares how she helps sewists, small businesses, and manufacturers find the right machines for their needs, from upholstery to leatherwork to bagmaking. We dig into the differences between home and industrial machines, what to consider before making the leap, and the surprising ways an industrial setup ca...
Send us feedback about this episode! In this episode, we sit down with Marianne Buller, owner of The Quilt Gallery in Kalispell, Montana. Marianne shares the story of her journey from working in construction to owning one of Montana’s most beloved quilt shops and gathering spaces. We talk about the evolution of The Quilt Gallery under her ownership, how the involvement of her husband and children has made it truly a family business, and the ways her shop fosters creativity and community. Mari...
Send us feedback about this episode! Not all rulers are created equal! Cutting rulers help us measure and cut fabric with precision, but quilting rulers are a whole different tool—designed to guide your stitches as you quilt. In this episode, we dive into the world of quilting rulers, with a special nod to Amanda Murphy’s beautifully designed sets. You’ll learn how quilting rulers differ from cutting rulers, what makes them so powerful for creating consistent motifs, and how to use them effec...
Send us feedback about this episode! Your serger and coverstitch aren’t just for finishing seams—they can also be powerful tools for adding flair, texture, and personality to your sewing projects. In this episode, we explore creative ways to turn these machines into decorative stitch powerhouses. You’ll learn about flatlock, rolled hem, chain stitch, and decorative coverstitch techniques, as well as get an introduction to accessories like the belt loop folder. Show notes for each episod...
Send us feedback about this episode! Learning how to alter and adapt clothing patterns to fit your unique body shape is a process. Sometimes that process goes smoothly and sometimes it involves a bit of trial and error. Join Janet on a journey of figuring out what those drag lines and wrinkles mean—and how to fix them—as she attempts to make herself a new dress. Spoiler alert: After several muslins, she's close, but the dress is still waiting to be made. Show notes for each episode: www...
Send us feedback about this episode! Do you fear and avoid buttonholes? As a sewist, you can't hide from them forever, and mastering them will open a whole new world of possibilities. Modern sewing machines also do most of the heavy lifting for you. Whether you make them by hand, use a four-step machine setting, or whip them out automatically with a modern electronic sewing machine, there are some tips to make the process easier. And nothing beats practice! Show notes for each episode: www.th...
Send us feedback about this episode! Thinking about upgrading to an industrial sewing machine—or just curious what all the fuss is about? In this episode, we dive into the world of industrial machines: what makes them different from home models, when (and why) you might want one, and what to know before you buy. From mechanisms to motors, we break it all down so you can make an informed decision. Whether you're a hobbyist leveling up or a maker building a small business, this episode is packe...
Send us feedback about this episode! This episode features a chat with Kira Hartley Klinger, author of Fabric Wars and Fabric Wars & More, about her unique journey from vintage fabric reseller to self-published writer. Kira shares how estate sales, auctions, and a lifelong love of textiles inspired her to tell the sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartfelt stories behind the fabric. Kira first joined us in episode 22, and now she's back to talk about her new book, Fabric Wars and More, as w...
Send us feedback about this episode! Join Janet for a recap of her trip to Bernina University in Salt Lake City at the end of June. Hear about the classes she took, what she learned, and what's coming up for this fall. But the fun didn't end there! Janet flew from Salt Lake City to Seattle to meet up with two friends of hers from Tennessee, one of whom is a sewist! Janet and Deana visited five different fabric stores in the Seattle area. You'll get to hear about what they found at each one. T...
1Send us feedback about this episode! Are you ready to take your sewing skills from basic to brilliant? In this episode, we’re diving into practical and inspiring ways to level up your sewing practice. From mastering fit and experimenting with tricky fabrics to refining your finishing techniques and developing a signature style, we’ll walk you through the strategies that help you grow as a sewist—no matter where you're starting from. Whether you're looking to boost your confidence, sharpen you...
Send us feedback about this episode! Mistakes! No matter how long you've been sewing, you can't avoid mistakes completely. In this episode, Janet describes the quilted jacket she's been working on for the past two months and how a mistake toward the end of the construction process almost derailed the entire project. She'll talk about the options she had for correcting the mistake, the fix she chose, and how the finished jacket turned out even better in the end. Show notes for each episo...
Send us feedback about this episode! Daryl Lancaster, renowned handweaver, teacher, and fiber artist—joins me today for an inspiring conversation about her lifelong journey with textiles. Known for her colorful handwoven garments and no-nonsense teaching style, Daryl shares how she got her start in sewing and weaving, the evolution of her career, and how she keeps that spark of creativity alive. Even if you're not a weaver—although you may become one after this episode!—Daryl’s wisdom and hum...
Send us feedback about this episode! In this episode, we sit down with Sherri Nelson, the creative force and organizer behind the upcoming Sac Bag 'n Sew Expo, happening this September 2025 in Sacramento, California. Sherri shares the heart and vision behind the event, what makes it unique, and how it’s bringing together the sewing, bag-making, and creative communities for a weekend filled with inspiration and connection. She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the planning process, the exci...
Send us feedback about this episode! This episode features a conversation with Christine Lindebak, founder of Sewing and the City. Christine is a fashion designer and sewing entrepreneur who’s bringing high style to the home sewing world. Christine shares her journey from sewing as a child to working in the fashion industry to building a modern, inclusive pattern brand that empowers makers to express their personal style through timeless, city-inspired designs. Whether you're a beginner looki...
Send us feedback about this episode! Has your desire to sew—something that should bring you pleasure—ever taken a vacation? It happens to all of us at one point or another. The reasons could be anything from life stress to creative paralysis. In this episode, we'll explore the reasons for sewing slumps, how to reignite that creative spark, and offer support for the idea that sometimes, a break is not a bad thing. Listeners are invited to share stories of times their sew-jo went on walkabout a...
Send us feedback about this episode! Today's episode is a chatty update about what I've been sewing and the ongoing disappearance of fabric stores. One of my favorite stores outside of Seattle announced last week that it was closing, and the first wave of Joann Fabrics locations have shuttered for good. Is online shopping an alternative? I'll offer up some suggestions for my favorite online retailers as we prepare to navigate a changing landscape. Show notes for each episode: www.thestr...
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