Aller au contenu
The Straight Stitch: A Podcast About Sewing and Other Fiber Arts

The Straight Stitch: A Podcast About Sewing and Other Fiber Arts

NouveauLife Needs Laughter (and Fabric)3 novembre 2026 · 34 min
Épisodes
146
Parution
hebdomadaire
Dernier épisode
3 Nov 2026

À propos du podcast

Hosted by Janet Szabo, The Straight Stitch explores sewing, quilting, and related fiber arts. Weekly episodes feature interviews with makers, highlight what is new and noteworthy in the world of sewing, and delve into what's on Janet's cutting table and under the needle. 

Épisodes 146

  1. Life Needs Laughter (and Fabric)

    34 minSaison 4 · Épisode 40

    Send us feedback about this episode!Amy Jackson, the designing force behind Salty Hippo Studio, joins us today for a conversation about the importance of laughter and the delight to be found in the creative …

  2. Real-World Pattern Adjustments

    32 minSaison 4 · Épisode 39

    Send us feedback about this episode!Have you ever sewn the size the chart recommended and still ended up with something that didn’t fit? Many designers draft their size ranges from different blocks, so moving …

  3. Giving Our Supplies a Second Life

    49 minSaison 4 · Épisode 38

    Send us feedback about this episode!What happens to the fabric, notions, and patterns we never get around to using? In this episode, Emily Yost and Ariel Riccardi of Creative Reuse Montana share about this …

  4. What I Did on My Summer Vacation

    28 minSaison 4 · Épisode 37

    Send us feedback about this episode!This week I’m turning the mic on myself. I spent most of this past summer planning for a new business. A few weeks ago, I launched Sew Something Studio, a new in-person …

  5. Too Cool T-Shirt Quilts

    41 minSaison 4 · Épisode 36

    Send us feedback about this episode!Every T-shirt quilt you've ever seen owes something to this week's guest. Andrea Funk invented the puzzle-style T-shirt quilt back in 1992 — ditching the uniform …

  6. Telling the Untold Stories

    36 minSaison 4 · Épisode 35

    Send us feedback about this episode!T Carter's quilts don't just tell stories—they tell the stories history books leave out. As a trained historian and a national award-winning fiber artist, T pairs …

  7. What's New in Machines

    29 min

    Send us feedback about this episode!Every sewing machine brand seems to be releasing something new this year—but is any of it actually new, or just a new box for the same machine? We round up what's …

  8. Making Peace with Your Stash

    35 minSaison 4 · Épisode 33

    Send us feedback about this episode!Do you know exactly how much fabric you own? Would you tell anyone if you did? Between the guest-room closet, the bins under the bed, and "the good stuff" you're saving …

  9. Three States, Ten Stores

    38 minSaison 4 · Épisode 32

    Send us feedback about this episode!Janet scratched her itchy traveling foot recently with a twelve-day trip from Montana to Seattle to Cleveland and back, with a stop on the Olympic Peninsula and a teaching …

  10. Life After Joann Fabrics: Where Do We Shop Now?

    46 minSaison 4 · Épisode 31

    Send us feedback about this episode!When JOANN Fabrics closed its doors, sewists lost more than a convenient place to buy fabric. We also lost easy access to patterns, thread, zippers, buttons, interfacing and …

  11. Fit Happens: Taking the Fear Out of Garment Sewing

    43 minSaison 4 · Épisode 30

    Send us feedback about this episode!A flattering, well-fitting garment begins long before you sit down at the sewing machine. It starts with understanding your body, your personal style, and what you want your …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    A flattering, well-fitting garment begins long before you sit down at the sewing machine. It starts with understanding your body, your personal style, and what you want your clothing to do for you. In this episode, we take our first forays into garment fitting. We’ll discuss how to identify the figure features you’d like to highlight or minimize, the importance of accurate body measurements, and the benefits of choosing patterns that are good candidates for your shape and fitting experience. Fitting doesn’t have to be complicated or scary—it means learning how to make the pattern work for you. If you’re ready to move beyond sewing a standard size and begin creating clothes that feel comfortable, flattering, and uniquely yours, this episode will help you take that first step.

    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! [email protected]

  12. Finding Your Quilting True North

    43 minSaison 4 · Épisode 29

    Send us feedback about this episode!The Mariner’s Compass is a striking quilt block, but its sharp points and intricate construction can make even experienced quilters hesitate. Robin Long of Robin Ruth Design …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    The Mariner’s Compass is a striking quilt block, but its sharp points and intricate construction can make even experienced quilters hesitate. Robin Long of Robin Ruth Design has found a better way. In this episode, Robin shares how her desire to make a Mariner’s Compass quilt for her submarine-officer husband inspired an innovative strip-piecing method with no paper piecing required. She shares how she came up with the idea, how it eventually became a thriving quilting business, and the specialized rulers and techniques that allow quilters to create accurate compass blocks in an impressive range of sizes. Whether the Mariner’s Compass has long been on your quilting bucket list or you simply enjoy hearing how a clever idea becomes a successful creative business, this conversation will point you in an inspiring new direction.

    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! [email protected]

  13. Beat the Holiday Rush: Gifts to Sew Now

    31 minSaison 4 · Épisode 28

    Send us feedback about this episode!Have you ever waited too long to start making holiday gifts, only to run out of time? In this episode, we’ll explore quick gifts you can sew in short sessions using fabric …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Have you ever waited too long to start making holiday gifts, only to run out of time? In this episode, we’ll explore quick gifts you can sew in short sessions using fabric left over from other projects. From potholders to infinity scarves, you’ll find practical ideas for handmade gifts the special people in your life will love. Get started now and beat the holiday rush!

    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! [email protected]

  14. Developing Good Sewing Habits

    35 minSaison 4 · Épisode 27

    Send us feedback about this episode!Have you reviewed your sewing habits recently? Whether you're a newbie or an accomplished sewist, a periodic audit of your sewing practice can reveal opportunities for …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Have you reviewed your sewing habits recently? Whether you're a newbie or an accomplished sewist, a periodic audit of your sewing practice can reveal opportunities for change and improvement. Maybe you need to level up your pressing skills. Perhaps a commitment to changing your rotary cutter blades more frequently is in order. Let's identify those areas that might be holding you back from better sewing and make some changes!

    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! [email protected]

  15. The Business of Wool

    53 minSaison 4 · Épisode 26

    Send us feedback about this episode!In today's episode, we broaden our focus with Kristen Buchanan, one of the founders of Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect. Along with co-founders Hannah Paquette and Jolene …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    In today's episode, we broaden our focus with Kristen Buchanan, one of the founders of Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect. Along with co-founders Hannah Paquette and Jolene Quaintance, Kristen is helping build a "chamber of commerce" for the fiber industry across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The organization's mission is to strengthen and grow the Pacific Northwest's regional fiber economy by connecting producers, businesses, and consumers. Kristen shares the inspiration behind this new venture, the challenges of launching a grassroots organization, and why building strong regional connections is more important than ever.

    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! [email protected]

  16. Is Machine Embroidery Right for You?

    34 minSaison 4 · Épisode 25

    Send us feedback about this episode!Machine embroidery is one of those sewing skills that seems almost magical. You load a design, press start, and watch your project come to life—but behind every beautiful …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Machine embroidery is one of those sewing skills that seems almost magical. You load a design, press start, and watch your project come to life—but behind every beautiful embroidered piece is a skilled maker who knows how to make the machine do exactly what they envision. In this episode, Deana Crider—owner of Crafty Girlfriends—shares the story of her journey into custom machine embroidery. We chat about the creative process, the challenges of running a custom embroidery business, and the little details that make the difference between an ordinary project and one that becomes a treasured keepsake. Along the way, Deana offers practical advice for anyone who has been thinking about trying machine embroidery themselves. Whether you're already an embroidery enthusiast or you've been wondering if an embroidery machine belongs in your sewing room, this conversation is full of inspiration, encouragement, and a few laughs between friends. You'll come away with a new appreciation for the creativity, skill, and heart that go into every embroidered stitch.

    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! [email protected]

  17. Fabric Shopping in Oregon

    25 minSaison 4 · Épisode 24

    Send us feedback about this episode!Today’s episode is a recap of Janet’s recent trip to Oregon and the fabric she found while she was there. Beginning with an ill-advised foray into Seattle just as a World Cup …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Today’s episode is a recap of Janet’s recent trip to Oregon and the fabric she found while she was there. Beginning with an ill-advised foray into Seattle just as a World Cup game was letting out of the stadium—although the stop at Pacific Fabrics was absolutely worth the hassle—and ending with some shopping in Albany, Oregon, she collected quite a few new and noteworthy fabrics along the way.

    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! [email protected]

  18. What Is Your Project Trying to Tell You?

    29 minSaison 4 · Épisode 23

    Send us feedback about this episode!Why does a quilt block come out the wrong size? Why does a sleeve twist, a neckline gape, or a hem ripple? When something goes wrong in a sewing project, it's tempting …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Why does a quilt block come out the wrong size? Why does a sleeve twist, a neckline gape, or a hem ripple? When something goes wrong in a sewing project, it's tempting to look for a quick fix. Sometimes, though, the visible symptoms aren't the actual problem. Whether you're a quilter, garment maker, or somewhere in between, learning to diagnose problems is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. We'll explore how to identify the clues your fabric is giving you, distinguish between fabric, technique, and machine-related issues, and trace problems back to their true source. The next time a project doesn't go as planned, don't ask, "How do I fix this?" Instead, ask, "Why did this happen?" The answer may teach you more than the project itself.

    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! [email protected]

  19. Rescuing History One Pattern at a Time

    36 minSaison 4 · Épisode 22

    Send us feedback about this episode!Our guest today is Heather Webster, founder of Pattern-Walk, a website dedicated to preserving and sharing vintage sewing patterns dating back to the 1940s and beyond. Raised …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Our guest today is Heather Webster, founder of Pattern-Walk, a website dedicated to preserving and sharing vintage sewing patterns dating back to the 1940s and beyond. Raised in South Africa and taught to sew by her grandmother, Heather rediscovered her passion for sewing after retirement. What began with the purchase of a single box of patterns at a local estate sale soon grew into a thriving business built around collecting, curating, and connecting sewists with vintage designs. Pattern-Walk offers tens of thousands of vintage patterns, along with educational blog posts and resources that help modern sewists use and appreciate these remarkable pieces of sewing history. In this episode, Heather shares her journey from collector to entrepreneur, her love of vintage fashion and pattern design, and what continues to inspire her work preserving these treasures for future generations.

    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! [email protected]

  20. Just Because You Sew, Doesn't Mean You Hem Pants

    26 minSaison 4 · Épisode 21

    Send us feedback about this episode!When people find out that you sew, chances are good that they will ask, "Can you hem my pants?" To many non-sewists, sewing is sewing, but those of us who spend time making …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    When people find out that you sew, chances are good that they will ask, "Can you hem my pants?" To many non-sewists, sewing is sewing, but those of us who spend time making garments (or quilts!) know that alterations are often an entirely different skill set. In this episode, we're taking a closer look at the world of alterations and why they can be far more complex than they appear. We'll discuss the differences between constructing a garment from scratch and modifying one that's already been made. We'll also explore the expectations that come with being known as "the person who sews," how to decide whether an alteration project is worth taking on, and why it's perfectly acceptable to say no when a request falls outside your interests or expertise.

    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! [email protected]

  21. Costumes, Couture, and Custom Fit: A Conversation with Brooks Ann Camper

    55 minSaison 4 · Épisode 20

    Send us feedback about this episode!Today's guest is Brooks Ann Camper, custom garment expert, educator, and all-around joyful maker. Brooks Ann's path into sewing was anything but traditional. After …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Today's guest is Brooks Ann Camper, custom garment expert, educator, and all-around joyful maker. Brooks Ann's path into sewing was anything but traditional. After discovering sewing (and irons!) as a senior in college, she went on to study costume construction, work in Broadway costume production, create couture bridalwear, and eventually develop her own approach to custom-fit garment sewing. Brooks Ann shares how her background in costume production shaped the way she thinks about fit, patternmaking, and the creative process. Along the way, she reflects on her journey from theatre and couture bridalwear to teaching sewists how to create clothing that truly fits both their bodies. Whether you're interested in pattern drafting, fit, couture techniques, or simply hearing the story of a creative career built stitch by stitch, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this conversation.

    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! [email protected]

  22. Sew Smarter, Not Harder

    40 minSaison 4 · Épisode 19

    Send us feedback about this episode!What are the tips and tricks that streamline your sewing process and make it more enjoyable? We're not focusing on productivity in this episode; we're talking about …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    What are the tips and tricks that streamline your sewing process and make it more enjoyable? We're not focusing on productivity in this episode; we're talking about eliminating bottlenecks, optimizing workflow, and eliminating decision fatigue. It might be something as simple as changing the location of your pressing station, or purchasing a few additional tools so you aren't chasing down your seam ripper when you need it. Let's make our sewing practice even more enjoyable with a quick audit of its efficiency.

    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! [email protected]

  23. Gadgets and Tools

    30 minSaison 4 · Épisode 18

    Send us feedback about this episode!Are you a sewing gadget collector or a minimalist? Are there favorite tools you would want if you were stranded on an island with only a sewing machine and fabric? In this …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Are you a sewing gadget collector or a minimalist? Are there favorite tools you would want if you were stranded on an island with only a sewing machine and fabric? In this episode, we’ll make a virtual visit to Janet’s sewing room and find out what tools and gadgets are on her cutting table, near her machines, and at her pressing station. See a complete list on the show notes page at www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com.

    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! [email protected]

  24. An Unusual Connection Between Quilting and Electricity

    40 minSaison 4 · Épisode 17

    Send us feedback about this episode!Today’s guest is Christine Lewis—quilter, teacher, bagmaker, and electrician. Christine shares how her creative journey through quilting has unfolded alongside her career as …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Today’s guest is Christine Lewis—quilter, teacher, bagmaker, and electrician. Christine shares how her creative journey through quilting has unfolded alongside her career as a wireman for the city of Tacoma, Washington. A chance suggestion from a friend led her into the skilled trades, where she developed leadership, management, and teaching skills that now serve her well as a business owner and sewing instructor. Our conversation explores creativity, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and the surprising ways that technical work and textile arts can complement one another.

    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! [email protected]

  25. The Fabric is the Project

    42 minSaison 4 · Épisode 16

    Send us feedback about this episode!Choosing fabric can feel overwhelming—but it’s also one of the most important skills a sewist can develop. This episode focuses on savvy fabric selection, from drape and …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Choosing fabric can feel overwhelming—but it’s also one of the most important skills a sewist can develop. This episode focuses on savvy fabric selection, from drape and structure to weight, recovery, and how a fabric actually behaves in real life. We’ll explore why the same pattern can look completely different depending on the fabric you choose and how fabric choice affects not just construction, but also wearability and satisfaction. (Is white silk practical in Montana?) We’ll also discuss the emotional side of fabric shopping and how not to fill your stash with fabrics you'll never use. Whether you’ve ever wondered why a project didn’t turn out the way you hoped or you’re trying to feel more confident substituting fabrics, this episode will help you start thinking about fabric in a whole new way.

    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! [email protected]

  26. A Long Line of Seamstresses

    55 minSaison 4 · Épisode 15

    Send us feedback about this episode!Today’s guest is nationally-known sewist, author, and educator Katrina Walker. In her own words, she “comes from a long line of seamstresses”—women who sewed not because they …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Today’s guest is nationally-known sewist, author, and educator Katrina Walker. In her own words, she “comes from a long line of seamstresses”—women who sewed not because they wanted to, but because they had to. Katrina has taken that legacy one step further. After graduating from college and realizing that investment banking was not for her, she returned to her home state of Washington. A series of serendipitous encounters, a job with Nordstrom Product Group, and winning the National Make It Yourself With Wool competition launched Katrina into the world of sewing as a sought-after expert and educator. Her journey is one of humor and determination and we are delighted to share that story with listeners.

    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! [email protected]

  27. Sewing the Spectrum: Basic Color Theory for Sewists

    39 minSaison 4 · Épisode 14

    Send us feedback about this episode!In this episode, we break down color theory into a practical, no-fluff guide specifically for sewing projects. Instead of getting lost in abstract design concepts, we focus …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    In this episode, we break down color theory into a practical, no-fluff guide specifically for sewing projects. Instead of getting lost in abstract design concepts, we focus on how real fabric choices come together in quilts, garments, and handmade wardrobes. You’ll learn how to build a cohesive fabric palette from a single “hero” print and avoid the most common mistake sewists make—ignoring value and contrast. If you’ve ever brought home beautiful fabrics that somehow didn’t work together once you started sewing, this episode will help you fix that—so your next project feels intentional, cohesive, and confidently designed from the start.

    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! [email protected]

  28. Your Sewing Skills Can Make Money

    38 minSaison 4 · Épisode 13

    Send us feedback about this episode!Would you like to turn your sewing skills into income? In this episode, we explore the many ways to earn money from sewing—whether you’re looking for a simple side hustle or …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Would you like to turn your sewing skills into income? In this episode, we explore the many ways to earn money from sewing—whether you’re looking for a simple side hustle or dreaming of building a business that support your lifestyle. From dependable income streams like alterations and repairs to more scalable options such as pattern design or teaching, we break down what each path really looks like behind the scenes. We also dive into producing handmade goods, custom commissions, quilting services, and the growing world of sewing content creation. You’ll hear honest insights about what actually works, where people tend to get stuck, and how to choose a direction that fits your skills, time, and goals.

    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! [email protected]

  29. Bagmaking as a Business, From Patterns to Production

    47 minSaison 4 · Épisode 12

    Send us feedback about this episode!Our guest today is Cristina Phaneuf, owner of Bumbleroot Design. Cristina shares her creative journey—from learning to sew by hand at a young age to discovering her passion …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Our guest today is Cristina Phaneuf, owner of Bumbleroot Design. Cristina shares her creative journey—from learning to sew by hand at a young age to discovering her passion for designing and making beautifully functional bags. Along the way, she’s carved out a distinctive niche in the sewing world, where thoughtful construction meets eye-catching design. Cristina also talks about how her background as a technical writer shapes her approach to pattern design, resulting in clear, thorough instructions that empower makers at every skill level. She’s refreshingly candid about the challenges she faced when exploring factory-level bag production, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to scale a handmade business. Whether you’re a bagmaker, a pattern enthusiast, or simply curious about the business side of sewing, this episode is full of insight, honesty, and creative inspiration.

    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! [email protected]

  30. Listener Questions!

    25 minSaison 4 · Épisode 11

    Send us feedback about this episode!Today's episode is a compilation of listener questions about sewing shows, working with large-scale prints, and more. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and let's …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Send us feedback about this episode!

    Today's episode is a compilation of listener questions about sewing shows, working with large-scale prints, and more. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and let's sit down for a chat.

    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! [email protected]

Voici les 40 derniers épisodes sur 146. Les épisodes plus anciens se trouvent dans le flux du podcast.

C’est votre podcast ?

Confirmez-le avec une entrée dans votre flux : vous recevez ici un code, vous l’ajoutez comme podcast:txt dans le canal de votre flux, et nous le vérifions. Votre podcast apparaît ensuite comme « vérifié » sur SoundNode.

Paramètres

Affichage

Langue

Détermine les stations affichées en premier sur la page d’accueil.

Historique

Les stations et épisodes écoutés récemment et tes dernières recherches sont seulement enregistrés dans ce navigateur.

Notifications

Un court message quand un podcast que tu suis publie un nouvel épisode. Désactive un podcast précis avec la cloche sur sa page.

Compte

Enregistrez vos favoris – dans l’app et sur le site.

Raccourcis clavier

/
Ouvrir la recherche
Espace
Lecture ou pause
← →
Dans le lecteur : 15 s en arrière, 30 s en avant (épisodes) · dans une rangée : tuile suivante
↑ ↓
Dans une rangée : cible dans la tuile
Début / Fin
Dans une rangée : première ou dernière tuile
Esc
Fermer la fenêtre ou le menu
?
Cet aperçu
En cours de lecture

Voir la station

À suivre

    Ajoutez des épisodes avec « À suivre » – ils seront lus après l'épisode en cours.