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

3d ago

Send us feedback about this episode! In response to listener feedback, this episode focuses on quilting as a beginner. Learning to quilt doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We'll share simple, approachable ways to get started with quilting—even if you’ve never sewn a quilt before. You’ll learn which beginner projects work best, how to build skills without overthinking, and what tools you actually need to begin. This episode is all about confidence, creativity, and starting where you are. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to quilt, this is it. Your first quilt starts here. 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

Dec 9

Send us feedback about this episode! Sometimes, it's important to know when to ask for help with a project, and where to go to get that help. Garment fitting is particularly tricky to do solo. In this episode, Janet talks about her recent visit to the Sewing and Design School in Tacoma, WA, for help fitting a princess seam dress pattern with Ryliss Bod. Janet also highlights a stop at the new Shabby Fabrics showroom in Post Falls, ID, and another visit to Pacific Fabrics in Seattle. 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

Nov 25

Send us feedback about this episode! Today we are joined by a listener with an important story to share. Laura Wilson relates how the change to a challenging new job—as well as other unexpected life events—led to the loss of her sew-jo for almost an entire year. Can you relate? Has your desire to create disappeared, even for a few weeks? Laura was able to rediscover her love of creating with the help of a supportive sewing group at her local quilt store. No matter where you are in your sewing journey, this is an important topic and one we wanted to discuss. 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

Nov 18

Send us feedback about this episode! In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Nehrig—psychologist, maker, and author of Women Weaving Their Stories —to explore the deep connections between craft, identity, and how those connections have been expressed by women's textiles through the years. Nicole shares how the pandemic upended her life and led to the idea for the book. We talk about the powerful personal stories uncovered through her interviews and why textile work remains such a vital form of expression and resilience. Whether you’re a sewist, knitter, quilter, or simply someone who finds meaning in handmade work, this conversation will leave you reflecting on your own creative practice and the stories you are weaving into the world. 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

Nov 11

Send us feedback about this episode! Our next 100 episodes begin with a recap of Janet's recent travel and the sad story of a broken machine. (Spoiler alert: The machine has been fixed and is working beautifully again!) Come along to hear about some beautiful Hugo Boss deadstock fabric, the new Bella Quilt Coat pattern from byAnnie, and to find out what podcasts Janet listens to as she drives across Washington State. 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

Nov 4

Send us feedback about this episode! Happy 100th Episode! The podcast is now two years old. To celebrate, I asked for listener questions and my audience did not disappoint. Today's episode covers everything from what to do with muslins to how to maintain momentum through big sewing projects to specifics about sewing needles and more. Get yourself a cup of tea and sit down for a cozy chat and a big helping of birthday cake. 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

Oct 21

Send us feedback about this episode! If your sewing room is overflowing with fabric, notions, and half-finished projects, this episode is for you! We’ll talk about creative and practical ways to store your sewing supplies—everything from thread and zippers to cutting tools and patterns. Learn how to make the most of your space, whether you sew in a dedicated studio or at the kitchen table. You’ll hear ideas for labeling, sorting, and repurposing everyday items for sewing storage, plus tips to keep your workspace inspiring instead of overwhelming. By the end, you’ll have a plan to bring calm and order to your creative chaos! 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

Oct 14

Send us feedback about this episode! In this episode, I chat with Saremy Duffy, the creative force behind the popular Sew Sew Live YouTube channel and the founder of Sew Sew Guild, an online sewing community built on encouragement, learning, and connection. Saremy shares how her journey from reluctant student to accomplished patternmaker to engaging YouTube creator helped her to build a thriving virtual studio where sewists from around the world come together to make, chat, and grow their skills. 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