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

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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 journey. From a stuffed rabbit made in a Home Ec class to designing for Free Spirit Fabrics—with a life-changing trip to Africa along the way—Amy’s journey has provided a rich background of experiences on which to draw. She revels in making things by hand and wants every maker to put a bit of themselves in everything they create. You’ll come away from this interview inspired and uplifted in your own creative journey.

Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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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 from one range to the next can change far more than the measurements. Join Janet for some real-world pattern adjustments, a look at what changes between size ranges, and grading a pattern when your size isn’t on the envelope.

Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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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 innovative, volunteer-run nonprofit in Livingston, Montana. The organization collects unused creative supplies and puts them back into the hands of makers, teachers, and community groups instead of landfills. Emily and Ariel share how the organization grew from a single craft supply swap into a downtown shop that runs free community swaps, workshops, and wishlists for classrooms, youth programs, and senior centers. We talk about how reuse centers around the country are helping sewists find affordable materials and community after Joann Fabrics closed. Learn how you can find or start a creative reuse effort wherever you live.

Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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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 sewing school in Kalispell, Montana.

In this episode I walk through what it actually took to get it off the ground: why I decided now was the time; building the website; finding a location (and what makes a space work for sewing classes); getting machines and tables in place; and getting the word out locally. Whether you’ve dreamed of teaching sewing yourself or you’re just curious what goes on behind the scenes of a new sewing business, pull up a chair and listen while you sew.

Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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 square block in favor of variable-sized pieces that let every graphic, logo, and collar print stay whole and uncropped. In this conversation, Andrea walks through how she landed on the puzzle-piece layout, the practical realities of working with knits, stretch, and graphics, and the details involved in running a business. If you’ve ever been curious about making a T-shirt quilt, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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 research with quilting to spotlight voices of women, people of color, and indigenous communities, from forgotten tribes to a small-town gas station's bootlegger legend. Join Janet as T shares how quilts bring those stories to life through fabric.

Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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 genuinely changed across sewing machines, sergers, and coverstitch machines from every major brand, brand by brand, so you can hear what's real without wading through marketing copy yourself.

Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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 for someday, most of us carry more fabric guilt than we admit. Let's unpack where that guilt actually comes from, practical ways to organize a stash that's gotten out of hand, and how to let fabric go without feeling like a failure. Your stash should be a resource, not a regret.

Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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 stint at a quilt store along the way. Curious to see how fabric and quilt shops around the country are faring in the wake of Joann's 2025 closure, she ducked into ten different stores across three states and taught four classes at Quilting Mayhem in Snohomish, WA. Come along as she recaps the trip, the shops, and what she heard and saw.

Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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 all the other essentials needed to complete a project. In the 18 months since the closures began, the sewing-supply landscape has changed considerably. In this episode, we look at what disappeared with JOANN, which retailers and independent businesses are stepping in to fill the gaps, and where sewists can now find fabric, patterns, notions, machines, education and community. Life after JOANN may require us to shop differently, plan ahead and explore unfamiliar resources, but it may also create new opportunities for local quilt shops, online retailers and sewing communities to thrive.

Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

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: https://janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com