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

Send us feedback about this episode!

Our guest today is Alayna Rasile, a member of the board of the Montana Fibershed. What is a fibershed, you ask? "A fibershed is a geographically defined area in which fiber resources (wool, flax, hemp, cotton, etc.) are produced and then used by the people living within its boundaries." We'll hear from Alayna about how the Montana Fibershed organization is overcoming geographic and economic challenges to connect fiber producers with end users. 

Send us feedback about this episode!

In this episode, we'll continue the topic of sewing after the apocalypse with a discussion of those supplies and skills that are most essential. This is also a great primer on the basics that a new sewist might want to have on hand for many common situations. 

Send us feedback about this episode!

Today’s episode is a bit tongue-in-cheek; I don’t expect there to be an apocalypse, but have you ever thought about how you might sew if the grid went down? People used to do it all the time, and we can learn from the past. This episode focuses on people-powered machinery—treadle sewing machines and handcrank sewing machines—and how to find and refurbish one for yourself. 

Send us feedback about this episode!

I recently had the opportunity to take a trouser drafting class with Kenneth D. King at the Sewing and Design School in Tacoma, WA. Kenneth is professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Kenneth won the Association of Sewing and Design Professional's 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award. He is known for his articles in Threads Magazine, his books, CD books, TV show (Sewing Today), and "Jean-ius," an online class on Craftsy. Ryliss Bod, owner of the Sewing and Design School, brings Kenneth to Tacoma several times a year to teach in-depth classes to small groups of students. I also went a day early to take a coat class with Ryliss. Hear about both classes and what I learned in this episode!

Send us feedback about this episode!

This is a topic near and dear to my heart because summer is the season when I do the least amount of sewing. Gardening and other outdoor activities take up much of my time. I am looking forward to winter and having large blocks of time to tackle challenging projects. In this episode, I offer some tips for feeling productive when time in your sewing room is limited. I'll also recap a recent trip to Cleveland and talk about the fabric stores I visited, including a few quilt stores in Holmes County. 

Send us feedback about this episode!

Today's guest is Tabatha Smith, owner and creative force behind Camellia Palms Retreat Center in Florala, Alabama. Hear how she went from "someone who couldn't sew" to accomplished quilter, retreat hostess, and creative entrepreneur. Quilt Queens, her online quilting community at Skool.com, offers members an inspirational and encouraging forum for advancing their skills. And in 2025, she plans to host Quilted Summit, an virtual quilting conference featuring a variety of guest presenters. 

Send us feedback about this episode!

Sergers can do so much more than just finish seams. With the correct presser foot, a serger can insert zippers, add cording or wire to edges, create piping, attach beads, make blind hems, and so much more. In this episode, we'll explore the many kinds of presser feet available for sergers, even basic models, and discuss how they can expand your arsenal of tools and techniques. 

Send us feedback about this episode!

Today's guest is Deana Crider, a talented maker living in Elizabethton, TN. After learning to sew from her mother, she began selling her products at farmers' markets and craft shows in her area and has built up a devoted customer base. Deana shares with us her experience selling at markets and craft shows, how she determines what products to keep in inventory, and gives advice for sewists wanting to utilize these outlets as a way to sell their handmade items. 

Send us feedback about this episode!

Our guests today are two members of the Mountain Brook Craft Cooperative located in northwest Montana. Carol Edgar is one of the founding members of the Cooperative and Sarah Anderson is the current president. (Sarah is also the author of the Spinner's Book of Yarn Designs by Storey Publishing.) The Cooperative formed 15 years ago as a way for its original five members to bring their products—quilts and other handmade items—to market. Since that time, the group has expanded to 19 members whose work covers a variety of media, including sewing and quilting, knitting, crocheting, painting, book art, and more. 

Send us feedback about this episode!

Our guest today is Mari de Jesus, the driving force behind Project Dress a Girl. This annual September event encourages sewists to make simple but adorable dresses that are donated to girls living in poverty around the world. Mari talks about her own journey as a sewist and business owner, a YouTube content creator, and how Project Dress a Girl continues to grow every single year. Learn how you can become involved and make a difference in a young girl's life!