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

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My guest today is Kerry Brown, founder and owner of Strong Roots Resources in Tennessee. I first met Kerry at the Living Free in Tennessee Spring Workshop last April. While we were relaxing and visiting before dinner one evening, Kerry shared with me the story of Nan, his grandmother, teaching him to sew as a young boy. We reconnected at the Self-Reliance Festival in Camden, Tennessee in October and I asked Kerry if he would like to share his memories of Nan on the podcast. Enjoy!

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]

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Are you feeling stressed out by the holiday season? Have you turned a hobby into a business and are wondering how to reclaim your sanity? Do you need help setting boundaries? Janet talks about maintaining balance between real life and your crafting/sewing life and offers some ideas that have worked for her. (Full disclosure:  She needs help in these areas, too!) She’ll also talk a bit about her current sewing, quilting, and embroidery projects and one of the books she really enjoys. 

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]

Send us feedback about this episode!

I am on the road again! Join me as I take my annual birthday trip to Seattle to spend Thanksgiving with my two daughters, as well as treat myself to a private class at the Sewing and Design School in Tacoma and—of course!—some fabric shopping. 

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]

Send us feedback about this episode!

Today, I want to talk about spatial perception, or lack of it. For many years, I thought designing was beyond me, because I have a lot of trouble "seeing" things in my head. I was convinced that creativity only comes from people who can visualize a thing and then figure out how to translate that vision into a finished object. Obviously, I was wrong, but getting to the place where I believed I was a legitimate designer was a journey and one I want to share. If you're struggling with poor spatial perception, take heart!—there is hope. I believe our brains are able to learn new skills. Come along as I fail, repeatedly, to sew a spatially-complicated top and rejoice with me when I finally figure it out. 

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]

Send us feedback about this episode!

Join me for my first interview show—a visit with knitting instructor, designer, author, and now improv quilter, JC Briar. JC was the technical editor for my cabling newsletter, Twists and Turns, as well as the editor for two of my knitting books. We taught together at Stitches and on a Craft Cruises knitting cruise to Alaska. She is the author of the handy guide Charts Made Simple and the mastermind behind Stitch Maps knitting chart software. We talk about her journey from computer programmer to knitter to improv quilter, what inspires her, and how she channels her unique perspective into her creative expressions. 

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]

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My collection of vintage sewing machines began with a Necchi BF purchased locally. This petite machine once belonged to a professional seamstress, and I'd like to think she is happy that it is still being used. I cover the history of this Italian sewing machine manufacturer and talk about the various models, many of which I own. 

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]

Send us feedback about this episode!

Coverstitch machines are relatively new to the domestic sewing market but are gaining in popularity. Primarily used for hemming knit garments, a coverstitch machine will elevate the look of your me-made garments. They also have binding and decorative stitch capabilities. In this episode, I'll go over the ins and outs of coverstitch machines,  why you might want one, and how to decide between a standalone machine and a serger/coverstitch combo machine. 

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]

Send us feedback about this episode!

Join me as I take a road trip across Washington state, then fly from Seattle to Tennessee to attend the Self-Reliance Festival, where I demo'ed spinning yarn for attendees. Along the way, we'll visit some Walmart remnant racks, talk about the ongoing dysfunction at Joann Fabrics, and hear how Macy's actually listened to their customers as they developed and launched an exciting new house brand.  

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]

Send us feedback about this episode!

In this episode, I talk about the process of finding patterns suitable for teaching a pants class and the pants patterns I tested this week. I also wax eloquently about my favorite machines at the moment: sergers. If you are thinking about buying a serger or upgrading to a newer model, this is the episode for you. 

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]

Send us feedback about this episode!

In this episode, I talk about what's been happening this week and how raising pigs for market collided with getting ready for our annual craft co-op sale. (If you don't want to hear about the pig issues, you might want to skip this episode, or fast forward through the discussion.) I will review what I've been sewing and also recap some of what I have learned about Joann Fabrics' financial woes and its uncertain future. 

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]