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

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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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Send us feedback about this episode!

Your serger and coverstitch machine can do so much more than finish seams, and in this episode, we’re unlocking their full potential. From workhorse stitches that give your garments a professional finish to the decorative techniques that add texture, color, and personality, you’ll discover how to get more from the machines you already own. We’ll break down the most useful functional stitches (and when to use them), explore creative options like flatlocking, rolled hems, and decorative coverstitching, and share simple ways to start experimenting with confidence. Plus, if you’re a quilter, you might be surprised at how a serger fits into your piecing process. Whether your goal is faster sewing, better results, or just having more fun at your machine, this episode will inspire you to try something new and make every stitch count.

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!

Have you ever wished you could combine the neckline of one design with the sleeves of another design to create the perfect blouse pattern? Or add the pockets from one pants pattern to another? Frankenpatterning  is such a useful skill! In today's episode, we’re talking about how and why sewists combine, modify, and completely reinvent patterns to create garments that have all the desired features.

From simple swaps like sleeves and necklines to more advanced mashups, you’ll learn how to approach pattern hacking with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and start building patterns that truly work 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]