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

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Mistakes! No matter how long you've been sewing, you can't avoid mistakes completely. In this episode, Janet describes the quilted jacket she's been working on for the past two months and how a mistake toward the end of the construction process almost derailed the entire project. She'll talk about the options she had for correcting the mistake, the fix she chose, and how the finished jacket turned out even better in the end. 

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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Daryl Lancaster, renowned handweaver, teacher, and fiber artist—joins me today for an inspiring conversation about her lifelong journey with textiles. Known for her colorful handwoven garments and no-nonsense teaching style, Daryl shares how she got her start in sewing and weaving, the evolution of her career, and how she keeps that spark of creativity alive. Even if you're not a weaver—although you may become one after this episode!—Daryl’s wisdom and humor will leave you inspired and ready to thread your own needle.

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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In this episode, we sit down with Sherri Nelson, the creative force and organizer behind the upcoming Sac Bag 'n Sew Expo, happening this September 2025 in Sacramento, California. Sherri shares the heart and vision behind the event, what makes it unique, and how it’s bringing together the sewing, bag-making, and creative communities for a weekend filled with inspiration and connection. She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the planning process, the exciting lineup of classes, vendors, and guest speakers, and what goes into building a maker-centered event that celebrates creativity and community. Mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired!

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!

This episode features a conversation with Christine Lindebak, founder of Sewing and the City. Christine is a fashion designer and sewing entrepreneur who’s bringing high style to the home sewing world. Christine shares her journey from sewing as a child to working in the fashion industry to building a modern, inclusive pattern brand that empowers makers to express their personal style through timeless, city-inspired designs. Whether you're a beginner looking for motivation or a seasoned sewist ready to infuse your makes with fresh perspective, Christine’s story will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to take on your next project.

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!

Has your desire to sew—something that should bring you pleasure—ever taken a vacation? It happens to all of us at one point or another. The reasons could be anything from life stress to creative paralysis. In this episode, we'll explore the reasons for sewing slumps, how to reignite that creative spark, and offer support for the idea that sometimes, a break is not a bad thing. Listeners are invited to share stories of times their sew-jo went on walkabout and how they reeled it back in. 

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 chatty update about what I've been sewing and the ongoing disappearance of fabric stores. One of my favorite stores outside of Seattle announced last week that it was closing, and the first wave of Joann Fabrics locations have shuttered for good. Is online shopping an alternative? I'll offer up some suggestions for my favorite online retailers as we prepare to navigate a changing landscape. 

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!

This episode explores the importance of textiles in marketing and branding. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, in Spokane, WA, houses a unique collection of over 150 cloth flour sacks, dating from 1900 to the 1940s, which showcase the evolution of flour packaging and its significance in regional and international trade. Beginning in the mid-1800s, Eastern Washington established itself a major wheat-growing area, at one time having over 100 mills shipping products around the globe. Learn about the vibrant designs tailored for markets in China, Japan, the Philippines, and El Salvador, and explore how these sacks were repurposed into household items during the Depression era. Staff member Ellen Postlewaite brings us the stories woven into these everyday objects and their role in Spokane's development as a major milling center.​

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 features an interview with renowned textile artist and quilter Sylvia Pippen, whose work beautifully blends traditional Japanese sashiko with contemporary appliqué techniques. Sylvia shares her creative journey—from growing up in a family of artists to developing her signature style inspired by nature, Pacific Island culture, and the rhythms of hand stitching.

We talk about the history and uses of sashiko, the process behind her stunning botanical designs, and how she approaches teaching with both tradition and innovation in mind. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or simply curious about slow stitching, Sylvia's insights will leave you inspired to pick up your needle and thread.

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 explore the innovative world of using a projector to cut out sewing patterns, eliminating the need for pinning or tracing. Whether you're a curious beginner or looking to streamline your sewing process, today’s guest, Sheredith Hardy, breaks down everything you need to know: how projectors work, what equipment you need, how to set it up, and tips for making the transition smooth and successful.​ Sheredith offers a wealth of resources through her website, www.ProjectorSewing.,com, including tutorials, product reviews, and her comprehensive “Master Projector Sewing: Complete Projector Confidence” course, designed to guide you through every step of adopting projector sewing.​

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 take a closer look at the essential tools that make my sewing more efficient and enjoyable. From sewing machines and scissors to pins, measuring tools, and beyond, I am sharing my favorite items from my sewing toolbox—what I love, why I chose the ones I did, and how they’ve improved my projects over time. Whether you're just beginning your sewing journey or looking to refine your current setup, this episode offers helpful insights and practical recommendations for every level of sewist.

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]