The Straight Stitch: A Podcast About Sewing and Other Fiber Arts.
Janet Szabo, Sewing and Quilting Expert 131 episodes Nov 3, 2026
Hosted by Janet Szabo, The Straight Stitch explores sewing, quilting, and related fiber arts. Weekly episodes feature interviews with makers, highlight what is new and noteworthy in the world of sewing, and delve into what's on Janet's cutting table and under the needle.
Episodes
Life Needs Laughter (and Fabric)
Send us feedback about this episode!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 exp
Real-World Pattern Adjustments
Send us feedback about this episode!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 whe
Giving Our Supplies a Second Life
Send us feedback about this episode!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
What I Did on My Summer Vacation
Send us feedback about this episode!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 wh
Too Cool T-Shirt Quilts
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-
Telling the Untold Stories
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 s
What's New in Machines
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.
Making Peace with Your Stash
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
Three States, Ten Stores
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 acr
Life After Joann Fabrics: Where Do We Shop Now?
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 disap
Fit Happens: Taking the Fear Out of Garment Sewing
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
Finding Your Quilting True North
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 p
Beat the Holiday Rush: Gifts to Sew Now
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 holid
Developing Good Sewing Habits
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 area
The Business of Wool
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
Is Machine Embroidery Right for You?
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 i
Fabric Shopping in Oregon
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 n
What Is Your Project Trying to Tell You?
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 pr
Rescuing History One Pattern at a Time
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 estat
Just Because You Sew, Doesn't Mean You Hem Pants
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
Costumes, Couture, and Custom Fit: A Conversation with Brooks Ann Camper
Send us feedback about this episode!Today's guest is Brooks Ann Camper, custom garment expert, educator, and all-around joyful maker. Brooks Ann's path into sewing was anything but traditional. After discovering sewing (and irons!) as a senior in college, she went on to study costume construction, work in Broadway costume production, create couture bridalwear, and eventually develop her
Sew Smarter, Not Harder
Send us feedback about this episode!What are the tips and tricks that streamline your sewing process and make it more enjoyable? We're not focusing on productivity in this episode; we're talking about eliminating bottlenecks, optimizing workflow, and eliminating decision fatigue. It might be something as simple as changing the location of your pressing station, or purchasing a few additi
Gadgets and Tools
Send us feedback about this episode!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
An Unusual Connection Between Quilting and Electricity
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 serv
The Fabric is the Project
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
A Long Line of Seamstresses
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
Sewing the Spectrum: Basic Color Theory for Sewists
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
Your Sewing Skills Can Make Money
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 brea
Bagmaking as a Business, From Patterns to Production
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. Cristin
Listener Questions!
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.comMy website: www.janetszabo.comSee my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blogE-mail me! janet@janetszab
Sergers and Coverstitch Machines: Functional and Fabulous
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 m
Become a Mad (Garment) Scientist
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 gar
Wear Your Quilts
Send us feedback about this episode!Quilted coats and jackets are everywhere right now—and for good reason. They combine the creativity of quilting with the practicality of garment sewing and give makers an opportunity to show off their skills. In this episode, we explore the growing trend of quilted outerwear and what makes these garments so appealing to makers. From classic quilt jackets to mode
A Week in the Life of a Sewing Teacher
Send us feedback about this episode!I'm getting ready for Sew Expo in Puyallup, Washington. Join me for a chat as I talk about how I prepare for my classes, particularly ones I haven't taught before. I'll discuss the difficulties of hunting down accurate information in this age of the Internet and AI and how that can be a huge disadvantage to newbie sewists. There might be a short r
PatternCon: A Party for Those Who Love Patternmaking
Send us feedback about this episode!In this episode, we're joined by Tricia Camacho, the guiding force behind PatternCon—the conference where patternmaking nerds can find their tribe. We talk about how PatternCon came to life and what sets it apart from traditional sewing events. Tricia is committed to bringing designers, educators, and makers together. She shares her big-picture vision, the
A Journey Towards Circularity
Send us feedback about this episode!In this episode, we're joined by Justin Barry, owner of Fdes (Functional Design) in Whitefish, Montana, to talk about designing and making with recycled textiles—and why constraints can be a powerful creative tool. Justin shares how a summer job with the Montana Conservation Corps led to an unexpected career working with reclaimed and repurposed materials.
When Your Sewing Machine Suddenly Hates You
Send us feedback about this episode!Have you ever sat down to sew and thought, “What is wrong with my sewing machine?” Skipped stitches, bird’s nests, weird noises—it can feel like your machine has turned against you. The tool that worked perfectly yesterday now seems to be throwing a fit. In this episode, we break down the most common sewing machine problems, why they happen, and how to troublesh
Where to Shop Now and Other Questions
Send us feedback about this episode!Janet is on the road again, so today is a listener question episode. Today's requests include: 1) Where can we get sewing supplies now that Joanns is out of business? 2) Can we talk about indie pattern companies and how to find patterns that work for us? and 3) Is it possible to balance creative pursuits with small children at home? A bonus question answers
Where Do Your Dreams Take You?
Send us feedback about this episode!Today’s guest is Kenneth D. King, sewing and couture expert and an adjunct instructor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan. He teaches at his studio in New York City and travels extensively in the United States, teaching fitting and couture sewing techniques. He is also a contributing editor to Threads magazine. Kenneth is the author of a nu
Chasing Goals in 2026
Send us feedback about this episode!The turn of a new year seems to be a great time to set sewing goals and make resolutions. Does it work? We're only a few days into 2026 and Janet's plans have already taken a detour. Listen to a recap of the projects she finished at the end of last year and what is in the works for 2026. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.comMy w
Your First Quilt Starts Here
Send us feedback about this episode!In response to listener feedback, this episode focuses on quilting as a beginner. Learning to quilt doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We'll share simple, approachable ways to get started with quilting—even if you’ve never sewn a quilt before. You’ll learn which beginner projects work best, how to build skills without overthinking, and what tools you actually
Getting Professional (Sewing) Help When You Need It
Send us feedback about this episode!Sometimes, it's important to know when to ask for help with a project, and where to go to get that help. Garment fitting is particularly tricky to do solo. In this episode, Janet talks about her recent visit to the Sewing and Design School in Tacoma, WA, for help fitting a princess seam dress pattern with Ryliss Bod. Janet also highlights a stop at the new
A Crisis of Confidence and the Importance of Community
Send us feedback about this episode!Today we are joined by a listener with an important story to share. Laura Wilson relates how the change to a challenging new job—as well as other unexpected life events—led to the loss of her sew-jo for almost an entire year. Can you relate? Has your desire to create disappeared, even for a few weeks? Laura was able to rediscover her love of creating with the he
Women Weaving Their Stories with Nicole Nehrig
Send us feedback about this episode!In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Nehrig—psychologist, maker, and author of Women Weaving Their Stories—to explore the deep connections between craft, identity, and how those connections have been expressed by women's textiles through the years. Nicole shares how the pandemic upended her life and led to the idea for the book. We talk about the powerf
Travel Recap and a Broken Machine!
Send us feedback about this episode!Our next 100 episodes begin with a recap of Janet's recent travel and the sad story of a broken machine. (Spoiler alert: The machine has been fixed and is working beautifully again!) Come along to hear about some beautiful Hugo Boss deadstock fabric, the new Bella Quilt Coat pattern from byAnnie, and to find out what podcasts Janet listens to as she drives
Listener Q&A!
Send us feedback about this episode!Happy 100th Episode! The podcast is now two years old. To celebrate, I asked for listener questions and my audience did not disappoint. Today's episode covers everything from what to do with muslins to how to maintain momentum through big sewing projects to specifics about sewing needles and more. Get yourself a cup of tea and sit down for a cozy chat and a
Smart Sewing Storage
Send us feedback about this episode!If your sewing room is overflowing with fabric, notions, and half-finished projects, this episode is for you! We’ll talk about creative and practical ways to store your sewing supplies—everything from thread and zippers to cutting tools and patterns. Learn how to make the most of your space, whether you sew in a dedicated studio or at the kitchen table. You’ll h
Sew, Sew With Saremy Duffy
Send us feedback about this episode!In this episode, I chat with Saremy Duffy, the creative force behind the popular Sew Sew Live YouTube channel and the founder of Sew Sew Guild, an online sewing community built on encouragement, learning, and connection. Saremy shares how her journey from reluctant student to accomplished patternmaker to engaging YouTube creator helped her to build a thriving vi
Quilt Class with Kaffe and Brandon
Send us feedback about this episode!In this episode, I share my experience taking the Economy Block quilt class with legendary designers Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably. From the bold use of color and pattern to the playful approach they bring to traditional blocks, the workshop was full of inspiration and fresh ideas. This class was especially meaningful to me as I have been following Kaffe Fasse
Piecing Tiny Quilts with Amy Pabst
Send us feedback about this episode!Our guest today is award-winning microquilter Amy Pabst, known for her breathtaking miniature quilts that pack incredible detail into impossibly small spaces. Amy shares what first drew her to textiles, the techniques and tools that make microquilting possible, and the patience and precision required to make quilts on such a small scale. We also talk about where
Machine Embroidery for Beginners
Send us feedback about this episode!Curious about machine embroidery but not sure where to start? Janet just purchased her first embroidery machine and has been learning how to use it. In this episode, we cover the basics of beginning embroidery—from choosing your first machine and essential supplies to setting up your first design. Whether you want to personalize gifts, add flair to your quilts,
National Sewing Month
Send us feedback about this episode!September is National Sewing Month here in the states. This episode is a chatty roundup of all the exciting events that have been happening lately, from sewing celebrities visiting the local quilt store to lots of fun sewing projects. Grab your favorite beverage and let’s visit!Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.comMy website: www.janetsza
A Deeper Dive Into Industrial Machines
Send us feedback about this episode!In this episode, we visit again with JoJo Beazel, owner of Seams Perfect Industrial Sewing Machines, to talk about the world of heavy-duty stitching. JoJo shares how she helps sewists, small businesses, and manufacturers find the right machines for their needs, from upholstery to leatherwork to bagmaking. We dig into the differences between home and industrial m
Creativity and Community: A Conversation with Marianne Buller
Send us feedback about this episode!In this episode, we sit down with Marianne Buller, owner of The Quilt Gallery in Kalispell, Montana. Marianne shares the story of her journey from working in construction to owning one of Montana’s most beloved quilt shops and gathering spaces. We talk about the evolution of The Quilt Gallery under her ownership, how the involvement of her husband and children h
Rulerwork Quilting: From Straight Lines to Designs
Send us feedback about this episode!Not all rulers are created equal! Cutting rulers help us measure and cut fabric with precision, but quilting rulers are a whole different tool—designed to guide your stitches as you quilt. In this episode, we dive into the world of quilting rulers, with a special nod to Amanda Murphy’s beautifully designed sets. You’ll learn how quilting rulers differ from cutti
Expand Your Serger and Coverstitch Horizons
Send us feedback about this episode!Your serger and coverstitch aren’t just for finishing seams—they can also be powerful tools for adding flair, texture, and personality to your sewing projects. In this episode, we explore creative ways to turn these machines into decorative stitch powerhouses. You’ll learn about flatlock, rolled hem, chain stitch, and decorative coverstitch techniques, as well a
Detours on the Way to A Dress
Send us feedback about this episode!Learning how to alter and adapt clothing patterns to fit your unique body shape is a process. Sometimes that process goes smoothly and sometimes it involves a bit of trial and error. Join Janet on a journey of figuring out what those drag lines and wrinkles mean—and how to fix them—as she attempts to make herself a new dress. Spoiler alert: After several muslins
Mastering Buttonholes for Gorgeous Garments
Send us feedback about this episode!Do you fear and avoid buttonholes? As a sewist, you can't hide from them forever, and mastering them will open a whole new world of possibilities. Modern sewing machines also do most of the heavy lifting for you. Whether you make them by hand, use a four-step machine setting, or whip them out automatically with a modern electronic sewing machine, there are
Do You Need an Industrial Machine?
Send us feedback about this episode!Thinking about upgrading to an industrial sewing machine—or just curious what all the fuss is about? In this episode, we dive into the world of industrial machines: what makes them different from home models, when (and why) you might want one, and what to know before you buy. From mechanisms to motors, we break it all down so you can make an informed decision. W
Back in the Trenches with Kira Hartley
Send us feedback about this episode!This episode features a chat with Kira Hartley Klinger, author of Fabric Wars and Fabric Wars & More, about her unique journey from vintage fabric reseller to self-published writer. Kira shares how estate sales, auctions, and a lifelong love of textiles inspired her to tell the sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartfelt stories behind the fabric. Kira first jo
What I Did on My Summer Sewing Vacation
Send us feedback about this episode!Join Janet for a recap of her trip to Bernina University in Salt Lake City at the end of June. Hear about the classes she took, what she learned, and what's coming up for this fall. But the fun didn't end there! Janet flew from Salt Lake City to Seattle to meet up with two friends of hers from Tennessee, one of whom is a sewist! Janet and Deana visited
Good, Better, Best: Leveling Up Your Sewing Skills
Send us feedback about this episode!Are you ready to take your sewing skills from basic to brilliant? In this episode, we’re diving into practical and inspiring ways to level up your sewing practice. From mastering fit and experimenting with tricky fabrics to refining your finishing techniques and developing a signature style, we’ll walk you through the strategies that help you grow as a sewist—no
To Err (While Sewing) Is Human
Send us feedback about this episode!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 mistak
The Weaver Sews
Send us feedback about this episode!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. Ev
Calling All Bagmakers
Send us feedback about this episode!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 wit
From the Fashion Industry to Indie Designer
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 expre
Where Did My Sew-Jo Go?
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
Disappearing Fabric Stores
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
The Sacks that Spoke: Branding with Humble Textiles
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
Sashiko with Sylvia Pippen
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
Getting Started with Projector Sewing
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,
Favorite Sewing Tools
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 you
Andrea Blohm, Milliner
Send us feedback about this episode!Millinery is the art and craft of designing, making, and selling hats, typically women’s hats. A milliner is a skilled artisan who creates hats using various materials like felt, straw, fabric, and embellishments such as feathers, ribbons, and beads. In today’s episode, guest Andrea Blohm introduces us to the art of millinery and its place in the world of modern
Who Am I and How Did I Get Here?
Send us feedback about this episode!We’ve had a slew of new listeners to the podcast in the past couple of weeks (yay!). Not everyone wants to go back and listen to the podcast from the beginning, so I thought I’d do a recap of who I am and how I got here. It’s a tale with a few plot twists—including six months of chemotherapy at age 28 for leukemia—but it details my journey as a knitting designer
Emma Jones of Vintage Sewing Box
Send us feedback about this episode!Join me for a lovely chat with Emma Jones of Vintage Sewing Box. Emma is a UK designer who delights in all things needle and thread. A former primary school teacher, Emma has combined her love of sewing with her talent as an instructor and shares her passion through Instagram, YouTube, patterns, and more. She specializes in English paper piecing and embroidery,
Sew Expo 2025
Send us feedback about this episode!Today’s episode is a recap of Janet’s trip to Sew Expo 2025, in Puyallup, WA. Sew Expo is an event sponsored by Washington State University and is in its fifth decade. Janet went as a teacher for the second time, teaching five knitting classes and a sewing class (on thread). Arriving a couple of days early gave her the opportunity to visit a few Joann Fabrics st
The Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum
Send us feedback about this episode!By the time this episode drops, I’ll be on my way to Sew Expo in Puyallup, Washington, to teach five knitting classes and a sewing class. In this episode, I sit down to chat with Morgan Kavanagh, one of the staff members at the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum. The museum is currently hosting the Red Dress Project, which is a gown that traveled the
The Ins and Outs of Interfacing
Send us feedback about this episode!This episode is all about interfacing—a crucial element in garment construction that can make a big difference in the structure and longevity of your projects. Whether you're making a crisp shirt collar, sturdy bag handles, or reinforcing a hem, interfacing provides that extra support and stability. We’ll cover the different types of interfacing and their c
Dispatches From the Sewing Room
Send us feedback about this episode!Today’s episode is a cozy chat about what’s been happening in my sewing room. Grab your beverage of choice and pull up a comfy chair and join me for a discussion of sewing projects, sewing classes, and what is going on with Joann Fabrics. How has 2025 started out for you? Are you working on the projects you thought you’d be working on or have your plans been der
Using a Die Cutter for Sewing and Quilting
Send us feedback about this episode!This episode is about die cutters—innovative tools that have revolutionized quilting and fabric cutting. I'll talk mostly about the Accuquilt cutters, because those are the ones I own and know well. Learn how these die cutters work, the different types of dies available, how much they cost, and whether or not a die cutter might be a good fit for your quilti
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