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

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

Janet Szabo, Sewing and Quilting Expert 131 Episodes Jul 21, 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

Developing Good Sewing Habits
Developing Good Sewing Habits Jul 21, 2026 2108 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
The Business of Wool Jul 14, 2026 3160 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?
Is Machine Embroidery Right for You? Jul 7, 2026 2055 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
Fabric Shopping in Oregon Jun 30, 2026 1483 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?
What Is Your Project Trying to Tell You? Jun 23, 2026 1735 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
Rescuing History One Pattern at a Time Jun 16, 2026 2186 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
Just Because You Sew, Doesn't Mean You Hem Pants Jun 9, 2026 1564 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
Costumes, Couture, and Custom Fit: A Conversation with Brooks Ann Camper Jun 2, 2026 3315 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
Sew Smarter, Not Harder May 26, 2026 2406 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
Gadgets and Tools May 19, 2026 1819 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
An Unusual Connection Between Quilting and Electricity May 12, 2026 2425 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
The Fabric is the Project May 5, 2026 2527 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

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