Send us feedback about this episode! Join me for a conversation with Melanie Knight, owner of Starry Knight Design in Corvallis, MT. Melanie talks about how a simple pair of baby shoes inspired her to start a business using with just a small sewing machine and some leather scraps. That kitchen-table business grew to one that now employs several women and helps support Melanie's family. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My website: www.janetszabo.com See my sewing...
Jan 23, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Send us feedback about this episode! The Stitchery and Sewing Expo—fondly known as Sew Expo—is celebrating 40 years this year! This annual event is produced by Washington State University and held at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup, WA, near Tacoma. This year’s event is scheduled for February 29th to March 3rd. My guests today are Jenn Geise, Education Manager, and Brittany Labbe, Show Manager. We’ll talk about the history of the show, the classes—class offerings are changing a bit ...
Jan 16, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Send us feedback about this episode! The humble sewing machine needle—such a small part of the process and yet, such a huge part of the process. Gone are the days when the choices were red band needles for wovens and yellow band needles for knits. Today's sewists have a plethora of choices, from needles for quilting to those best for cosplay and embroidery. We'll explore all there is to know about sewing machine needles. Learn about shanks, eyes, and scarfs (scarves?). Find out how oft...
Jan 09, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Send us feedback about this episode! The start of a new year is a great time to set some goals and review planning and organizational systems. We’ll talk about what goals Janet sets and why—it’s not as many as you might think—and ways to keep track of all those WIPs and UFOs. Janet also talks about making the Nathalie cowl neck sweatshirt by Jalie Patterns and sewing up a generator cover for her husband’s construction equipment. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My we...
Jan 02, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Send us feedback about this episode! 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 ...
Dec 12, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Send us feedback about this episode! 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 b...
Dec 05, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 13
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]...
Nov 28, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 12
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...
Nov 14, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 11
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 h...
Nov 06, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Send us feedback about this episode! 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.jan...
Oct 31, 2023•33 min0
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. Sho...
Oct 24, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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.thestraightstitch...
Oct 18, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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-m...
Oct 10, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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 ...
Oct 03, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Send us feedback about this episode! In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about classes—what to expect as a student taking a sewing or other making class, and what to expect as a teacher. I’ll also talk briefly about how to start a side hustle or even a career as a teacher, if that is something you’d like to do. I’m drawing on years of experience teaching knitting at venues such as Stitches and Knitting Guild of America conferences as well as my current experience teaching sewing and fitting ...
Sep 26, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Send us feedback about this episode! Choosing a sewing machine—either for the first time or as an upgrade from a current machine—is big decision. In this episode, we'll explore setting a budget, deciding on must-have features, and what additional bells and whistles might make your sewing experience even better. We'll also talk about the Walmart value fabric remnant rack and why you should check it out. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My website: www.janets...
Sep 19, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Send us feedback about this episode! In episode 2, we will talk about how to get started on the journey of sewing your own clothes, including choosing pattern sizes, taking measurements, making a bodice sloper, and finding pattern companies whose designs fit you well. 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]...
Sep 12, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Send us feedback about this episode! In this episode, host Janet Szabo introduces herself and her plans for this podcast about sewing, about people who sew, and about what they sew. 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]...
Sep 12, 2023•6 min•Season 1Ep. 1
