The Straight Stitch is a podcast about sewing and other fiber arts. Join Janet as she visits with makers about their projects, highlights what is new and noteworthy in the world of sewing, and talks about what's on her cutting table and under the needle. Occasional episodes may venture into related areas such as embroidery or knitting.
Send us feedback about this episode! Part 2 of our series on sewing machine presser feet. We'll discuss the specialty feet that help you to do embroidery, free motion quilting, ruffling, and other fun techniques. 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 a young man from Canada who has channeled his passion for sewing into an entertaining and informative YouTube channel. Because of a childhood injury to one side of his body, Cornelius Quiring was inspired to begin making himself custom clothing. Along the way, he taught himself the fundamentals of pattern drafting and now wants to share that knowledge with his audience. Cornelius tackles everything from shirts to coats to pants, and even thou...
Send us feedback about this episode! Sewing machine presser feet are essential accessories that help control the fabric as you sew, ensuring precise stitching and consistent results. Each type of presser foot serves a specific purpose, such as the all-purpose foot for general sewing, the zipper foot for installing zippers, or the walking foot for handling multiple layers of fabric. Some presser feet, like the quarter-inch foot, are designed to sew accurate seam allowances. Others, like the embro...
Send us feedback about this episode! The podcast took a break last week while I was traveling. Come along as I recap my trip to Spokane, where I bought fabric and scored an almost-new serger for $13.99 at a thrift store. After coming home, I taught a few classes locally, picked up my new-to-me Bernina 880 sewing machine, and completely reorganized my sewing area. I'll also discuss plans for Year Two (already?) of the podcast. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My ...
Send us feedback about this episode! Years ago, people sewed because they had to—either to have clothing to wear, to save money, or both. Now that sewing is no longer a necessity, it has blossomed into a billion-dollar industry providing nearly unlimited potential for creativity. Sewists can quilt, embroider by machine, make bags, sew custom clothing, and take advantage of social media to create new income streams. Why do YOU sew? Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My ...
Send us feedback about this episode! Today's guest is Cheryl Espinosa, owner of the Etsy store Aunt Honey's Estate. Cheryl talks about how her love of vintage sewing patterns led to the creation of her business. Not only does she sell vintage patterns, she sews from them as well. For Cheryl, the appeal of vintage patterns lies in the details—the design lines and fine finishing techniques that are absent from many of our modern designs. She also shares some of her tips for incorporating...
Send us feedback about this episode! My guest today is Ryliss Bod, owner and founder of the Sewing and Design School in Tacoma, Washington. Ryliss considers herself one of the luckiest people in the world. She was raised in a family where learning new skills—no matter your age—was valued and encouraged. She channeled her love of sewing into a career as part of the faculty of Bates Technical College. In 2012, she opened the Sewing and Design School and has inspired students to advance their skill...
Send us feedback about this episode! Explore the intersection of sustainable fashion and artistic creativity with Kathleen McVeigh, a visionary who transforms vintage textiles into stunning contemporary clothing pieces. Kat, together with her husband Dale Donaldson, is the author of the new C&T Publishing release entitled Reclaimed Quilts, Sew Modern Clothing & Accessories from Vintage Textiles. In this episode, Kat shares her passion for giving new life to vintage textiles. From sourcin...
Send us feedback about this episode! Today’s episode is a fascinating conversation with Anne Graham, a seasoned seamstress specializing in repairing clothing for Patagonia. Her work for Patagonia is a fulfilling second career that has taught her much about sewing, people, and sustainability. Anne discusses the challenges and joys of extending the lifespan of outdoor apparel, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste. Her insights into the techniques she employs, such as darning, patching, and...
Send us feedback about this episode! As a knitter, I was enchanted by the process of making knitted fabric—so much so that I often took a long time to complete a project. I would get sidetracked exploring different techniques. As a sewist, I’m exactly the opposite. Thrilled by the prospect of whipping out a piece of clothing in an afternoon, I am more about the product than the process. What’s your maker personality type? Are you a process person, a product person, or a combination of the two? H...
Send us feedback about this episode! Bad habits can get in the way of pleasurable sewing and lead to less-than-perfect results or even damage to our machines. In this episode, we’ll talk about the bad sewing habits that we should strive to remove from our sewing practice, such as sewing over pins, not changing the needle regularly, and more. What are the bad sewing habits that you’d like to eliminate? Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My website: www.janetszabo.com Se...
Send us feedback about this episode! Singer is, arguably, the most recognized brand in the world of sewing. In today’s episode, we look at the man who bore that name—Isaac Merritt Singer—and how he came to be such an influence in the development of the sewing machine that we know today. Did you know that he fathered some two dozen children? Or that his first love wasn’t invention, but acting? Listen and learn more! Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My website: www.jan...
Send us feedback about this episode! We sometimes forget that leather is a textile, and a wonderful material with which to create beautiful and functional items. Today's guest, Lisa Sorrell, of Sorrell Custom Boots in Guthrie, Oklahoma, has taken leatherwork to the next level with her designs. Lisa began making boots in 1996, custom fit and handcrafted for each client. Lisa’s work has been featured in several books, numerous magazines, and the PBS series “Craft in America.” She is the recip...
Send us feedback about this episode! Today's guest, JoJo Beazel, saw the opportunity for a new business during the pandemic and took it. What started as a fascination with sewing machines in general morphed into a love of industrial sewing machines, and from there, into a thriving business refurbishing these old workhorses. Seams Perfect Industrial and Vintage Sewing Machines in Fresno, CA, specializes in the restoration of industrial and commercial sewing machines. JoJo has a deep and abid...
Send us feedback about this episode! Whitney Luckenbill is on a mission to empower sewists to make garments to fit their unique shapes. Her YouTube channel, TomKat Stitchery, features a wealth of information on color, style, fabrics, wardrobe planning, patterns, and more. I was fortunate enough to meet Whitney in person at Sew Expo in Puyallup, WA, in February. She is as much of a dynamo in real life as she is on her channel, and we made plans to sit down a few weeks later for an extended chat. ...
Send us feedback about this episode! Social media is a two-edged sword. Negativity is everywhere, but the bright spots are waiting to be discovered. Today’s guest is Tiffany Scherschel, whose YouTube channel Hoosier Handmade is one of my favorite follows. Tiffany loves to sew garments, and she brings a positive, can-do attitude to every project. She also understands the importance of community and works hard to make all of her viewers feel like they are part of hers. I look forward to her twice-...
Send us feedback about this episode! In this week’s episode, we take a road trip to the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives in Butte, Montana. The Archives currently features an exhibit of vintage sewing machines from the collection of Virgil “Sarge” Sargent. The machines—from a late 1800s Willcox and Gibbs chainstitch machine all the way up to a 1960s Singer Rocketeer—detail the importance of sewing in this iconic western town, accompanied by a wealth of accessories, quilts, and vintage clothing f...
Send us feedback about this episode! My guest today is Alex Jackson, owner and designer at H Clothing Company in Colorado. After graduating with degrees in business and wanting to start his own company with a sustainability focus, Alex settled on clothing manufacturing. A self-taught sewist, designer, and natural dyer, Alex creates the kind of clothing he wants to wear using hemp fabrics. Hemp is enjoying a resurgence as a useful natural fiber and requires far fewer chemical pesticides and herbi...
Send us feedback about this episode! I took up quilting around 2010, after many years of being a professional knitting designer. For some reason, I was very drawn to scrap quilts, and they remain my favorites kinds to make. I am fascinated by the interplay of random bits of fabric. Join me for a discussion of my favorite books and patterns and get a few tips for making some scrap quilts of your own. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My website: www.janetszabo.com See ...
Send us feedback about this episode! How much do you think about the thread you use in your machine? Do you like to experiment with different kinds, or do you find one you like and stick to it? In today's podcast, we're going to explore the many kinds of threads currently available to sewists. Learn about the structure, fiber content, and how choosing a thread can make or break your project. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My website: www.janetszabo.com Se...
Send us feedback about this episode! Today's episode covers a variety of topics—the Joann Fabrics bankruptcy filing, a student issue that arose at Sew Expo 2024, respectful fitting techniques, and some listener questions about printing PDF files and systems for organizing sewing projects in progress. Feedback, comments, and questions always welcome! Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My website: www.janetszabo.com See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog...
Send us feedback about this episode! The current economic environment is challenging for small businesses. On today's episode, Janet visits with Kate McIvor, owner of The Confident Stitch in Missoula, Montana, to hear about her business philosophy and what makes for a successful fabric store. The Confident Stitch offers both modern quilt fabrics and apparel fabrics in a lovely, downtown Missoula brick-and-mortar store, but also has a thriving online presence and several subscription service...
Send us feedback about this episode! Who doesn't love a good bag? Making bags on a sewing machine is a fulfilling and creative process that combines both functionality and artistry. Let your personality shine through your choice of material—canvas, leather, or vinyl—and add finishing touches in the form of decorative threads and other trims. The sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a handmade bag is a testament to the fusion of skill, creativity, and craftsmanship. In this epi...
Send us feedback about this episode! The 2024 Sewing and Stitchery Expo is in the books. This huge event is held at the Washington State Fairgrounds every March and is hosted by Washington State University. Come along for a recap of Janet's classes, an overview of the show, and some thoughts about the current state of the needlework industry. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My website: www.janetszabo.com See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog E-mail...
Send us feedback about this episode! A big part of successful sewing, especially when making garments, is making good fabric choices. In this and upcoming "Fabrication" episodes, Janet will discuss different kinds of fabrics, how they are constructed, their characteristics, and techniques for sewing with them. This episode continues the discussion of knit fabrics started in Episode 21, focusing on sweater knits, sweatshirt fabrics, athletic knits, fleece/minky, and a few others. Show n...
Send us feedback about this episode! Enjoy an entertaining visit with Kira Hartley, author of the book Fabric Wars: The Hunt for Vintage Fabric with Etsy's DodOddity . Kira is a battle-scarred veteran of auction and estate sales in the midwest, where she competes to acquire vintage fabrics and notions to sell to her devoted customers. She details her adventures —along with colorful caricatures of her competitors—in her book, with a second volume soon to follow. Hear from Kira as she talks a...
Send us feedback about this episode! A big part of successful sewing, especially when making garments, is making good fabric choices. In this and upcoming "Fabrication" episodes, Janet will discuss different kinds of fabrics, how they are constructed, their characteristics, and techniques for sewing with them. This episode focuses on knits, specifically jersey, rib knits, and interlock or doubleknits. (The world of knits is too big to cover in a single episode!) Learn why knits are dif...
Send us feedback about this episode! This episode was inspired by an article by Jenni Grover entitled “3 Steps to Let Go of Guilt About Quilting.” Has guilt about your hobbies ever robbed you of the joy of creating? Let’s talk about why that happens and what we can do about it. 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 podcast guest is John Willis of Special Operations Equipment in Camden, TN. Some of you may remember that I went to Tennessee twice in 2023: in April, to attend Nicole Sauce’s Living Free in Tennessee Spring Workshop, and again in October, to attend and present at the Self-Reliance Festival. SRF is held at Special Operations Equipment. When not being used to host events, SOE is a sewing factory making high-end tactical gear. John and Amanda Willis are...
Send us feedback about this episode! Today’s podcast guest is John Willis of Special Operations Equipment in Camden, TN. Some of you may remember that I went to Tennessee twice in 2023: in April, to attend Nicole Sauce’s Living Free in Tennessee Spring Workshop, and again in October, to attend and present at the Self-Reliance Festival. SRF is held at Special Operations Equipment. When not being used to host events, SOE is a sewing factory making high-end tactical gear. John and Amanda Willis are...
