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

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. Hear what shapes his design process, from sourcing textiles to adapting patterns and construction methods around what’s available, and how function, durability, and intention guide his work. Justin is also very involved with The Making Place, a local makerspace. This conversation is for makers who are curious about sustainable sewing, interested in using what already exists, and drawn to the challenge (and satisfaction) of turning overlooked materials into something truly useful. 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! 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 troubleshoot them without panic. You’ll learn how to think like a sewing machine, spot simple fixes fast, and know when it’s time to stop troubleshooting and call for service. If you’ve ever blamed yourself for a machine misbehaving, this episode is your reminder: most problems are normal, fixable, and not your fault. Plus, grab the printable troubleshooting checklist to keep by your machine for the next “What just happened?” moment. 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! 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 how much fabric to buy for a particular project. (Hint: The answer is not "All of it!") Pour a cup of your favorite beverage and settle 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 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 number of books on garment design and drafting, as well as the books Doll Couture and Doll Couture: Red Carpet Edition. Kenneth shares the inspiration behind these books—rooted in a childhood love of making clothing for Barbie dolls—and encourages all of us to chase our dreams because we never know where they will take us.  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! 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.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 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 need to begin. This episode is all about confidence, creativity, and starting where you are. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to quilt, this is it. Your first quilt starts here. 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! 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 Shabby Fabrics showroom in Post Falls, ID, and another visit to Pacific Fabrics in Seattle.  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 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 help of a supportive sewing group at her local quilt store. No matter where you are in your sewing journey, this is an important topic and one we wanted to discuss.  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 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 powerful personal stories uncovered through her interviews and why textile work remains such a vital form of expression and resilience. Whether you’re a sewist, knitter, quilter, or simply someone who finds meaning in handmade work, this conversation will leave you reflecting on your own creative practice and the stories you are weaving into the world.  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! 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 across Washington State.  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! 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 big helping of birthday cake.  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! 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 hear ideas for labeling, sorting, and repurposing everyday items for sewing storage, plus tips to keep your workspace inspiring instead of overwhelming. By the end, you’ll have a plan to bring calm and order to your creative chaos! 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 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 virtual studio where sewists from around the world come together to make, chat, and grow their skills.  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 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 Fassett since the 1980s when I was yet a novice knitter. To be able to meet him in person some 40 years later—as a quilter—was an experience not to be missed.  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! 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 she finds inspiration and how she integrates what she’s learning in pursuit of a fine arts degree into her quilting. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or simply fascinated by fine detail, you’ll be inspired by Amy’s dedication to her craft and her unique perspective on quilting at the smallest scale. 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]