Explore every episode of the podcast The Straight Stitch: A Podcast About Sewing and Other Fiber Arts
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Needs Laughter (and Fabric) | 03 Nov 2026 | 00:34:27 | |
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 experiences on which to draw. She revels in making things by hand and wants every maker to put a bit of themselves in everything they create. You’ll come away from this interview inspired and uplifted in your own creative journey. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Real-World Pattern Adjustments | 27 Oct 2026 | 00:31:48 | |
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 when your size isn’t on the envelope. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Giving Our Supplies a Second Life | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:49:17 | |
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 of landfills. Emily and Ariel share how the organization grew from a single craft supply swap into a downtown shop that runs free community swaps, workshops, and wishlists for classrooms, youth programs, and senior centers. We talk about how reuse centers around the country are helping sewists find affordable materials and community after Joann Fabrics closed. Learn how you can find or start a creative reuse effort wherever you live. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| What I Did on My Summer Vacation | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:28:06 | |
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 what makes a space work for sewing classes); getting machines and tables in place; and getting the word out locally. Whether you’ve dreamed of teaching sewing yourself or you’re just curious what goes on behind the scenes of a new sewing business, pull up a chair and listen while you sew. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Too Cool T-Shirt Quilts | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:41:09 | |
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-piece layout, the practical realities of working with knits, stretch, and graphics, and the details involved in running a business. If you’ve ever been curious about making a T-shirt quilt, you won’t want to miss this episode. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Telling the Untold Stories | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:36:21 | |
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 shares how quilts bring those stories to life through fabric. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| What's New in Machines | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:28:30 | |
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. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Making Peace with Your Stash | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:35:13 | |
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 hand, and how to let fabric go without feeling like a failure. Your stash should be a resource, not a regret. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Three States, Ten Stores | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:38:27 | |
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 across three states and taught four classes at Quilting Mayhem in Snohomish, WA. Come along as she recaps the trip, the shops, and what she heard and saw. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Life After Joann Fabrics: Where Do We Shop Now? | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:45:30 | |
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 disappeared with JOANN, which retailers and independent businesses are stepping in to fill the gaps, and where sewists can now find fabric, patterns, notions, machines, education and community. Life after JOANN may require us to shop differently, plan ahead and explore unfamiliar resources, but it may also create new opportunities for local quilt shops, online retailers and sewing communities to thrive. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Fit Happens: Taking the Fear Out of Garment Sewing | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:42:36 | |
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 of accurate body measurements, and the benefits of choosing patterns that are good candidates for your shape and fitting experience. Fitting doesn’t have to be complicated or scary—it means learning how to make the pattern work for you. If you’re ready to move beyond sewing a standard size and begin creating clothes that feel comfortable, flattering, and uniquely yours, this episode will help you take that first step. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Finding Your Quilting True North | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:42:43 | |
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 paper piecing required. She shares how she came up with the idea, how it eventually became a thriving quilting business, and the specialized rulers and techniques that allow quilters to create accurate compass blocks in an impressive range of sizes. Whether the Mariner’s Compass has long been on your quilting bucket list or you simply enjoy hearing how a clever idea becomes a successful creative business, this conversation will point you in an inspiring new direction. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Beat the Holiday Rush: Gifts to Sew Now | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:30:33 | |
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 holiday rush! Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Developing Good Sewing Habits | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:35:08 | |
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 areas that might be holding you back from better sewing and make some changes! Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| The Business of Wool | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:52:40 | |
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 the Pacific Northwest's regional fiber economy by connecting producers, businesses, and consumers. Kristen shares the inspiration behind this new venture, the challenges of launching a grassroots organization, and why building strong regional connections is more important than ever. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Is Machine Embroidery Right for You? | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:34:15 | |
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 into custom machine embroidery. We chat about the creative process, the challenges of running a custom embroidery business, and the little details that make the difference between an ordinary project and one that becomes a treasured keepsake. Along the way, Deana offers practical advice for anyone who has been thinking about trying machine embroidery themselves. Whether you're already an embroidery enthusiast or you've been wondering if an embroidery machine belongs in your sewing room, this conversation is full of inspiration, encouragement, and a few laughs between friends. You'll come away with a new appreciation for the creativity, skill, and heart that go into every embroidered stitch. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Fabric Shopping in Oregon | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:24:43 | |
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 noteworthy fabrics along the way. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| What Is Your Project Trying to Tell You? | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:28:55 | |
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 problems is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. We'll explore how to identify the clues your fabric is giving you, distinguish between fabric, technique, and machine-related issues, and trace problems back to their true source. The next time a project doesn't go as planned, don't ask, "How do I fix this?" Instead, ask, "Why did this happen?" The answer may teach you more than the project itself. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Rescuing History One Pattern at a Time | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:36:26 | |
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 estate sale soon grew into a thriving business built around collecting, curating, and connecting sewists with vintage designs. Pattern-Walk offers tens of thousands of vintage patterns, along with educational blog posts and resources that help modern sewists use and appreciate these remarkable pieces of sewing history. In this episode, Heather shares her journey from collector to entrepreneur, her love of vintage fashion and pattern design, and what continues to inspire her work preserving these treasures for future generations. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Just Because You Sew, Doesn't Mean You Hem Pants | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:26:04 | |
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 be far more complex than they appear. We'll discuss the differences between constructing a garment from scratch and modifying one that's already been made. We'll also explore the expectations that come with being known as "the person who sews," how to decide whether an alteration project is worth taking on, and why it's perfectly acceptable to say no when a request falls outside your interests or expertise. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Costumes, Couture, and Custom Fit: A Conversation with Brooks Ann Camper | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:55:15 | |
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 own approach to custom-fit garment sewing. Brooks Ann shares how her background in costume production shaped the way she thinks about fit, patternmaking, and the creative process. Along the way, she reflects on her journey from theatre and couture bridalwear to teaching sewists how to create clothing that truly fits both their bodies. Whether you're interested in pattern drafting, fit, couture techniques, or simply hearing the story of a creative career built stitch by stitch, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this conversation. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Sew Smarter, Not Harder | 26 May 2026 | 00:40:06 | |
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 additional tools so you aren't chasing down your seam ripper when you need it. Let's make our sewing practice even more enjoyable with a quick audit of its efficiency. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Gadgets and Tools | 19 May 2026 | 00:30:19 | |
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 the show notes page at www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| An Unusual Connection Between Quilting and Electricity | 12 May 2026 | 00:40:25 | |
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 serve her well as a business owner and sewing instructor. Our conversation explores creativity, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and the surprising ways that technical work and textile arts can complement one another. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| The Fabric is the Project | 05 May 2026 | 00:42:07 | |
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 choice affects not just construction, but also wearability and satisfaction. (Is white silk practical in Montana?) We’ll also discuss the emotional side of fabric shopping and how not to fill your stash with fabrics you'll never use. Whether you’ve ever wondered why a project didn’t turn out the way you hoped or you’re trying to feel more confident substituting fabrics, this episode will help you start thinking about fabric in a whole new way. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| A Long Line of Seamstresses | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:54:57 | |
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 home state of Washington. A series of serendipitous encounters, a job with Nordstrom Product Group, and winning the National Make It Yourself With Wool competition launched Katrina into the world of sewing as a sought-after expert and educator. Her journey is one of humor and determination and we are delighted to share that story with listeners. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Sewing the Spectrum: Basic Color Theory for Sewists | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:38:33 | |
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 mistake sewists make—ignoring value and contrast. If you’ve ever brought home beautiful fabrics that somehow didn’t work together once you started sewing, this episode will help you fix that—so your next project feels intentional, cohesive, and confidently designed from the start. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Your Sewing Skills Can Make Money | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:38:10 | |
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 break down what each path really looks like behind the scenes. We also dive into producing handmade goods, custom commissions, quilting services, and the growing world of sewing content creation. You’ll hear honest insights about what actually works, where people tend to get stuck, and how to choose a direction that fits your skills, time, and goals. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Bagmaking as a Business, From Patterns to Production | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:46:30 | |
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. Cristina also talks about how her background as a technical writer shapes her approach to pattern design, resulting in clear, thorough instructions that empower makers at every skill level. She’s refreshingly candid about the challenges she faced when exploring factory-level bag production, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to scale a handmade business. Whether you’re a bagmaker, a pattern enthusiast, or simply curious about the business side of sewing, this episode is full of insight, honesty, and creative inspiration. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Listener Questions! | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:25:29 | |
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.com | |||
| Sergers and Coverstitch Machines: Functional and Fabulous | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:41:38 | |
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 most useful functional stitches (and when to use them), explore creative options like flatlocking, rolled hems, and decorative coverstitching, and share simple ways to start experimenting with confidence. Plus, if you’re a quilter, you might be surprised at how a serger fits into your piecing process. Whether your goal is faster sewing, better results, or just having more fun at your machine, this episode will inspire you to try something new and make every stitch count. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Become a Mad (Garment) Scientist | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:36:48 | |
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 garments that have all the desired features. From simple swaps like sleeves and necklines to more advanced mashups, you’ll learn how to approach pattern hacking with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and start building patterns that truly work for you. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| Wear Your Quilts | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:40:09 | |
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 modern oversized coats, quilted garments offer endless possibilities for using favorite fabrics, experimenting with patchwork, and even repurposing quilts or scraps. Whether you’re a quilter curious about garment sewing or a sewist looking for your next outerwear project, this episode will inspire you to create a quilted coat of your very own. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| A Week in the Life of a Sewing Teacher | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:32:11 | |
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 rant about interfacing. If you've ever been frustrated by inaccurate or conflicting sewing information, you will be comforted by the fact that you're not alone. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| PatternCon: A Party for Those Who Love Patternmaking | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:47:15 | |
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 behind-the-scenes reality of launching a brand-new conference, and what attendees can expect from an event designed especially for those who geek out over fit, drafting, and the art of great patterns. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com | |||
| A Journey Towards Circularity | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:36:42 | |
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 | |||
| When Your Sewing Machine Suddenly Hates You | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:40:00 | |
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 | |||
| Where to Shop Now and Other Questions | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:29:21 | |
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 | |||
| Where Do Your Dreams Take You? | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:48:37 | |
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 | |||
| Chasing Goals in 2026 | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:32:44 | |
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 | |||
| Your First Quilt Starts Here | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:41:42 | |
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 | |||
| Getting Professional (Sewing) Help When You Need It | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:25:53 | |
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 | |||
| A Crisis of Confidence and the Importance of Community | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:38:45 | |
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 | |||
| Women Weaving Their Stories with Nicole Nehrig | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:53:53 | |
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 | |||
| Travel Recap and a Broken Machine! | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:28:27 | |
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 | |||
| Listener Q&A! | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:29:21 | |
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 | |||
| Smart Sewing Storage | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:29:09 | |
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 | |||
| Sew, Sew With Saremy Duffy | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:11:28 | |
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 | |||
| Quilt Class with Kaffe and Brandon | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:30:17 | |
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 | |||
| Piecing Tiny Quilts with Amy Pabst | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:32:31 | |
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 | |||