The Straight Stitch: A Podcast About Sewing and Other Fiber Arts.
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
100 episodes
Smart Sewing Storage
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 pat...
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Season 3
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Episode 37
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29:09
Sew, Sew With Saremy Duffy
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 j...
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Season 3
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Episode 36
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1:11:28
Quilt Class with Kaffe and Brandon
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 ...
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Season 3
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Episode 35
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30:17
Piecing Tiny Quilts with Amy Pabst
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 microq...
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Season 3
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Episode 34
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32:31
Machine Embroidery for Beginners
Curious about machine embroidery but not sure where to start? Janet just purchased her first embroidery machine and has been learning how to use it. In this episode, we cover the basics of beginning embroidery—from choosing your first machine a...
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Season 3
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Episode 33
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35:13
National Sewing Month
September is National Sewing Month here in the states. This episode is a chatty roundup of all the exciting events that have been happening lately, from sewing celebrities visiting the local quilt store to lots of fun sewing projects. Grab your...
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Season 3
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Episode 32
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29:56
A Deeper Dive Into Industrial Machines
In this episode, we visit again with JoJo Beazel, owner of Seams Perfect Industrial Sewing Machines, to talk about the world of heavy-duty stitching. JoJo shares how she helps sewists, small businesses, and manufacturers find the right machines...
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Season 3
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Episode 31
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1:02:39
Creativity and Community: A Conversation with Marianne Buller
In this episode, we sit down with Marianne Buller, owner of The Quilt Gallery in Kalispell, Montana. Marianne shares the story of her journey from working in construction to owning one of Montana’s most beloved quilt shops and gathering spaces....
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Season 3
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Episode 30
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56:10
Rulerwork Quilting: From Straight Lines to Designs
Not all rulers are created equal! Cutting rulers help us measure and cut fabric with precision, but quilting rulers are a whole different tool—designed to guide your stitches as you quilt. In this episode, we dive into the world of quilting rul...
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Season 3
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Episode 29
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33:21
Expand Your Serger and Coverstitch Horizons
Your serger and coverstitch aren’t just for finishing seams—they can also be powerful tools for adding flair, texture, and personality to your sewing projects. In this episode, we explore creative ways to turn these machines into decorative sti...
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Season 3
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Episode 28
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39:21
Detours on the Way to A Dress
Learning how to alter and adapt clothing patterns to fit your unique body shape is a process. Sometimes that process goes smoothly and sometimes it involves a bit of trial and error. Join Janet on a journey of figuring out what those drag lines...
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Season 3
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Episode 27
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31:54
Mastering Buttonholes for Gorgeous Garments
Do you fear and avoid buttonholes? As a sewist, you can't hide from them forever, and mastering them will open a whole new world of possibilities. Modern sewing machines also do most of the heavy lifting for you. Whether you make them by hand, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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29:24
Do You Need an Industrial Machine?
Thinking about upgrading to an industrial sewing machine—or just curious what all the fuss is about? In this episode, we dive into the world of industrial machines: what makes them different from home models, when (and why) you might want one, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 25
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29:19
Back in the Trenches with Kira Hartley
This episode features a chat with Kira Hartley Klinger, author of Fabric Wars and Fabric Wars & More, about her unique journey from vintage fabric reseller to self-published writer. Kira shares how estate sales, auctions, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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44:17
What I Did on My Summer Sewing Vacation
Join Janet for a recap of her trip to Bernina University in Salt Lake City at the end of June. Hear about the classes she took, what she learned, and what's coming up for this fall. But the fun didn't end there! Janet flew from Salt Lake City t...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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36:05
Good, Better, Best: Leveling Up Your Sewing Skills
Are you ready to take your sewing skills from basic to brilliant? In this episode, we’re diving into practical and inspiring ways to level up your sewing practice. From mastering fit and experimenting with tricky fabrics to refining your finish...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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29:37
To Err (While Sewing) Is Human
Mistakes! No matter how long you've been sewing, you can't avoid mistakes completely. In this episode, Janet describes the quilted jacket she's been working on for the past two months and how a mistake toward the end of the construction process...
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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36:40
The Weaver Sews
Daryl Lancaster, renowned handweaver, teacher, and fiber artist—joins me today for an inspiring conversation about her lifelong journey with textiles. Known for her colorful handwoven garments and no-nonsense teaching style, Daryl shares how sh...
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Season 3
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Episode 20
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57:05
Calling All Bagmakers
In this episode, we sit down with Sherri Nelson, the creative force and organizer behind the upcoming Sac Bag 'n Sew Expo, happening this September 2025 in Sacramento, California. Sherri shares the heart and vision behind the event, what makes ...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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29:50
From the Fashion Industry to Indie Designer
This episode features a conversation with Christine Lindebak, founder of Sewing and the City. Christine is a fashion designer and sewing entrepreneur who’s bringing high style to the home sewing world. Christine shares her journey from sewing a...
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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44:03
Where Did My Sew-Jo Go?
Has your desire to sew—something that should bring you pleasure—ever taken a vacation? It happens to all of us at one point or another. The reasons could be anything from life stress to creative paralysis. In this episode, we'll explore the rea...
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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27:31
Disappearing Fabric Stores
Today's episode is a chatty update about what I've been sewing and the ongoing disappearance of fabric stores. One of my favorite stores outside of Seattle announced last week that it was closing, and the first wave of Joann Fabrics locations h...
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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36:14
The Sacks that Spoke: Branding with Humble Textiles
This episode explores the importance of textiles in marketing and branding. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, in Spokane, WA, houses a unique collection of over 150 cloth flour sacks, dating from 1900 to the 1940s, which showcase the ev...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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38:20
Sashiko with Sylvia Pippen
Today's episode features an interview with renowned textile artist and quilter Sylvia Pippen, whose work beautifully blends traditional Japanese sashiko with contemporary appliqué techniques. Sylvia shares her creative journey—from gro...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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31:43
Getting Started with Projector Sewing
In this episode, we explore the innovative world of using a projector to cut out sewing patterns, eliminating the need for pinning or tracing. Whether you're a curious beginner or looking to streamline your sewing process, today’s guest, Shered...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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39:18