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

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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
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me!  janet@janetszabo.com

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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
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me!  janet@janetszabo.com

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
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me!  janet@janetszabo.com

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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
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me!  janet@janetszabo.com

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
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me!  janet@janetszabo.com