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

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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
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me!  [email protected]

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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
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me!  [email protected]

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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
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me!  [email protected]

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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
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 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
My website: www.janetszabo.com
See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog
E-mail me!  [email protected]