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

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

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

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

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