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

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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]

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

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