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

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Today’s guest is Christine Lewis—quilter, teacher, bagmaker, and electrician. Christine shares how her creative journey through quilting has unfolded alongside her career as a wireman for the city of Tacoma, Washington. A chance suggestion from a friend led her into the skilled trades, where she developed leadership, management, and teaching skills that now serve her well as a business owner and sewing instructor. Our conversation explores creativity, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and the surprising ways that technical work and textile arts can complement one another.
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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Choosing fabric can feel overwhelming—but it’s also one of the most important skills a sewist can develop. This episode focuses on savvy fabric selection, from drape and structure to weight, recovery, and how a fabric actually behaves in real life. We’ll explore why the same pattern can look completely different depending on the fabric you choose and how fabric choice affects not just construction, but also wearability and satisfaction. (Is white silk practical in Montana?) We’ll also discuss the emotional side of fabric shopping and how not to fill your stash with fabrics you'll never use. Whether you’ve ever wondered why a project didn’t turn out the way you hoped or you’re trying to feel more confident substituting fabrics, this episode will help you start thinking about fabric in a whole new 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!  [email protected]

Send us feedback about this episode!
Today’s guest is nationally-known sewist, author, and educator Katrina Walker. In her own words, she “comes from a long line of seamstresses”—women who sewed not because they wanted to, but because they had to. Katrina has taken that legacy one step further. After graduating from college and realizing that investment banking was not for her, she returned to her home state of Washington. A series of serendipitous encounters, a job with Nordstrom Product Group, and winning the National Make It Yourself With Wool competition launched Katrina into the world of sewing as a sought-after expert and educator. Her journey is one of humor and determination and we are delighted to share that story with listeners. 
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 break down color theory into a practical, no-fluff guide specifically for sewing projects. Instead of getting lost in abstract design concepts, we focus on how real fabric choices come together in quilts, garments, and handmade wardrobes. You’ll learn how to build a cohesive fabric palette from a single “hero” print and avoid the most common mistake sewists make—ignoring value and contrast. If you’ve ever brought home beautiful fabrics that somehow didn’t work together once you started sewing, this episode will help you fix that—so your next project feels intentional, cohesive, and confidently designed from the start.
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!
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]