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

Send us feedback about this episode!The turn of a new year seems to be a great time to set sewing goals and make resolutions. Does it work? We're only a few days into 2026 and Janet's plans have already taken a detour. Listen to a recap of the projects she finished at the end of last year and what is in the works for 2026. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.comMy website: www.janetszabo.comSee my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blogE-mail me! [email protected]

Send us feedback about this episode!In response to listener feedback, this episode focuses on quilting as a beginner. Learning to quilt doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We'll share simple, approachable ways to get started with quilting—even if you’ve never sewn a quilt before. You’ll learn which beginner projects work best, how to build skills without overthinking, and what tools you actually need to begin. This episode is all about confidence, creativity, and starting where you are. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to quilt, this is it. Your first quilt starts here.Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.comMy website: www.janetszabo.comSee my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blogE-mail me! [email protected]

Send us feedback about this episode!Sometimes, it's important to know when to ask for help with a project, and where to go to get that help. Garment fitting is particularly tricky to do solo. In this episode, Janet talks about her recent visit to the Sewing and Design School in Tacoma, WA, for help fitting a princess seam dress pattern with Ryliss Bod. Janet also highlights a stop at the new Shabby Fabrics showroom in Post Falls, ID, and another visit to Pacific Fabrics in Seattle. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.comMy website: www.janetszabo.comSee my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blogE-mail me! [email protected]

Send us feedback about this episode!Today we are joined by a listener with an important story to share. Laura Wilson relates how the change to a challenging new job—as well as other unexpected life events—led to the loss of her sew-jo for almost an entire year. Can you relate? Has your desire to create disappeared, even for a few weeks? Laura was able to rediscover her love of creating with the help of a supportive sewing group at her local quilt store. No matter where you are in your sewing journey, this is an important topic and one we wanted to discuss. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.comMy website: www.janetszabo.comSee my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blogE-mail me! [email protected]

Send us feedback about this episode!In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Nehrig—psychologist, maker, and author of Women Weaving Their Stories—to explore the deep connections between craft, identity, and how those connections have been expressed by women's textiles through the years. Nicole shares how the pandemic upended her life and led to the idea for the book. We talk about the powerful personal stories uncovered through her interviews and why textile work remains such a vital form of expression and resilience. Whether you’re a sewist, knitter, quilter, or simply someone who finds meaning in handmade work, this conversation will leave you reflecting on your own creative practice and the stories you are weaving into the world. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.comMy website: www.janetszabo.comSee my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blogE-mail me! [email protected]