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

What's New in Machines

Send us feedback about this episode! Every sewing machine brand seems to be releasing something new this year—but is any of it actually new, or just a new box for the sa

Making Peace with Your Stash

Send us feedback about this episode! Do you know exactly how much fabric you own? Would you tell anyone if you did? Between the guest-room closet, the bins under the bed

Three States, Ten Stores

Send us feedback about this episode! Janet scratched her itchy traveling foot recently with a twelve-day trip from Montana to Seattle to Cleveland and back, with a stop

Life After Joann Fabrics: Where Do We Shop Now?

Send us feedback about this episode! When JOANN Fabrics closed its doors, sewists lost more than a convenient place to buy fabric. We also lost easy access to patterns,

Fit Happens: Taking the Fear Out of Garment Sewing

Send us feedback about this episode! A flattering, well-fitting garment begins long before you sit down at the sewing machine. It starts with understanding your body, yo

Finding Your Quilting True North

Send us feedback about this episode! The Mariner’s Compass is a striking quilt block, but its sharp points and intricate construction can make even experienced quilters

Beat the Holiday Rush: Gifts to Sew Now

Send us feedback about this episode! Have you ever waited too long to start making holiday gifts, only to run out of time? In this episode, we’ll explore quick gifts you

Developing Good Sewing Habits

Send us feedback about this episode! Have you reviewed your sewing habits recently? Whether you're a newbie or an accomplished sewist, a periodic audit of your sewi

The Business of Wool

Send us feedback about this episode! In today's episode, we broaden our focus with Kristen Buchanan, one of the founders of Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect. Along w

Is Machine Embroidery Right for You?

Send us feedback about this episode! Machine embroidery is one of those sewing skills that seems almost magical. You load a design, press start, and watch your project c

Fabric Shopping in Oregon

Send us feedback about this episode! 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-advi

What Is Your Project Trying to Tell You?

Send us feedback about this episode! 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

Rescuing History One Pattern at a Time

Send us feedback about this episode! Our guest today is Heather Webster, founder of Pattern-Walk, a website dedicated to preserving and sharing vintage sewing patterns d

Just Because You Sew, Doesn't Mean You Hem Pants

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 sewin

Costumes, Couture, and Custom Fit: A Conversation with Brooks Ann Camper

Send us feedback about this episode! Today's guest is Brooks Ann Camper, custom garment expert, educator, and all-around joyful maker. Brooks Ann's path into s

Sew Smarter, Not Harder

Send us feedback about this episode! What are the tips and tricks that streamline your sewing process and make it more enjoyable? We're not focusing on productivity

Gadgets and Tools

Send us feedback about this episode! Are you a sewing gadget collector or a minimalist? Are there favorite tools you would want if you were stranded on an island with on

An Unusual Connection Between Quilting and Electricity

Send us feedback about this episode! Today’s guest is Christine Lewis—quilter, teacher, bagmaker, and electrician. Christine shares how her creative journey through quil

The Fabric is the Project

Send us feedback about this episode! Choosing fabric can feel overwhelming—but it’s also one of the most important skills a sewist can develop. This episode focuses on s

A Long Line of Seamstresses

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 seam