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

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Today's guest is Brooks Ann Camper, custom garment expert, educator, and all-around joyful maker. Brooks Ann's path into sewing was anything but traditional. After discovering sewing (and irons!) as a senior in college, she went on to study costume construction, work in Broadway costume production, create couture bridalwear, and eventually develop her own approach to custom-fit garment sewing. Brooks Ann shares how her background in costume production shaped the way she thinks about fit, patternmaking, and the creative process. Along the way, she reflects on her journey from theatre and couture bridalwear to teaching sewists how to create clothing that truly fits both their bodies. Whether you're interested in pattern drafting, fit, couture techniques, or simply hearing the story of a creative career built stitch by stitch, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this conversation.
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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What are the tips and tricks that streamline your sewing process and make it more enjoyable? We're not focusing on productivity in this episode; we're talking about eliminating bottlenecks, optimizing workflow, and eliminating decision fatigue. It might be something as simple as changing the location of your pressing station, or purchasing a few additional tools so you aren't chasing down your seam ripper when you need it. Let's make our sewing practice even more enjoyable with a quick audit of its efficiency. 
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!
Are you a sewing gadget collector or a minimalist? Are there favorite tools you would want if you were stranded on an island with only a sewing machine and fabric? In this episode, we’ll make a virtual visit to Janet’s sewing room and find out what tools and gadgets are on her cutting table, near her machines, and at her pressing station. See a complete list on the show notes page at www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com.
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 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]

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 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]