Send us feedback about this episode!

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! janet@janetszabo.com

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! janet@janetszabo.com

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! janet@janetszabo.com