Send us feedback about this episode! Thinking about upgrading to an industrial sewing machine—or just curious what all the fuss is about? In this episode, we dive into the world of industrial machines: what makes them different from home models, when (and why) you might want one, and what to know before you buy. From mechanisms to motors, we break it all down so you can make an informed decision. Whether you're a hobbyist leveling up or a maker building a small business, this episode is packe...

Send us feedback about this episode! This episode features a chat with Kira Hartley Klinger, author of Fabric Wars and Fabric Wars & More, about her unique journey from vintage fabric reseller to self-published writer. Kira shares how estate sales, auctions, and a lifelong love of textiles inspired her to tell the sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartfelt stories behind the fabric. Kira first joined us in episode 22, and now she's back to talk about her new book, Fabric Wars and More, as w...

Send us feedback about this episode! Join Janet for a recap of her trip to Bernina University in Salt Lake City at the end of June. Hear about the classes she took, what she learned, and what's coming up for this fall. But the fun didn't end there! Janet flew from Salt Lake City to Seattle to meet up with two friends of hers from Tennessee, one of whom is a sewist! Janet and Deana visited five different fabric stores in the Seattle area. You'll get to hear about what they found at each one. T...

Send us feedback about this episode! Are you ready to take your sewing skills from basic to brilliant? In this episode, we’re diving into practical and inspiring ways to level up your sewing practice. From mastering fit and experimenting with tricky fabrics to refining your finishing techniques and developing a signature style, we’ll walk you through the strategies that help you grow as a sewist—no matter where you're starting from. Whether you're looking to boost your confidence, sharpen you...

Send us feedback about this episode! Mistakes! No matter how long you've been sewing, you can't avoid mistakes completely. In this episode, Janet describes the quilted jacket she's been working on for the past two months and how a mistake toward the end of the construction process almost derailed the entire project. She'll talk about the options she had for correcting the mistake, the fix she chose, and how the finished jacket turned out even better in the end. Show notes for each episo...

Send us feedback about this episode! Daryl Lancaster, renowned handweaver, teacher, and fiber artist—joins me today for an inspiring conversation about her lifelong journey with textiles. Known for her colorful handwoven garments and no-nonsense teaching style, Daryl shares how she got her start in sewing and weaving, the evolution of her career, and how she keeps that spark of creativity alive. Even if you're not a weaver—although you may become one after this episode!—Daryl’s wisdom and hum...

Send us feedback about this episode! In this episode, we sit down with Sherri Nelson, the creative force and organizer behind the upcoming Sac Bag 'n Sew Expo, happening this September 2025 in Sacramento, California. Sherri shares the heart and vision behind the event, what makes it unique, and how it’s bringing together the sewing, bag-making, and creative communities for a weekend filled with inspiration and connection. She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the planning process, the exci...

Send us feedback about this episode! This episode features a conversation with Christine Lindebak, founder of Sewing and the City. Christine is a fashion designer and sewing entrepreneur who’s bringing high style to the home sewing world. Christine shares her journey from sewing as a child to working in the fashion industry to building a modern, inclusive pattern brand that empowers makers to express their personal style through timeless, city-inspired designs. Whether you're a beginner looki...

Send us feedback about this episode! Has your desire to sew—something that should bring you pleasure—ever taken a vacation? It happens to all of us at one point or another. The reasons could be anything from life stress to creative paralysis. In this episode, we'll explore the reasons for sewing slumps, how to reignite that creative spark, and offer support for the idea that sometimes, a break is not a bad thing. Listeners are invited to share stories of times their sew-jo went on walkabout a...

Send us feedback about this episode! Today's episode is a chatty update about what I've been sewing and the ongoing disappearance of fabric stores. One of my favorite stores outside of Seattle announced last week that it was closing, and the first wave of Joann Fabrics locations have shuttered for good. Is online shopping an alternative? I'll offer up some suggestions for my favorite online retailers as we prepare to navigate a changing landscape. Show notes for each episode: www.thestr...

Send us feedback about this episode! This episode explores the importance of textiles in marketing and branding. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, in Spokane, WA, houses a unique collection of over 150 cloth flour sacks, dating from 1900 to the 1940s, which showcase the evolution of flour packaging and its significance in regional and international trade. Beginning in the mid-1800s, Eastern Washington established itself a major wheat-growing area, at one time having over 100 mills shi...

Send us feedback about this episode! Today's episode features an interview with renowned textile artist and quilter Sylvia Pippen, whose work beautifully blends traditional Japanese sashiko with contemporary appliqué techniques. Sylvia shares her creative journey—from growing up in a family of artists to developing her signature style inspired by nature, Pacific Island culture, and the rhythms of hand stitching. We talk about the history and uses of sashiko, the process behind her stunning bo...

Send us feedback about this episode! In this episode, we explore the innovative world of using a projector to cut out sewing patterns, eliminating the need for pinning or tracing. Whether you're a curious beginner or looking to streamline your sewing process, today’s guest, Sheredith Hardy, breaks down everything you need to know: how projectors work, what equipment you need, how to set it up, and tips for making the transition smooth and successful.​ Sheredith offers a wealth of resources th...

Send us feedback about this episode! In this episode, I take a closer look at the essential tools that make my sewing more efficient and enjoyable. From sewing machines and scissors to pins, measuring tools, and beyond, I am sharing my favorite items from my sewing toolbox—what I love, why I chose the ones I did, and how they’ve improved my projects over time. Whether you're just beginning your sewing journey or looking to refine your current setup, this episode offers helpful insights and pr...

Send us feedback about this episode! Millinery is the art and craft of designing, making, and selling hats, typically women’s hats. A milliner is a skilled artisan who creates hats using various materials like felt, straw, fabric, and embellishments such as feathers, ribbons, and beads. In today’s episode, guest Andrea Blohm introduces us to the art of millinery and its place in the world of modern sewing. Andrea is co-owner of the North American Millinery Group, which produces Millinery Meet...

Send us feedback about this episode! We’ve had a slew of new listeners to the podcast in the past couple of weeks (yay!). Not everyone wants to go back and listen to the podcast from the beginning, so I thought I’d do a recap of who I am and how I got here. It’s a tale with a few plot twists—including six months of chemotherapy at age 28 for leukemia—but it details my journey as a knitting designer and now sewist. Hopefully, my story will be both encouraging and entertaining. Show notes...

Send us feedback about this episode! Join me for a lovely chat with Emma Jones of Vintage Sewing Box. Emma is a UK designer who delights in all things needle and thread. A former primary school teacher, Emma has combined her love of sewing with her talent as an instructor and shares her passion through Instagram, YouTube, patterns, and more. She specializes in English paper piecing and embroidery, often combining both in her designs. If you are a fan of EPP, you’ll be inspired by Emma’s work,...

Send us feedback about this episode! Today’s episode is a recap of Janet’s trip to Sew Expo 2025, in Puyallup, WA. Sew Expo is an event sponsored by Washington State University and is in its fifth decade. Janet went as a teacher for the second time, teaching five knitting classes and a sewing class (on thread). Arriving a couple of days early gave her the opportunity to visit a few Joann Fabrics stores to see how the liquidation was progressing and also a chance to shop at Pacific Fabrics, on...

Send us feedback about this episode! By the time this episode drops, I’ll be on my way to Sew Expo in Puyallup, Washington, to teach five knitting classes and a sewing class. In this episode, I sit down to chat with Morgan Kavanagh, one of the staff members at the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum. The museum is currently hosting the Red Dress Project, which is a gown that traveled the world for several years while various artists added their voices to it in the form of embroidery...

Send us feedback about this episode! This episode is all about interfacing—a crucial element in garment construction that can make a big difference in the structure and longevity of your projects. Whether you're making a crisp shirt collar, sturdy bag handles, or reinforcing a hem, interfacing provides that extra support and stability. We’ll cover the different types of interfacing and their construction. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to choose the right one for your fabric, and share some...