The Straight Stitch is a podcast for sewists who want something interesting and educational to listen to while they work!

Episode 134—Finding Your Quilting True North

Episode 134—Finding Your Quilting True North

The Straight Stitch Episode 134
Janet Szabo

The Mariner’s Compass is a striking quilt block, but its sharp points and intricate construction can make even experienced quilters hesitate. Robin Long of Robin Ruth Design has found a better way. In this episode, Robin shares how her desire to make a Mariner’s Compass quilt for her submarine-officer husband inspired an innovative strip-piecing method with no paper piecing required. She shares how she came up with the idea, how it eventually became a thriving quilting business, and the specialized rulers and techniques that allow quilters to create accurate compass blocks in an impressive range of sizes. Whether the Mariner’s Compass has long been on your quilting bucket list or you simply enjoy hearing how a clever idea becomes a successful creative business, this conversation will point you in an inspiring new direction.

SHOW NOTES

Fitopedia—the new fitting book from Saremy Duffy

Episode #98, my interview with Saremy Duffy

Robin Ruth Design

Grainline Studio Willow Tank

*****

Janet Szabo’s website
Big Sky Knitting Designs website—Purchase digital copies of Janet’s knitting patterns and order copies of her books.
The ‘Suck It Up, Buttercup’ Blog—Janet’s commentary on life in Montana

I will be teaching at Quilting Mayhem in Snohomish, Washington on September 3 and 4, 2026! Check out their class listings and sign up today!

*****

Episode 133—Beat the Holiday Rush: Gifts to Sew Now

Episode 133—Beat the Holiday Rush: Gifts to Sew Now