A Journey Towards Circularity episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 3, 2026 · 36 MIN

A Journey Towards Circularity

from The Straight Stitch: A Podcast About Sewing and Other Fiber Arts. · host Janet Szabo, Sewing and Quilting Expert

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.comMy website: www.janetszabo.comSee my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blogE-mail me!  [email protected]

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 met...

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A Journey Towards Circularity

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This episode is 36 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 3, 2026.

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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...

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