Want to learn to sew your own handmade wardrobe? Join me here!
From pattern reviews of popular sewing patterns, to wardrobe planning the EASY way, I’m here to share with you EASY to sew garments, building a sustainable wardrobe and trying new sewing pattern designers.
I especially love creating content for how to modify patterns, add design details, including video content and tutorials. If you want to take a pattern make it 3 times or more and have each one be unique, yet fit wonderfully into your wardrobe, you’re at the right spot! You’ve invested time and energy into that pattern, don’t just sew it one time!
More than just sewing hacks, Sew Paradise is a blog about the process of developing a handmade wardrobe that reflects your lifestyle. Come sew with me!
Here, you’ll find bi-weekly sewing projects, up to 4-5 projects per month. Learn how to use mending (yes, mending!) to bridge the gap between a finished project and not quite motivated to start another. Plan to sew stash where you can, and favor local in person and independent online fabric stores for things you need to purchase.
There’s a bit of upcycling in this blog, so you’ll see how to refashion garments to create a less throw-away lifestyle.
And through it all, you’ll see mainly EASY to sew, beginner-level sewing patterns and projects. This is not the blog for a couture tailored suit or a wedding gown. Nope, nada, run fast away from those projects. This blog is about crafting an easy to sew and easy to wear wardrobe for a casual, active life. You’ll find tips for sewing casual pants, tops, turtlenecks, dresses, cropped pants, shorts, tee shirts, swimwear, jackets, blazers and more. All the stuff you need to live in everyday!
Ann has worked with sewing pattern designers on marketing, design, social media strategy and execution, search engine optimization plus creating unique live video, photographic and written content.
Ann has helped sewing pattern companies with product planning, pattern design (including pattern covers, technical writing, file preparation and digital fulfillment) website design, management and product fulfillment for online, retail and wholesale. Ann understands the biz – but also, is a passionate and talented sewist.
Have I reviewed a pattern? Search here to see if the one you want to sew is one that I have sewn! (at PatternReview.com)
This blog is completely BIASED and it should be. I’m giving you my tried-and-tested advice, from decades of sewing, working with sewing pattern brands. No ChatGPT AI content here, this is all real stuff!
Earth Day Upcycle: fabric ottoman with fabric scrap filling
It’s Earth Day! As sewists, we’re pretty eco friendly (after all, we sew our own clothing) but we still discard scraps. What can you do with literal decades of scraps (and keep filling it up?) Sew an ottoman! I used this square Sew News/Sew Daily ottoman pattern and modified the base to include a zipper…
Sew Your Own Clothes – An Earth Day Post
It’s Earth Day! And on this day, probably just this ONE day, you’re thinking about the planet maybe a teensy bit more than usual. And you’re saying, I’d like to start sewing my own clothes. Here’s how to get started: Find a local sewing shop and take a class. That’s the very first thing you…
Vintage Vogue Pattern Jeans Pattern sewing pattern review
I sewed this vintage pair of jeans from a pre-cut donation given to my Local Fabric Store LFS. This Calvin Klein jeans pattern (Vogue 2851) is from the late 1980s. This was already cut out of light denim in both jeans and shorts, so I had to add a wedge at the sideseam and extend…
Seven great midi skirts to sew for spring
I’ve included seven great midi skirts to sew for spring AND even a free one! Choose one or more and get sewing. Why sew the midi skirt for spring? Yes, I know midi is trending right now, and for good reason for spring – it’s still chilly, so you need something covering most of your…
Fabric sources for 2025
If you don’t have a local fabric store, try mine! They stocked up prior to the tariffs, and have an amazing selection of natural fiber fabrics that are worthy of your sewing time. https://seamsfabric.com. Call, order online, or check out their social media! I shared other options in this blog. If you want to augment…
What I bought from my local fabric shop this week
Fabric and pattern purchases that I bought from my local fabric shop this week. My LFS ships, and they can be your local fabric store too! I bought all of this from Seams Sewing & Mercantile. This week, I picked up the Free Range Slacks from Sew House Seven. I’ve seen these made up *so*…
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Free Sewing Wardrobe Planners & Free Downloads
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Make 9 Grid Planner
Sketch out your Make 9 Grid for sewing projects using this free downloadable
Easy Sewing Planner
Pick one, sew two (or pick two, sew one) helps you build your handmade wardrobe easily and sustainably. Free download.
Greenbush Top & Poncho
Super simple rectangular top with wide sleeves, bateau neck OR a bateau neck poncho. Easy to sew, great in floaty rayon/silk/cotton lawn fabrics for warm weather, and boiled wool, fleece, sweater knit for cold weather.