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!
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*…
In which we attempt to sew through the resistance
It’s been a doozy of a month, eh? By word of warning, if you haven’t figured out that I am a empath(etic), heartfelt, caring person who believes everyone should get – and pay – their fair share (and you don’t like that idea), go ahead, skeddaddle. If you’re on board with saving our planet Earth,…
Be the best you at whatever age and size you are
I’m in my mid 50s and the fact is, I will never be 25 or 35 or 45 again. None of us age backwards. And further, a good 65% of my life is already over. But don’t cringe at that. Because there is still a lot of time left for all of us, and we…
My eco-friendly choice to install solar panels on my house
I promise this is about sewing, hang with me. This video is one recorded when our then state Senator Debbie Stabenow came for a “ribbon cutting” for our solar install. We got a tax credit (the IRS gave us our tax money back) for $8500 and we got another $2K from our local electric utility…
Sewing Pattern Review of the Evie Tunic
I sewed the Evie Tunic from Sonia Estep Designs as part of my Make 9 garments. I actually added this as project at the last minute, owing to the polar vortex arrival. I had this organic cotton sweatshirt fleece from my LFS, Seams Fabric (online too!) This is my sewing pattern review of the Evie…
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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.