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!
Batik slip sundress
I batiked and sewed a slip dress sundress and here’s is the sewing pattern and process: Pattern: Slip dress by Ann-Normany Patterns. This simple dress floats away from the body with cutaway shoulders and a knee length fit. Cookie cutters (metal, wood only! no plastic) Batik wax and a way to heat it. I use…
Sew your own camping hiking wardrobe
You CAN sew your own camping/hiking wardrobe! With both natural and technical fabrics, you can sew the things that will work for you for camping and hiking trips. I’ve selected a bunch of free sewing patterns you can try for this (as well as recommendations to linked fabrics.) You should identify what you need for…
Sew a mini capsule wardrobe for summer concert season
Summer concert season is in full swing again, and I have a roundup of patterns and looks for summer concert season. You can sew these looks whether you are a 20-something Gen Z, a millennial, or even a Gen X-er like me! I’ve got looks that flatter plus, middle aged, and young styles. Concert season…
Two Seams Sewing Challenge
How to sew more in less time by sewing Two Seams a Day! How long does it take to sew two seams? Less than ten minutes, usually. And yet, you have projects stacked up and languishing in your UFO basket, right? So do I! In fact, I have more than 500 sewing patterns, a whole…
How to lengthen a tee shirt sewing pattern into a tee shirt dress
I get asked about basic pattern hacks all the time, and I’ll refer you to a couple of great resources for this (as well as showing you how to do it) wherever I can. A basic tee shirt pattern is invaluable – from a tee shirt dress to a maxi dress, swim cover up, tunic,…
Sewing Project Rescues
What do you do when you’ve mortally wounded your sewing project? We’ve all done it, from cutting too small to slicing a hole when you’re just about done, to getting it caught in dye in the washer. Slice/cut into a finished garment? Here’s how to rescue it: Ever cut into a buttonhole, slice through the…
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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.