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!
How a fabric and pattern stash can help you reinvent your style
Most of us go through a lot of changes in life – at least the lucky ones still hopping around on this pretty rock floating through space. In your teens, sewing might become creative self expression, in your 20s it might be a reflection of your new work life (or an escape from it.) In…
Simplicity Creative Group sold to liquidator for $1, what does this mean for sewing patterns now?
The sewing community is abuzz with the fact that Simplicity Creative Group (the company that makes patterns from Simplicity Patterns – McCalls, Simplicity, Butterick and Vogue) got sold for $1 and 75% of sales to the same liquidator that just did Joann. Yes you saw that right. A dollar. And 75% of whatever they can…
Sew your own minimalist capsule wardrobe for Europe
We’re off to Europe for the second child’s overseas study. Here’s what I’m packing (and sewing). The school group goes for 3+ weeks, we meet them there at the end and continue on our journey. This year, we’re spending time in their “home city” of Wurtzberg Germany for 4 days before the pickup, as our…
Should you sew that? Planning a capsule wardrobe from what you already have
Should you sew that? How to decide what to sew next and planning a capsule wardrobe from what you already have. Grab this free worksheet (see below), the Sew Paradise Pick One, Sew Two and go into your closet. Pick one or two things you love (or maybe that haven’t gotten enough love) and then…
Me Made May 2025: a catalog of 30 days of handmade outfits
I’m cataloging the 30 days of handmade outfits in this post, for Me Made May 2025. I’ll wear something I made every day for one month, and my goal is to mix pattern, color and create some visual interest (I started off poorly but am recovering as soon as the very next day!) May 1,…
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…
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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.