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!
Autumn Handmade and Secondhand Outfits (in video)
This is a week of a me-made and thrifted secondhand wardrobe in video format. Each of these outfits features at least one handmade garment, plus thrifted or secondhand items. These are all work-from-home suitable outfits that are fun to put together and sew. https://youtube.com/shorts/UpWcKXMmrE8 The pink corduroy cargo pants are secondhand, as is the cashmere…
Two-Piece Sets to Sew for Summer
It’s the summer of the two piece set! Well, that was last summer too, but this summer, we’re seeing two piece sets everywhere – and here are a few of my favorites, and tips for baring a little skin… or not! If you look in Ready to Wear, two piece sets are everywhere – crop…
Sew Two Piece Sets for Fall and Winter
The two piece set is all the rage – from lounge to chic, here are some of the patterns and fabrics I have and recommend to sew two piece sets for fall and winter. Want one for spring and summer? I’ve got you covered, too, hop on over to this blog post for how to…
Sewing patterns and colors for late summer sewing
I’d really like to title this “all the summer that’s left to sew”. We are in the first full week of September and racing through the end of summer (let’s face it, yes, we have summer weather through, but the crush of school, sports and, well, life, is back to fall settings.) But let’s talk…
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…
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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.