
Sustainable Sewing & Crafting
An informative and inspiring newsletter for hobbyists and handmade sellers alike.
Discovering Delight in the Details: The Sew Yours Run Around Wristlet
Last week, I had the distinct pleasure of creating the "Run Around Wristlet" by Sew Yours, and it has quickly become an indispensable companion in my daily life. This thoughtfully designed wristlet comfortably holds about a dozen cards, my essential keys, lip gloss, mints, and even a tissue ...
by Andrea Chapman —
May 15, 2025
amc
andrea's master class
bag making
Finding Light in Creativity
This month, our quilting group at Sewspire Studio 365 is creating tribute quilts to honor Donna Jordan, the founder of Jordan Fabrics. Many of you know that Donna recently passed away, leaving a significant void in the creative quilting and sewing community. Her accessible tutorials and calmi...
by Andrea Chapman —
May 08, 2025
creativity
inspiration
sew yourself happy
Maybe you need a friendship quilt (or a pap smear?) 🫣
Today, which is now yesterday to you, I had my first pap smear in over ten years. I have had the appointment on my calendar for a month and every time I noticed it, I felt a sense of dread wash over me. I woke up at 4:30 am to make sure I had plenty of time to shower, eat, and walk the dogs befo...
Apr 30, 2025
creative friends are the best
creativity as a life line
The Belle Bag by Sewspire
Download your complimentary copy of the PDF instructions to make this unique bag here.
As promised, I am sharing access to the Belle Bag which we sewed together as a small group in February of 2024. I hope you enjoy the project and encourage you to customize it to suit your needs.
A little bi...
by Andrea Chapman —
Apr 24, 2025
freebies
pdf
The Looming Cost of Creativity: Tarrifs, Retail Shifts, and the Future of Sewing
The Looming Cost of Creativity
Yesterday, during a visit to my local Michaels store in Gainesville, Virginia, I overheard a stark conversation between the store manager and an employee. They were discussing the staggering task of implementing approximately 30,000 price changes by Friday – a d...
by Andrea Chapman —
Apr 17, 2025
cost of creativity
cost of fabric
rising prices
✨ Free Gift Inside: Sew Our Collaborative Trimazing Wallet + Community Inspiration!
Hello Sewspire Friends,
Hope you're having a wonderfully creative week! As we continue exploring the many facets of sustainable sewing, I'm reminded that sustainability isn't just about the materials we use, but also about the connections we build and the knowledge we share within our communit...
by Andrea Chapman —
Apr 10, 2025
freebies
sewing pattern
wallet
Stitch Your Story: Community, Inspiration & Bag Making Joy
Hey fellow stitchers and crafters,
As I sit here, surrounded by freshly cut fabric for my Firefly Tote and the meditative hum of my sewing machine, I can't help but reflect on the winding, wonderful path that brought me here. For years, the yearning to sew was a quiet whisper, a dream put on hold...
by Andrea Chapman —
Apr 03, 2025
bag designers
bag tutorials
youtubers
Stitching Sustainability: Turning Trash into Treasure - Zippered Bags from Recycled Materials
Hello fellow stitchers and welcome to another week of sustainable sewing inspiration.
In our creative world of sewing, we often find ourselves surrounded by beautiful fabrics and notions. But what if we could extend our passion for creation to embrace sustainability? This month let's explore t...
by Andrea Chapman —
Mar 27, 2025
recyled bags
sewing
zipper bags
Got 4" squares of fabric?
From Stash Buster to Survival: The Patchwork Backpack's Second Life
Hello, Sewspire Community!
Can you believe it? Eight years ago, I embarked on a whirlwind 11-day adventure, chopping up 4" squares and capturing every step of the creation process. And just like that, the Patchwork Backpack ...
by Andrea Chapman —
Mar 20, 2025
go bag
large backpack
patchwork backpack
patchwork bag
Warning: Glitter Enclosed (And a Whole Lot of Glee!)
Grumpy old badgers, dancing unicorns, and crafty wizards unite...
Dearest fellow sparkle enthusiasts and purveyors of pure, unadulterated joy! Let’s be honest, there are mornings when the world feels like a grumpy old badger. But then there are mornings like this morning, the kind where you prac...
by Andrea Chapman —
Mar 13, 2025
bag charms
inspiration
resin
resin crafts
The Numbers Behind My Creative Business
A Candid Look at My Business Finances (And What It Means for You)
Last week, as I was gathering my tax documents for the accountant, I took a deep dive into my small business's income and expenses. It's funny how things change – years ago, I relied on complex accounting software, but now, with a ...
by Andrea Chapman —
Mar 06, 2025
taxes
Spring Whispers, Creative Hibernation, and Library Treasures
Hello Friends,
Signs of spring are gently unfurling here in Virginia. Just this morning, I spotted the delicate tips of daffodils peeking through the rich soil. The squirrels are back to their morning acrobatics, and the evening air is alive with the flutter of returning moths. It's a season o...
by Andrea Chapman —
Feb 27, 2025
creative sparks
Sustainable Sewing & Crafting
