
Sustainable Sewing & Crafting
An informative and inspiring newsletter for hobbyists and handmade sellers alike.
Homework and Shutdown Interfere: A Thank You Note and Free PDF Gift!
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Hello Sewspire friends,Â
This week, my sewing machine might be quiet, but my brain is definitely not! I'm completely bogged down with homework as my classes ramp up, and on top of that, I'm working to manage the effects of the government shutdown for our family. It's making my usual weekly le...
by Andrea Chapman —
Oct 02, 2025
deluxe diaper bag
free pdf
Stitching Dreams to Reality: A Homage to Petal Sewing Patterns and Our Creative Community
Celebrating the Artistry of Petal Sewing Patterns
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In the vibrant world of sewing, few things are as rewarding as discovering a pattern designer whose creations not only inspire but also resonate with a sense of purpose and elegance. Today, we're celebrating one such artist, Ivana, the creat...
by Andrea Chapman —
Sep 25, 2025
petal patterns
sewspire
studio 365
The crossbody I’m sewing daily: MAV PACK + Studio 365
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Inside this week's edition: a small-but-mighty crossbody, skill building details, a speedy sew, and our Studio 365 featured patterns---plus an October design challenge you'll love.Â
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Hello friends,
As a committed lifelong learner, one of the things I love most about sewing is the chance to...
by Andrea Chapman —
Sep 18, 2025
bag pattern review
linds handmade
mav pack
September at Studio 365: Featured Designers, Sew Whatever, and Year 4 Quilting Kickoff
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Hello friends!
Welcome to another cozy check-in from Studio 365. As the seasons shift and our sewing rooms start to feel extra inviting, I’m thrilled to share what’s happening in our community this month. Truly—there’s never been a better time to join us if you’ve been craving connection, in...
by Andrea Chapman —
Sep 11, 2025
Master my FFF bag‑design method at your pace with AMC‑e (lifetime access for $49.99)
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Curated 2018–2025 masterclass, monthly live sessions, guided projects, and a proven system for designing your own bags.
Hi friend,
If you’ve been following my sewing and design journey, you know I taught myself to sew in 2006, then designed and sold thousands of custom bags on Etsy. Along the ...
by Andrea Chapman —
Sep 04, 2025
amc
amc-e
bag design
sewspire
The Art of Custom Bag Design
This week I’ve been leaning into sustainable sewing—shopping my shelves first and keeping my cutting simple so there’s less waste and more joy. Thoughtful making feels good. It also reminds me why I love bag design: with a few rectangles, the right structure, and a bit of imagination, we can tur...
by Andrea Chapman —
Aug 28, 2025
amc-e
sewing community
sewspire
sewspire studio 365
Sew Smarter: A Bag Cost Calculator for Sustainable Makers
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If you care about creating products with real (or perceived) value, I built something just for us. The new Sewspire Bag Cost Calculator helps you see the true cost of a handmade bag—so you can honor your time, materials, and values. In a few minutes you can tabulate fabric (including thrifted ...
by Andrea Chapman —
Aug 21, 2025
bag maker calculator
sewing calculator
Eary Access to My New Tutorial!
Hello, lovely creators! As subscribers to my weekly email I am pleased to offer you early access to my Campus Companion Tutorial on YouTube. The free video is a supplement to the detailed 20+ page PDF sold in the Sewspire Etsy Shop. Using both the video and the PDF will allow you...
by Andrea Chapman —
Aug 14, 2025
sewing tutorial
studio organization
studio tour
Sewspire Doodle Bags (Free PDF and 6 videos)
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When I first embarked on my sewing journey, I found commercial patterns challenging to decipher. Back then, YouTube wasn't as accessible a resource as it is today. My breakthrough came when I started designing my own bags using simple shapes easily cut with a ruler and mat.Â
My early bag desig...
by Andrea Chapman —
Aug 07, 2025
bag-making tutorials
creative sewing community
dimensional sketches
fabric planning
handmade projects
sewing inspiration
sewing techniques
simple bag designs
sustainable sewing
visual learning
Sewing with Heart: Adding Function and Sustainability to Your Creations
Hello Creative Hearts!
I embarked on this handamde journey in 2006, with a focus on excellence in craftsmanship, and have since honed a curiosity and passion for functionality. When I began my business, the idea was to showcase handmade goods from talented makers. I was quick to see how those ear...
by Andrea Chapman —
Jul 31, 2025
adding function
bag design
sewing
Sewing Through the Chaos: Creative Updates & Inspiration!
Hello Sewspire Family,
This week has been an adventure! With everything happening in the world, I'm contemplating stepping away from the news for some peace of mind, though it’s hard to look away completely. At home, life’s been a whirlwind with surprises like a flat tire, dog emergencies, back-t...
by Andrea Chapman —
Jul 24, 2025
amc
design
sewing
Design with Purpose: Crafting What You Truly Need
The most impactful designs don't just exist to be sold; they're born from a genuine need. My journey into bag design began precisely this way, creating custom diaper bags for new moms—including myself—who craved practical features like stroller straps, elastic sippy cup holders, and perfectly si...
by Andrea Chapman —
Jul 17, 2025
amc masterclass
bag design
custom bags
sewing community
sewspire studio
Sustainable Sewing & Crafting
