Sustainable Sewing & Crafting

An informative and inspiring newsletter for hobbyists and handmade sellers alike.

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 and Crafting - This Week's Focus: Renew, Reuse, Reimagine!

Hello crafting friends! This week, let's dive into the heart of sustainable crafting: renewing, reusing, and reimagining what we already have. It's amazing how much life we can breathe back into our wardrobes and homes while being kind to our planet. Inspiration Corner: The Joy of Giving Old T...

Feb 20, 2025 sweatshirt remake

Is DONE really better than perfect?

On Monday, of this week, I spent the better part of the day preparing, recording, and editing the CarryAll Diaper Tote Bag Tutorial I promised you last week. The bag turned out even better than I imagined, and the video quality was supreme. Little did I know, I had set the bar too high for my...

by Andrea Chapman — Feb 13, 2025 carryall sewspire sustainable crafting

Looks like I am stuck with my SOLO craft box 😫

Maybe the Craft Box Swap concept I pitched you in January was born before its time? Early feedback suggests that crafters are not willing to part with their supplies. They ❤️ them all! Ok, ok, ok. All is not lost. There may be another way for me to demonstrate to you the value of this novel idea...

by Andrea Chapman — Feb 06, 2025 bag tutorial craft box swap sewspire solo craft box swap

The value of laziness and how you can leverage it to entice your creativity

In September of 2024, on a total whim, I booked us a beach house for the holidays. This would be the first time since starting our family in 1995 that we were not home for Christmas and the New Year. We invited all the kids and their plus ones to join us and then issued a disclaimer that I wouldn...

by Andrea Chapman — Jan 30, 2025 laziness sewspire sustainable crafting

Sustainable Sewing and Crafting Newsletter: Thursday, January 23, 2025

Your go to resource for all things handmade and sustainable has arrived. If you found this message in a sea of emails vying for your attention, let me reassure you it is my intention to only add value to your life (and mine) with this weekly publication and I thank you for taking this journey ...

by Andrea Chapman — Jan 23, 2025 sewspire sustainable crafting sustainable sewing

Sewspire 2025 Challenge: It's in the BOX

You are Invited to Participate in the Sewspire 2025 Maker Challenge! By Andrea Chapman For years I have been wondering how to host a sustainable creative community challenge. I’m eager to share the concept with you in this post and even more enthusiastic to take the challenge myself. The ele...

by Andrea Chapman — Jan 16, 2025 craft box swap

Still waiting for inspiration to strike? Me too.

At the crossroad of pandemic and menopause I misplaced my creative mojo. I suspect it began to dissipate shortly after I shuttered my own handmade business. Founded in 2006, out of necessity, Watermelon Wishes specialized in custom bags that I made to order from the client’s fabric of choice. Thi...

by Andrea Chapman — Jan 16, 2025 inspiration sewjo