 
              
            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!
    
      
 
Hello Sewspire friends, 
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
 
 
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
    
      
 
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. 
 
 
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
    
       
 
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)
    
      
 
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
    
       
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)
    
      
 
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. 
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
        
      
    
  
                  
                    
                      
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