Carmen Grantham
  • Home
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Maker Manual
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact

Blog

Sewing

Printing A0 Sewing Patterns (+ Cost Calculator)

Need to get some sewing patterns printed on A0? I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled a list of Australian businesses that offer A0 printing for your sewing patterns. They can be printed in colour or black and white – it’s Read more

By Carmen Grantham, 3 monthsApril 14, 2026 ago
Sewing

My Favourite Sewing Tools

Sewing tools are designed to help sewing feel easier, give more professional results and make sewing more enjoyable. Here are a few of mine.

By Carmen Grantham, 4 monthsMarch 31, 2026 ago
Group of women working on sewing machines.
Sewing

Why Sewing Together Feels So Good (And Why It Works)

Sewing may be something you do alone, but sewing alongside others can boost focus, creativity, and connection. Here’s why sewing together feels so good – and why it matters.

By Carmen Grantham, 5 monthsFebruary 24, 2026 ago
Evernote Logo in square box with blue arrow pointing to Google Drive Logo in square box.
Sewing

Moving Evernote Notes to Google Drive: One Place for My Sewing Notes

I moved all my Evernote notes to Google Drive and now have a single, searchable spot. I share how I did it so you can too.

By Carmen Grantham, 7 monthsDecember 5, 2025 ago
Photo of sewing instructions on one half, and laptop mockup with title Sleeve Band Step-by-Step Instructions on the other half.
Sewing

How to Save Your Handwritten Sewing Instructions in Google Docs

Turn handwritten sewing notes into organised Google Docs (or Word or Pages) that you can easily find again. Watch how I do it and grab my free template!

By Carmen Grantham, 9 monthsOctober 31, 2025 ago
Laptop on bedding with hand resting on keyboard.
Sewing

What to Do with Sewing Videos After You Save Them

Can’t find your saved sewing videos? Learn how to organise and create your own sewing instructions so you get the most out of them.

By Carmen Grantham, 10 monthsOctober 1, 2025 ago
3 white blocks with letters - S, O, P.
Sewing

Why Sewing Instructions Are Actually SOPs

Sewing instructions aren’t just steps on a page — they’re actually SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). Learn how thinking this way can make your sewing clearer, easier, and more reliable.

By Carmen Grantham, 10 monthsSeptember 11, 2025 ago
2 hands on pink fabric on sewing machine
Sewing

5 Reasons Why You Should Sew

Have you ever thought about why you sew?  It’s an interesting one. We all come to sewing from different experiences. You could have learnt at school and were instantly in love? Or did you want to create a unique outfit Read more

By Carmen Grantham, 1 yearApril 30, 2025 ago
Carmen Grantham - grey haired lady wearing floral jacket with green bushes in the background.

Hi, I'm Carmen

I help sewists sew more, enjoy the process, build skills and make space for a creative life.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Stay Connected

Be the first to hear about upcoming co-sewing sessions, plus practical resources to help you sew more.

STAY INSPIRED

Be the first to hear about upcoming co-sewing sessions, plus practical resources to help you sew more.

We acknowledge the Kaurna people, the traditional and ongoing custodians of the Adelaide Plains. We would like to pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

CONTACT ME
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
INSTAGRAM FEED
Tried Indonesian batik for the first time with @st Tried Indonesian batik for the first time with @studioragsofficial at recent @CraftAlive in Adelaide. 

Such a calming activity tracing a design and painting it with beeswax and paraffin. Then a dip in the indigo dye.

#dyeing #indigodyeing #batik
In my early sewing days, I never wore my creations In my early sewing days, I never wore my creations out of the house. There was always something wrong with it - the fabric choice, the fit, didn't have a famous logo on it.

But over time, I dared to wear what I made even though I felt subconscious about it.

It took quite a few more years before I was comfortable enough to say "I made this" other than to my family. And the positive reactions I received made me question why I'd hidden it.

So if you feel the same way about your sewing, be proud of your creation; you made it with your own two hands.

And as Brené  Browne says, "Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen."
One of my sewing tools that speeds up my sewing is One of my sewing tools that speeds up my sewing is the Clover Hot Hemmer.

Press the fabric edge over the hot hemmer until it reaches the measurement you want and iron.

So much faster than using a ruler.

#sewingtool
Don’t use pattern instructions as a bookmark, espe Don’t use pattern instructions as a bookmark, especially by accident. 

I’ve been searching for this for days.
I’m joining the make your own sneakers family. Aft I’m joining the make your own sneakers family. After seeing the sneakers that @ajmakesstuff made last year I’ve wanted to try them.

My concern was they wouldn’t fit my wide feet, and wanted to try them on. 

At @craftalive Adelaide the lovely Leesa from @sneakerstitchau had finished shoes to try on. So comfy and Leesa had tips on adjusting the pattern to make a little wider.

Can’t wait to make them up 😊
Join me for an online Co-Sewing Session this Sunda Join me for an online Co-Sewing Session this Sunday, 12th July from 10am - 12pm ACST (that's South Australian time).

Make time for your sewing.

Bring any project.

Chat with other enthusiastic sewists (if you want to).

Make progress.

Join the Sewing Days community to access two co-sewing sessions a month. Link in bio or go to
https://www.skool.com/sewing-days-2315/about
Follow on Instagram

  • Home
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Maker Manual
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
Hestia | Developed by ThemeIsle