could machine stitch felt circles
in place for the eyes.26
Pin the shapes, right sides
together, and stitch aroundthem with a^11 ⁄ 4 in seam allowance,
leaving an opening of 5cm (2in) along
the base of each one. When you come
to a corner for the neck or ears, stopCAROLINE ADAMS
Where do you live and work? My family and
I live in the northern suburbs of Sydney, and our
front room is my studio. I’ve always wanted
a sewing room, so I am fully making the most
of this space. I hold my workshops and lessons
in this room, so it’s super fun in here once the
machines get going and confidence rises. I’ve
painted the walls white, made curtains out of
vintage sheets (Ken Done, to be precise) and
have lots of pictures on the wall that mean a lot
to me. I’m in love with my cutting table that a
friend helped me build. It’s nice and high and
big enough for cutting all manner of garments.
What’s your family structure? I have a beautiful
little family who are most supportive of my
sewing. My husband works in visual eff ects for
film and TV. We have the most delightful little
guy in the world, who is five and just started
school this year. He is learning to sew with me,
and we are enjoying making costumes together.
We would really love to have a cat, but I don’t
think I would stop sneezing.
Why this particular craft? Sewing just makes
sense to me. It quietens my mind and makes mefeel good. It also makes me feel connected to my
late mother, as she was a fantastic seamstress
and knitter. And sewing for kids is lots of fun.
Have you tried plenty of others? I’ve always
been crafty, my Dad having once described
me as an “indoor girl”. I’ve made earrings and
done lots of card-making, knitting, crochet,
cross stitch, leatherwork, kids’ party theming
and baking in the past, but sewing was
always my main craft.
Any funny stories along the way? There have
been many garments that ended up ‘funny’ and
thus not worn. I didn’t think that was funny at
the time but I can recall a few garments that
would’ve looked hilarious.
If you weren’t doing this, what would occupy
your time? If I weren’t teaching sewing and
working on my blog, I’d be back doing event
management. My main career has been
organising sales conferences, product launches
and parties. Weddings were my favourite event
to plan, as there was always lots of love in the
room! Oh, and seeing the dress is always exciting.
Who taught you your crafting skills? My mother
and grandmother were fantastic seamstresses
and knitters. I grew up with the sound of the
sewing machine buzzing, scissors cutting fabric
and knitting needles click-clacking. I started
sewing at 10 years of age, to join in with my
mother. She very sadly passed away when I was
12, and one way I continue to feel connected to
her is through sewing. I’m often found having
a chat with her at my sewing machine!
Any good stories from those lessons? All I can
take away from that now is that I spent that
precious time with my mother and grandmother,
and they were able to hand that skill down to me.
What does this craft mean to you? Sewing
means the world to me. It has got me through
some tough times in my life, and I’ve only just
realised in the past few years that I can’t
function without sewing.Is it hard to find time to do it or is it a
profession? While I do teach sewing and
organise sewing events, I find it hard to find
time to sew for myself. I have grand plans for
a fabulous handmade wardrobe but time and
life get in the way.
From where do you draw inspiration?
Instagram is a fairly new medium for me but
one that is totally inspirational. I love to see
what people are making and with what fabric.
I’m more aware of new products and fabrics
because of it, too. I love that you can search a
pattern name in the hashtags to see it in many
different variations before purchasing the
pattern or choosing fabric; it’s very helpful.
Why this skill – and this style? Garment
sewing, in particular, is what I’m drawn to
most. Kids’ clothes are fun and quick and easy
to make. You can be creative with fabrics,
trims and motifs and not have to worry too
much about all the fitting issues.
What are your favourite materials to work
with? I love working with denim, cottons,
lawns, voiles and linen. Silks drive me a bit
crazy. I’m also learning to work with leather
and am enjoying the raw nature of that. Still
trying to be a better knit/stretch sewer, though!
Do you teach your skills to others? My main
business is teaching adults and kids to sew.
I just love seeing people’s confidence grow
with just one lesson. My favourite moment
of all my lessons was when a delightful little
nine-year-old student looked at me with a big
smile on her face and said, “I am so proud of
myself.” My heart exploded with love and pride.
Any embarrassing botch-ups along the way?
Oh, there have been many unfinished projects
along the way. I don’t know what I was thinking
when I made sack dress out of tartan. I looked
like Wee Willie Winkie in a nightdress. And I do
get a bit embarrassed when I think about that
time I sewed through my finger – whoops!Gett ing to know ...
CAROLINE’S
POCKET TIP
You can be as creative as you
like with the pockets. Use a
contrasting fabric, edge the tops
with bias binding, or add ricrac
or pompoms along the edges.CAROLINE’S
WEARABILITY
TIP This is a year-round
garment, not just a summer
sundress. For winter, make it in a
heavier cotton, corduroy or even
denim and layer a long-sleeve
top and leggings underneath.Fish