A Janome maker, lifestyle and travel blogger, Connie also runs an online store selling handcrafted accessories. Melbourne based Connie Cao shares her sewing journey with us on the blog today.

How did your sewing journey begin?

My mum has been sewing and making clothes ever since I was born so I have always watched her and wanted to learn how to sew myself. However I first formally learnt sewing using a sewing machine when I was in school.

What do you make?

When I first started my online store, many years ago, I was selling handmade headbands and hair bows. These days I sew as a hobby to create things around the home. I love having a sewing machine on hand to create various small projects around the house, and to re-purpose or upcycle fabrics. Or to create simple things yourself instead of buying them!

My sewing space is…

My dining table! At the moment I prefer to sew on my dining table so I can be in and amongst the action at home. Lucky for us we have a large dining table which was totally part of the plan of wanting to turn it into a part-time craft table.

What’s a typical day like for you?

I usually start my day with a morning walk with our papillon Toro. Then I spend the rest of my morning before the work day begins in the garden watering, harvesting and doing some maintenance. My work day consists of emails, editing, photography & creating products for my online store, and so on. And evenings I love to focus on personal projects but usually end up doing more work!

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on a few sewing projects and ideas to create some useful things around the house to help reduce waste / be more sustainable at home.

Your best sewing advice is…

I think lots of people are afraid to get started with sewing but I assure you you can do it! Even if you have to sew at a really slow speed.

Practice always makes perfect and I love imperfect pieces because they are always special and personal. Something made by the hand and heart.

Share something people don’t know about you…

The first time I used a dishwasher was last Christmas!

Follow Connie on Instagram and her blog – Connie and Luna