Janome Maker – Connie Cao

 

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

 

Stitch Elongation

 

Introduced originally on the Memory Craft 6000 in 1983, the stitch elongation function is a feature, on many of the current Janome computerised sewing machines

Stitch Elongation allows for specific satin stitches to be sewn at different lengths, without having to change the stitch density or stitch coverage of the stitch no matter the length of the stitch.

Using the stitch elongation function, the satin stitches can be sewn at their normal length or at x 2, x 3, x 4 or x 5 times the length of the normal stitch length.

Common satin stitches which can be elongated

When using the stitch elongation function, you can create unique stitch patterns, combinations and embroideries using your sewing machine. Plus, you can adjust the individual stitch width and length within a stitch combination or when elongating the individual stitch.

Try out stitch elongation with this fun project below. We would love to see what you create using stitch elongation, post a picture to our socials to let us know.

Click for instructions to make a Decorative Stitched Mug Rug

 

Current Models with Stitch Elongation Function

  • Memory Craft 15000 Quilt Maker
  • Skyline S9
  • Memory Craft 9850
  • Continental M7 Professional
  • Memory Craft 9450QCP
  • Memory Craft 8200QCP
  • Memory Craft 6700P
  • Memory Craft 6650
  • Skyline S7
  • Skyline S6
  • Skyline S3
  • 5300QDC
  • 4300QDC
  • 780DC
  • 740DC