About Me

Hi, I’m Carmen Grantham. I live in Adelaide, Australia, with my husband and teenage son. I love sewing and blog about my sewing adventures, plus my other interests.

I learnt to sew in high school, and have continued developing my skills ever since through books, YouTube videos, lessons and lots and lots of practice. I love the process, the challenges and the creative outlet that sewing provides.

The majority of sewing has been clothing for myself. In particular, pants. I have never had any success buying off-the-shelf pants that fit my wide hips and narrow waist, and after 20 years of sewing, I’m still improving my fitting skills. I’ve also sewn curtains, pillow covers, a graduation gown, a christening gown, a bridesmaid dress, shirts, jackets, bags, quilts, stuffed toys and lots more.

I have been a member of the Australian Sewing Guild for a number of years and have been the South Australian and National Newsletter Editor, as well as on the Social Media Team. I love connecting with sewing enthusiasts and gaining confidence in my sewing skills.

Professionally, I have worked as a computer programmer for nearly twenty years. After a few redundancies, breast cancer in my late thirties and a son with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I took a step back from work for a few years.

I’ve always wanted to have my own business, and I ran a handmade bags and accessories business, Sapphorium, for a number of years, selling at local craft markets and through my website and on Etsy. My bags ended up in places all around Australia, the US and Canada. The amount of sewing required affected my back, and with a family history of spinal issues, I had to stop and reassess what I really wanted to do.

When I reflected on what I loved about craft markets was talking with other sewists, so that was my next direction. Starting with online co-sewing sessions that developed into a membership program offering events and resources that inspire sewists to sew more. You can see all that I do at carmengrantham.com.

Want to see what I’m sewing? I regularly post photos of my works in progress on Instagram and put my finished projects on the blog here.

If you want to get in contact, please send me an email at carmen@madebycarmen.com.

In My Sewing Room