Janome Maker – Amanda Adams

 

Museum educator by day, sassy sewist by night, Australian maker Amanda Adams has a pretty full schedule. The self-taught dressmaker has been sewing for 7 years, churning out amazing new wardrobe pieces for herself, and taking Instagram by storm with her #bpSewvember – a photo a day challenge.

We recently caught up with Amanda to learn more about her sewing life.

When did you start sewing?

My mum showed me the basics of using a sewing machine in my 90s-grunge teen years and I made up a few basic skirts while at uni. Work and life got in the way and I forgot about sewing until it was time to make my wedding dress.

After seeing a gorgeous dress that there was no way I could afford I spent three months working with a talented friend of mine to sew up my frock. It was such a joyful, creative and collaborative experience and I was hooked.

Armed with Google, YouTube and penchant for asking questions at fabrics stores, I have been slowly teaching myself the fun of taking pieces of cloth and creating something amazing.

What do you create?

I generally create pieces for my wardrobe. Sewing allows me to experiment with styles, designs and fabric I would not think to try in ready to wear. I’ve made corsets, jeans, swimsuits and lots more for the sheer joy of trying something new. But let me be clear – they are not always wins!

Tell us where you find ideas…

I find a lot of my inspiration online via Instagram, blogs and Pinterest. There are so many talented sewists out there! I also check out ready-to-wear and have been known to take a stealth photo when I’m out and about if I see someone is something cool.

Has your style changed much over the years?

I think my personal style has definitely evolved throughout my sewing journey. I used to favour a lot of vintage inspired fit and flare dresses in big prints. I’m now embracing the solid fabric, subtler prints and a focus on comfort and interesting design lines.

My sewing style has evolved as well. While I still love a quick sewing win (all hail the power of the knit fabric!) I also enjoy working on fit and finish. There is something satisfying about slowing down and investing time into a garment that you will be loving and wearing for years.

What’s a typical day like for you?

My days are pretty similar – dog walk, work, run, hang with my husband, check out what’s happening on Instagram and some sewing.

With moving house and starting a new job in the last couple of months, I’ve really embraced the power of sewing snippets.  I put an alarm on my phone for 15 minutes and have a ninja sew before or after work. It’s amazing how much you can get done!

We heard you are getting a new sewing room…

We’re in the process of unpacking in our new house and I am slowly setting the space up. My new sewing room has amazing light and lots of room to move. I’m looking forward to working out where everything will go and to nail down some good storage solutions.

What’s next on your sewing list?

I’ve got far too many projects on the burner! A fitted blazer for work, a velvet wrap dress for a wedding and I recently splurged on a kit to make a Pendleton wool clutch bag. Also I’ve just completed a course on drafting a pants block so after I finish the final tweaks on that I am going on a pants making binge. Just you wait!

Your best sewing advice is…

Press those seams! And don’t forget sewing is meant to be fun. If it’s frustrating you it’s time to put the project down and have some gin.

Share something people don’t know about you…

I studied Mandarin Chinese for nine years!

Follow Amanda’s sewing journey on Instagram and her blog – Bimble & Pimble.

 

Janome Australia Launches One-Push Air Threading System

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANOME AUSTRALIA WEDNESDAY JUNE 20, 2018: Janome, a leading innovator and global leader in sewing machines have launched the highly anticipated AirThread 2000D Professional overlocker.

Janome AirThread 2000D Professional unites ease-of-use with the specialised function of an advanced overlocker. The machine features a new threading system with a lever ratchet mechanism that uses a blast of air to blow the threads through the loopers. Combined with a built-in needle threader, AirThread 2000D Professional is our easiest overlocker to thread.

The user-friendly design also extends to the dials, easily accessed without a side cover. Users can easily adjust the cutting width to ensure stitches sit correctly on the edge of the fabric, even on curves whether the fabric is bulky or fine. The cleverly integrated stitch length and differential feed dials can be adjusted to the perfect setting for your fabric whether sewing stretch or lightweight fabrics.

Jojo Yamada, Managing Director, Janome Australia said, “We are confident that this new, top of the line, heavy duty overlocker will win the hearts of professional tailors and dedicated home sewists alike. The technology we use is robust and reliable; it will redefine the sewing experience for users, allowing them to be more creative, productive and precise.”

The AirThread 2000D Professional will be released on June 20, 2018 in Australia. Contact your local Janome retailer to learn more about the new product or to book a time to preview the machine in person. Visit www.staging.janome.com.au for further information and to locate your local retailer.

Click here to download the Janome AirThread 2000D Professional Press Release in pdf.

Cover Hem Guide Attachment – Accessory Of The Month June 2018

 

Created to be use with the Janome CoverPro machines this excellent attachment makes hemming a breeze. The hemming guide folds over a consistent width of fabric for you, making it easy to form hems, cuffs and other finished edges. When sewing the hem of a tubular item such as a skirt, you can press the release button as you near the finish to release the guide and then finish the rest of the hem. Working with the attachment enables for movement to still be possible in the hem of the garment once complete.

This Accessory of the Month has a bonus project for you to make using the Cover Hem Guide Attachment.

Download brochure here

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

You asked. We answered. Here are some of our frequently asked questions…

Frequently Asked Question #4: How many stores does Janome Australia own? Actually, none. All Janome stockists are independently owned businesses. From sewing shops to fabric boutiques, electrical specialist stores to gift shops and embroidery speciality chains, there is a wealth of knowledge and diversified expertise in our dealer network.

Frequently Asked Question #18: My machine needs a repair. Why is this not covered under warranty even though it is less than one year old? Depending on the issue and how it occurred, not all repairs are covered under Janome warranty. Wear and tear on expendable parts such as needles, light bulbs and bobbin cases are not covered under warranty as these parts can commonly require replacement from time to time*.

*For full terms and conditions, click here. This policy is in addition to your statutory rights.

Frequently Asked Question #7: Help! My dealer store has moved. Who should I contact for support now? Did you know that Janome has over 170 dealers Australia wide? You can visit any store in our dealer network to get help and support no matter where you originally purchased your Janome machine. Click here to find a list of authorised dealers closest to you.

Plus you can sign up to our hugely popular newsletter to receive monthly tips and advice on Janome products.

Frequently Asked Question #11: Can Janome software operate on an Apple Mac? Yes, Janome software will run on a Mac but Windows will need to be installed on the Mac. Contact Apple support centre form more information about how to do this. Software will need to be purchased to enable the Mac to run as both a PC and Mac operating system.