Hi! Welcome to my blog, where I write about sewing, crafting, DIY-ing and living in Shanghai! I'm an Australian, living in China's financial capital with my Husband and small son... we're arty types though, so you'll get to see a different side to this busy metropolis. I love sewing clothes but here on the blog I write about most of the things I make, the things I get up to and different perspectives on art, culture, fashion and travel.
I taught myself to sew following my mum's vintage patterns using thrifted/op shopped floral bedsheets (a great way to start sewing) in the early 2000s and then the internet came along strong & stocked full of tutorials and techniques, so I've since gathered up a lot more sewing skills thanks to you guys! Blogging about sewing has increased my body confidence, my sewing skills but also has helped me get in touch with so many amazing people around the world. In Shanghai I've been learning some different skills at Couture Nomad, a small boutique sewing school, but I've also been welcomed into the local blogging community with open arms through the Shanghai Blogging Society.
I started writing here in 2007, under this snazzy pseudonym Veronica Darling (full story why here), but by 2016 it's tricky being an undercover seamstress blogger and meeting people face to face is on the rise as I branch out in my new city. My usual career in Australia is a radio producer with triple j, and the ABC, so while in Shanghai, I'm working on different storytelling projects (video, writing stories and more to come) while helping others to share their stories through Shanghai Blogging Workshops together with M on the Bund.
So please, call me Amelia, when we meet because who knows where in the world we'll be next! And PLEASE if you're coming to China, drop me a line, I can point you in the right direction for fabric & crafty shopping!
Over the years, blogging and sewing, I've made many different things! I'm drawn to different patterns & textiles but my style changes a lot, not with fashion just with my mood... so the things I create are definitely vintage inspired but always a little in the modern world.
I hope you have a great look around my blog, there's plenty to look at in the archives, or in the last year... or send me a note below!
