Maria Breslin

Maria Breslin teaches sewing skills to people with all levels of experience in the West Midlands.  She is also a qualified trainer for Brother & Janome.  You can find her website here: http://www.breslinsewingcourses.co.uk/  In this interview we find out more about Maria, how she learnt to sew and what she teaches.

Starting at the beginning, what first piqued your interest in sewing and how did you learn to sew?

My Mum worked in a small clothing factory and would bring home oddments of material.  I just started making odd bits and pieces from theses off cuts and just enjoyed creating various peg bags purses etc.  Firstly I made everything by hand and then my parents purchased a second hand Jones Sewing Machine for me and I taught myself how to sew.

What is your background (qualifications, experience, previous jobs)?

I have a HND in Clothing Studies and have over the years made bespoke clothing for people,  I was lucky enough to work for a while with one of my ex lecturer’s, where I gained a lot of knowledge in respect of pattern drafting.

At what point did you decide sewing was the career for you?  Did you always plan to teach sewing?

I hadn’t planned on a career in the sewing business,  I worked for many years for British Rail (as it was then known) before embarking on a career change. I had always continued my interest in sewing though.

What subjects do you teach? 

I cover a wide variety of subjects from basic sewing skills to bridal wear.  I also do machine training and embroidery software training.

Do you teach on a one to one basis or in groups?

I do group training, small groups, a maximum of four, as well as bespoke one to one training.

Where do you run your courses and what do people need to bring with them?

My courses are held at D C Nutt’s Sewing Machines, Bloxwich, West Midlands. For the  basic sewing courses people only need to bring a packed lunch, sewing machines are provided along with tea and coffee. For overlocker courses and machine embroidery courses people are required to bring their own machines.

Are all your courses for machine sewers or are any suitable for hand sewers?

Most of my course would require people to use a sewing machine.

What abilities are they suitable for?

I offer courses for beginners through to the experienced sewer.

Which courses are your most popular?

At the moment one to one training and embroidery software are the most popular.

On a personal basis do you have a preferred type of sewing?

I enjoy all types of sewing, but especially enjoy speed tailoring.

Is there anything you would still like to learn sewing wise?

I am always looking for techniques to expand my sewing repertoire. Never stop learning!

Any new courses planned for the future?

At the moment I am introducing project days, such as lace making using the amazing embroidery machines, that are now available.  I am also planning to offer an embroidered quilt making course. This would involve making a block a month , followed by putting the quilt together.

Quick fire round:

Worst sewing disaster?

My worst sewing disaster was a green sheath dress, just looked awful when finished, learned a lot about selecting fabrics for the correct silhouette and interlinings from this project.

Best thing ever made?

To date the best thing I ever made was my niece’s wedding dress and the bridesmaid dresses. My daughter was one of the bridesmaids so it was an incredibly special project.

Favourite sewing machine?

My favourite sewing machines are the Brother Innovis 1 and 4000.  These are both amazing sewing and embroidery machines.

Favourite overlocker?

Have to say my very old overocker is still my favourite, which is a Bernette, Funlock 007D. 

Favourite fabric designer?

I don’t particularly have a favourite fabric designer, I select fabrics depending on the drape I require, then colour.  I do like silk fabrics and natural fibres.

Person you look up to?

I look up to Claire Shaeffer, her insight to sewing and construction is just brilliant.

Favourite sewing book(s)?

I just love sewing books and I think my favourite one has to be Bridal Couture by Susan Khalje.  This book is just packed with loads of brilliant information.

Favourite sewing website (other than The Sewing Directory and your own of course!)?

This is a difficult one, as I spend a lot of time surfing the net looking for fabrics and haberdashery, but if I had to select one then Fabric Land www.fabricland.co.uk .  Great selection of trimmings and lots of fabrics for project work.

Favourite sewing magazine?

I really enjoy ‘Sew Today’ magazine.