Meet our talented tutors - Margaret Postings - Dressmaking

Introducing... 

What first drew you to your craft ? 

Watching my grandmother work 'magic', or what seemed to be magic to my child's eyes, on a (treadle) sewing machine.

What's your crafting background?

I've been sewing all my life.

Did you train professionally as a dressmaker/tailor or are you self taught? 

I was taught by many people. Firstly my Nana, then my mother, the nuns at my school and finally I was taught tailoring by a professional.

What are your main sources of inspiration? 

Fashion, people watching and sewing patterns.

Who's been the biggest influence on your career so far?

My tailoring tutor, Dorothy Green, and my grandmother.

What's the best thing about being a crafter?  

Creating something beautiful from a flat piece of fabric

Do you do any other crafts in your spare time, apart from what you specialise in?

I knit a bit, but not brilliantly and I enjoy working and creating with leather too.

What's you're the best thing you've ever made?

My Chanel style jacket I made it about 10 years ago and its still looks brill. I love it!

Have you ever made a creative mistake? 

Too many to fit in here...but we learn from our mistakes!

And your favourite tool or material?

My sewing machine I couldn't live without it. After people and pets it's what I'd save in a fire.

Where can we see your work?

By coming on a Ministry of Craft course! 

What have you got coming up in the future?

Hopefully I'll be expanding the courses I teach to leather clutch bags and a faux fur coats just in time for Christmas.

If you'd like to come along to one of Margaret's course she'll be teaching Stretch yourself: Sew a jersey top and Totally tailored: Sew a lined straight skirt.