Meet our talented tutors - Sam Moylan - Sewing and papercraft

Introducing...

One of the foundation stones of Ministry of Craft - Sam Moylan. She was the first ever tutor to be interviewed back in 2009, and has created no less than nine different courses. Her skills span from sewing to papercraft to felting with a few experimental skills thrown in, such as plastic bonding!

Sam is best know for teaching our Conquer your sewing machine course and has taught over 1,000 people to sew over the last 5 years.

Sam also keeps Ministry on track every busy Saturday by making sure that our customers and tutors have everything they need in the studios. 

What first drew you to your craft ?

Just before my son was born my husband bought me a Janome sewing machine, I haven't stopped sewing since.   


Did you train professionally as a sewist or are you self taught?

I'm self taught in all the crafts I do. I research what I need to learn and practice and practice. I love the challenge that comes from working out how to do something then using that knowledge to develop the project.

What are your main sources of inspiration? 

I find inspiration everywhere. YouTube, Google! Pinterest, is an amazing site, such a lot of talented people out there. 

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

I think working as a tutor at Ministry of Craft has had a major influence on my career path. 

What’s the best thing about being a crafter?

To be able to make something yourself, which is also good enough for other people.

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

I do lots of other crafts, at the moment I'm enjoying all aspects of paper crafting such as decoupage, printing, stamping and embossing. 

What’s the best thing you’ve ever made?

My son !!! He's a real work of art...

Have you ever made a creative mistake?

I made lots in the beginning. I think mistakes in any area of life teach us such a lot but with the creative aspect of craft a mistake can sometimes lead to a wonderful discovery - you remember the mistakes and they help you to advance.

And your favourite tool or material?

My Janome Sewing machine and Janome overlocker

What’s your favourite crafty anecdote or story?

I get lots of ideas some really good, some way off the mark, but there's always "The ONE". When mobile phones first came out they were big and when people were on the bus their voices were loud and repetitive in their conversations.

I invented a sound proof phone box that could be worn on your head when travelling on public transport. Thank goodness mobile phone technology moved on, otherwise you might all be wearing the portable "Mob Box" in a choice of colours...    

Where can we see or buy your work?

I'm working on a website and a new exciting product at the moment.

What have you got coming up in the future?

I have a few projects in the pipeline, one of which may lead to a possible business opportunity. However nothing is concrete, but watch this space!