Distinctive Sewing Supplies

Jane Pray

Margaret Islander promoted a sewing method based on industrial shortcuts adapted for the home machine. Although many of the techniques are based on factory methods, Margaret was quick to point out that her aim was to make sewing a joyful experience. She believed "Sewing is an art form. If you look at it as just practical, you will miss the joy."

The Islander Sewing System emphasizes that the key to creativity is total awareness of materials and machines. The techniques are so deceptively simple that they become second nature. This means that you can quickly turn your ideas into reality without having to resort to complicated and cumbersome methods.

Margaret's niece Janet Pray has an educational background in business and fine art. Self employed since 1981 as a fiber artist, fiber arts teacher and sewing instructor. She has exhibited her award winning works across the US at many fine juried art fairs, Renaissance Festivals, galleries and boutiques. In 1998 she produced patterns for three of her most popular coat and cape designs and in 2002 the first set of 3 professional shirt patterns, which include revolutionary pattern guides designed with the Islander Sewing Systems techniques.

Ms. Pray has authored the book, "Islander Sewing Systems I, For Personal and Professional Sewing and is the president of The American Sewing Expo, Inc. which produces the largest independent annual Fashion Sewing, Quilting and Fiber Arts Expo in the United States.