"If you like to sew, after you learn our techniques you will LOVE to sew!" Islander Sewing Systems has unique products and methods that cut your sewing time in half while creating a more professional looking garment. We offer DVDs and books that allow you to see the techniques just as if you were looking over our shoulder. The patterns in the Islander Sewing Systems line are timeless, classic and provide innovative industry sewing techniques and professional tips. All of our products are designed to make sewing fun and easy!.
I Want to Teach the World to Sew!
It always seems so cliché’ but it’s true for me too, I loved the idea of sewing from the age of 5. When I first saw my grandmother create a doll dress without a pattern right in front of my eyes, I thought it was nearly magic! At age ten I made it my mission to learn how to sew from my grandmother who lived more than 200 miles away. So each time we visited I would take a new project that included a technique I wanted to learn, from pockets, to linings and even bound buttonholes. The time I wanted to learn how to install a zipper, I took a break to play outside and when I returned, much to my disappointment, grandma had install the zipper, perfectly of course. I realized then I had never told her of my motives to learn the process. When she knew I really wanted to learn, it was game-on!
As a pre-teen I had the privilege of spending the summer in Southern California with my aunt, Margaret Islander. At that time, she was just learning some of the techniques that would one day be known as the Islander Sewing Systems. I enjoyed going to work with her one evening a week where I would see the industrial equipment used to train sewing machine operators for the garment industry. Over the years Margaret would share more of the techniques I needed when I began selling items I made with my sewing machine. I learned a wealth of knowledge on better sewing techniques and this information allowed me to hire private contractors to sew my products. These contractors were really home sewers until I taught them industry techniques that allowed them to sew from home and make a very reasonable hourly wage. I paid them by the piece but taught them the fastest way to make it. Win-win!
During the years I was conducting my sewing production business, I would often accompany Margaret when she was invited to teach at trade shows and special events. Her style of teaching was enthusiastic and engaging and I always try to carry on that tradition. When Margaret retired she asked me to continue her mission to teach home sewers that sewing can be more fun, faster and better, than they know. What an honor and a pleasure for me to share all of her special information and now some of my own, with other sewers. I am one of the lucky who work at what we love and therefore it doesn’t even seem like work, more like play. When I share this information I can see it in the eyes of the students how excited and happy they are to know a better way to sew. Nearly a day goes by without someone emailing or calling telling their story of how happy they are having learned our techniques and their only regret is they hadn’t learned it earlier. I cannot imagine enjoying anything more and I feel so blessed to be on this mission, all I can say is: “I want to teach the world to sew!”
Margaret’s original videos are still popular products sold on our website along with the book I wrote outlining her most popular video and live class, Industrial Shortcuts! I have now developed a line of sewing patterns with pattern guides that include industry techniques. My latest patterns titled “Express” include an express method for construction order. Currently I have 5 online classes on Craftsy.com, accept invitations to teach around the country and in Canada and I love every minute of it all!
Sincerely Sew,
Janet Pray – Happy Sewing!!
You can contact us at:
IslanderSewing@comcast.net or by phone at 248-889-5091.
Mailing Address:
1385 Clyde Road
Highland, MI 48357