About the Quillow Queen

My name is Lesley McBreen, originally from England, I now reside in the town of Cochrane, nestled in the beautiful rolling Alberta Foothills. I have been sewing for much of my life, beginning as a young girl making little felt dolls, and progressing as a teenager to reverse-engineering a redesign project to fit me. I have always been fascinated by the art of “cardboard engineering” where some genius figures out how to make a flat piece of material into a complicated 3-dimensional box. I approach my sewing in much the same way. I see it as the combination of art and engineering (or geometry), where a fitted and 3-dimensional garment or other item is created out of something that starts out as a flat, and very flexible piece of fabric with no structure or shape. That is where the magic happens!

I love making beautiful and practical things, be they clothing, costumes, bags, quillows, or items for the home. I especially enjoy the fun of designing and creating patchwork cushions, particularly those including a personal photograph. Creating something that speaks to someone’s personal interests, passions or treasured memories, brings a special connection that makes not only the item itself, but the process of designing and creating it, so meaningful and worthwhile.

“Like” my Facebook Page to stay updated on what themes and products I am working on currently, and where and when to find me at a local market or craft fair.

I am largely self-taught but I have taken some amazing training courses with some top designers over the years. I have learned so much from them and keep being inspired to continually learn new things.

I have made a variety of things over the years, both for myself, my family and others - baby and children’s clothing, nursery furnishings, skirts, tops, jackets, dresses, pants, special occasion wear, costumes and bridesmaid dresses, as well as curtains, blinds, valances etc.

Download my new brochure here, and feel free to pass it on to your friends and family, especially if you have a special occasion coming up and are looking for a really unique way to honor and celebrate the event.

If you have a special project in mind, please send me an email to discuss. I hope very much to be able to make your special project dreams come true, whatever they may be.