Diseños Milagros, Book of Cut and Modern Sewing
by Milagros Martínez Machado
Diseños Milagros was made with the idea of sharing classes or workshops on clothing in general that is, for children, men and women and created with a simple to understand language. If the instructions are followed properly, you will get the perfect pattern, which in turn will lead you to achieve a good suit, which suits your figure with great style.
This project has been studied for many years. Throughout our study we realized that in this field of fashion there are few publications in Spanish, both in the school system and at bookstores throughout the country. On an international level publishers are searching for all types of literature in Spanish. This places a high level of interest, especially in the countries of Central and South America. This book of Milagros’ Designs, causes great interest for all those who promote the education of the minority class. For those who do not have a trade. This book promises to train great professionals in the field of fashion; men in particular have been great designers such as Valentino, Oscar De La Renta, and others who have great boutiques of exclusive clothes around the world.
My greatest inspiration has been my sons Henry Salinas and Richard Delgado and I dedicate this project to them, as well as to the women who have had to raise their children alone and who through this book can acquire the means to get ahead and have a lucrative profession and be successful.
Special thanks to my good friend Julia Zurita who believed in my idea and was always by my side as I made this dream a reality.
Milagros Martínez Machado was born in Havana, Cuba, on January 12, 1966. Daughter of Milagros Machado and Ricardo Martínez. Despite having been raised within the communist system of Fidel Castro’s regime in Cuba, her childhood was very beautiful and humble with her four siblings, whom she always remembers very dearly.
Since she was little girl, she demonstrated her love for sewing and fortunately for her, in front of her house lived Mrs. Marta Alfonzo, a well-known seamstress in the neighborhood, who had graduated from the Elia Rodriguez Rocha system. Milagros began to receive cutting and sewing classes. Acquiring a lot of knowledge and learning how to transform patterns. Then while learning she did all the finishing work in the seams that Marta was making. Later, she attended a small course that the Cuban government gave in the Cotorro Municipality that was called Ana Betancour.
Years later, Marta died, and Milagros continued to be part of her work. She also received the qualification of Seamstress A in men’s clothing for a government factory in Cuba that was located in Alverro, Cotorro. When she began her studies at the university, on February 12, 1991, she traveled to the United States with a Humanitarian Visa due to health problems with her son, Henry Salinas. Who was a recipient of a kidney transplant that his father donated. The transplant was carried out at The University of Miami. During all that time she was helping with the household with her knowledge in sewing, making clothing for friends and acquaintances. She devoted herself to making wedding dresses for brides and their bridesmaids.
She became a Volunteer as a Public Relations Officer, for more than seven years she dedicated her time to promoting the myths and realities of transplantation in Hispanic communities and helped many families to receive information and support. She was featured on different television channels such as 51, channel 23 and channel 4 of Miami. She was invited to the programs of Don Francisco and Cristina. Then she appeared in different radio stations within Miami such as, Radio Mambí and the WBQA.
In 1997, her second son Richard Delgado was born, who brought both Milagros and Henry his brother, an immense happiness. Milagros continued taking care of her children while working at home. The family moved to Homestead where Milagros continued with her promotion in favor of organ transplantation, achieving that members of the group Los Tigres del Norte donate $5 of each ticket to the concerts in favor of organ donation.
At Florida International University she obtained her certification as a Nutritionist. She obtained a master’s degree in Psychology from the UNPI International Our Pact University. She continued her studies and successfully completed the studies of Theology at the Hispanic Institute of Theology, being a pioneer of the First Hispanic Lutheran Ministry of West Palm Beach. She also studied to work as a Volunteer Teacher of the Day Care Head Start Program. For health reasons she retired from the Ministry and but she still teach English classes she for Hispanics at Our Savior Church in Lake Worth.
Along with lawyers Irvin Gonzalez and Jose Lagos, she was an activist for the TPS Law for immigrants. She also collaborated with the Association of Cuban Art and Culture of West Palm Beach, making the costumes of all the presentations that the organization made. She was the Producer of the television program “La Pelota Infantil” on channel 12, local West Palm Beach. She also hosted her own radio show on 1340AM in Lake Worth. She ventured into producing and directing the “La Voz de West Palm Beach “talk show program in the mentioned radio station in Lake Worth, along with her son Henry Salinas.