Let’s start with your name, and without revealing too much about your age, could you share how long you’ve been a member of The Quilters’ Guild?

Hi, my name is Alison Mayall, and I think I joined The Quilter's Guild in 2011

What inspired you to join our Guild? We'd love to hear what you enjoy most about your membership.

My C&G tutor, Barbara Weeks, told us about The Guild and strongly suggested we join... and I'm so glad she did! Membership of The Guild is like being a member of a large, fun, creative family...spanning the whole UK and beyond.

What region are you a member of?

I'm a member of Region 7. Since joining the regional committee as web editor, I've enjoyed meeting many people from the four counties that comprise our region. It's great putting faces to names ...

How and when did you start quilting? Was there an individual or specific event that stands out as the catalyst?

Like many people of my era, my first patchwork piece [a small placemat] was made from Laura Ashley fabric squares in about 1978. I dabbled on and off for many years, but when our family moved to Houston in 1988, I started quilting classes at my local quilt shop.

What was your first sewing machine?

The first sewing machine I ever used was my mother's Singer 99k hand-crank machine. My first sewing machine was a second-hand Husqvarna machine bought in 1976.

Are there any artists (quilters or otherwise) that you particularly admire?

I love the work of Cindy Grisdela, Jo Avery and Cheryl Arkison. All modern quilters, which may be why I like the work of artists Wassily Kandinski and Piet Mondrian.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration in many places, but mostly in nature and my travels.

What are your favourite techniques and materials?

I love improv piecing- I love to sew, improve curves, wonky stars, and improv log-cabin blocks. I work primarily with cottons and love the more graphic prints and solids. I also love to use my own hand-dyed fabric.

What's your favourite quilt/alt. piece you've made and why? (We know this might be like choosing a favourite child!)

Today, I really like the quilt I made for the 2021 Modern group challenge, although I only finished it after the deadline.

What is one thing you can't live without in your quilting room/space?

My sewing machine! After that, I would have to say, my rotary cutter and cutting mat!

What is your proudest quilting moment?

I started in 2010, doing the C&G certificate with Barbara Weeks and continued through to my diploma, finishing this in 2014. I also felt proud when someone purchased my C&G certificate quilt. I was so surprised someone wanted to buy one of my pieces!

Have you ever had a project that made you want to give up quilting altogether or, at the very least, not finish it?

Not yet, but like many people, I have several WIPs - mostly waiting to be quilted. They will all get quilted- someday!

Do you have any upcoming projects, exhibitions, or talks you'd like to share with everyone?

The Modern group will have a gallery at the Festival of Quilts in August, and some of my pieces will be on display.

Please share any social media handles or a personal website you would like to promote

Please follow me on Instagram at @flowerpowerquilts