Behind the Stitches: Jane Mills

Let's your name, and without giving too much about your age, how long have you been a member of The Quilters' Guild?

Hello, my name is Jane Mills and I've been a member of The Guild for about 24 years, I think!

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

Meeting up with other members who share the same passion! I found a welcoming group of people who shared my passion and were prepared to include me and assist me in learning more about patchwork and quilting. I went to my first AGM at Southport and volunteered to work alongside Jan Rae to change the image of the Guild with some external funding. I was a member of the Council when we collaborated with Andrew Salmon and his team to establish the Festival of Quilts. I also became Joint Co-ordinator Region 3 Co-ordinator of Region 3 alongside Angela Giles. I loved the camaraderie of the committee meetings and organising Regional Days - it was fun not work! I have continued to regularly attend our Regional Days and the Festival of Quilts.

What region are you a member of? In your eyes, what makes your region so unique?

I'm a member of Region 3. I live on the Isle of Wight, a unique and quirky part of the region with beautiful, huge sea views, rural landscapes, and some industrial architecture.

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

I had always sewn - being tall meant long trousers and skirts were hard to find! Then I sewed clothes for three daughters as long as they would let me. Then, my sister in Virginia worked in a quilt shop. I visited her and the shop and bought a jelly roll - and left it on a shelf looking colourful. Then, one day, once I stopped being a volunteer at the local Women's Refuge, I found the jelly roll and pattern and made a little quilt called Texan Flowers! That was it - I researched and found quilters whose work I loved on sight - my little Texan Flowers is now used as a ‘curtain’ in the building where I work - a large wooden ’shed’ which is full of fabric and equipment.

What was your first sewing machine?

My first husband bought me a second-hand Singer to make curtains with—it was awful. Then I chose a Bernina, which cost £180 in about 1974!

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

Erica Carter, Philippa Naylor, Leah Higgins. Linda and Laura Kemshall. Esther Bornemitza. Leslie Morgan, Claire Benn, Roberta Dorothy Caldwell. Nancy Crow. Many more...

Where do you find your inspiration?

Where I live and my life. I also read a lot, and words are a source of great inspiration - especially, poetry and history.

What are your favourite techniques and materials?

My own hand dyed fabric and raw edged appliqué - now Earth Pigments have occupied my time for 6 months - I have even given away a heap of printed fabric as I am unlikely to use it! I had spent years using Procion dyes, acrylic paint and inks, and eco-printing - all of which I found very satisfying and I used in many quilts - mostly for the wall not the bed. But I am now exclusively using earth pigments - so easy to use and no toxicity at all!!

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

Reeds - it is minimalist.

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

Time! I know that my membership of the QGBI has sustained my enthusiasm and added to my knowledge and experience - always in a positive way!!

What is your proudest quilting moment?

Entering a quilt into the Festival of Quilts! A congratulatory hug from Claire Benn.

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

Some!

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

The Festival of Quilts 2025!