Behind the Stitches: Mary Mayne

Join us weekly for "Behind the Stitches," our blog series where we interview quilters with 15 insightful questions. Discover their quilting journeys, inspirations, favourite techniques, and more. Explore what makes each quilter unique and find common threads in our shared passion.

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

Mary Mayne, I became a member of the Guild within a couple of years of the start.

What inspired you to join our Guild?

We'd love to hear what you enjoy most about your membership. I was a relatively new quilter, with no books or workshops to advise me, and I was entirely self-taught, so it was great when the Guild arrived!

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

I am a member of Region 7. I'm not sure "unique" is the right word, but Region 7 has so many talented quilters, some great friends with a great sense of humour and always willing to help and advise when needed.

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

I saw a lady piecing hexagons together, using scraps from her dressmaking days, this was in 1962. I had lots of scraps from dressmaking, so I came home, made a (supposedly) hexagon cardboard template and made a few 100 patches, put them in a bag ready to piece together to make my first amazing quilt! When I tried to fit them together they didn't work like my friends! It was pointed out to me that I had made an OCTOGAN template, so all my patches, when put together, gave me rows of 1" square holes at regular intervals! I didn't give up, I just filled each hole with scraps of SALECLOTH!

What was your first sewing machine?

I can’t remember the make, but it was my mother’s old machine; it was hand-powered and straight stitch only.

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

Desire Amsdon was the very first I heard of. Nancy Crow was another. There are so many today, but I must mention Sarah Hibbert and Janet Bolton. Sarah's quilts are so strong, and Janet's little panels so delicate.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Anything around me. Windows in buildings, houses, pegs, doodles, my son’s trainers, knitting, and I will try anything that catches my eye. I love a challenge.

What are your favourite techniques and materials?

Cotton fabrics are my primary materials. I love machine applique, but patchwork is also a favourite. I design my own quilts, big and small, and these techniques are challenged in most of my designs.

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

The one I have just completed, I get a real sense of achievement when working on the final stitch.

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

The clutter I surround myself with. It makes me feel at home with myself. It's taken a long time to accumulate so many fabrics, threads, novelties from family, books, threads on the carpet and dust!

What is your proudest quilting moment?

Without a doubt, I am so proud to have been made an Honorary Member of the Guild. xx

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

What quilter hasn’t? Perhaps not give up, but I do have a few UFOs.

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

I retired from talks and teaching 12 years ago after my daughter passed away. I feel the need to ALWAYS make entries for FoQ, and I LOVE challenges.

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

You can find me on Instagram at marymayne97

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