INTERVIEW: Meet Mary, Vacilando’s Production Quilter
For the Scrap Collection, we gave our remote production team carte blanche and a few loose parameters to make whatever they dreamed up from our leftover fabric scraps. Each and every quilter and seamstress that we work with is wildly talented and creative in their own right - we wanted to provide an outlet for that creativity while repurposing our fabric scraps into something beautiful and useful.
Mary joined the Vacilando team in September 2020 as one of our production quilters right after a big cross country move. She’s a talented quilt pattern designer with a masters in creative writing, experience running her own quilting business, and a love of systems and efficiency. We’re grateful to have her keen eye for detail and calm demeanor keeping our pillow and wall quilt production smooth and steady.
We asked Mary a few questions about her background and sewing skills - let’s get to know her!
How long have you been quilting?
I started quilting about six years ago while pursuing my Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing & Poetry. During that time I felt a desire to channel my creative energy differently, to make something with my hands in order to give my mind a break. Those first few projects humbled me, but the challenge also drew me in and I became determined to improve. Quilting has since become an important form of creative expression for me and the steps of each new project, from ironing and cutting fabric to binding a quilt, are a calming ritual, demanding my patience and presence.
Where is your studio?
I recently turned one of our extra bedrooms into my studio and it’s wonderful to have my own space for sewing after sharing rooms with other purposes for many years. I’m still getting it set-up, but so far it’s been a very enjoyable and efficient place to work.
What machine do you use?
I sew on a Janome 6700P and Juki TL-2010Q.
Most valuable tool?
I don’t know if this counts as a “tool,” but I think the most valuable part of my sewing studio is my design wall (a large piece of batting pinned to the wall that fabric sticks to). I use it to audition designs or store pieced/in-progress quilt tops while keeping them wrinkle-free and out of the way. It’s become pretty central to my process over the years.
Favorite fabric color?
So hard to say and I feel like its always changing, but I’m generally most drawn to warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows).
Best sewing tip/hack?
I think my best sewing tip is to be willing to try new things and to explore what you want to make. I’ve found quilting to be an exciting process of self-discovery, both personally and creatively, and I don’t think that would be the case if I wasn’t willing to go beyond my comfort zone and follow my instincts and curiosities.
Squares + rectangles, triangles, or curves?
Curves! I’m embarrassed to admit that I had never sewn a curve prior to joining the Vacilando Studios team, but now they’re my favorite. I was intimidated by curves for many years, so if you’re like me in this respect I encourage you to give them a try! They do take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, it opens up a whole new world design-wise.
What’s your favorite thing about quilting/sewing?
Generally, my favorite thing about quilting is the satisfaction of being able to make something useful and beautiful with my hands. My favorite part of the process is probably quilting because it always seems to elevate and transform the piece I’m working on and its exciting to see that happen.
What's your least favorite thing about quilting/sewing?
My least favorite thing about quilting is probably the body aches that can go along with it. I’ve learned the hard way that basting a quilt is itself a full body workout and thus it’s not the best idea to work-out before basting a quilt. I do find that a lot of the soreness goes away over time as my body gets used to various repeated motions, however, and yoga helps a lot too.
Your favorite Vacilando piece?
This is again a hard question to answer because I love them all, but one of my favorite pieces to make is the Cottonwood Wall Quilt – I just love the texture and color of the Essex Homespun Roasted Pecan background fabric, the way the textures of the Essex Linen and Kona Cotton contrast, and the overall design.
Preferred drink + snack while you’re working?
Nothing too exciting -- I generally only allow water in the studio because I’m paranoid about spills, and I don’t generally snack when I sew (because I’m paranoid about getting things dirty!), but if I do it’s something simple like pretzels or crackers.
Preferred drink + snack after you’re done working?
I love kombucha or trying new beers from local breweries, and I also love making smoothies or smoothie bowls as a snack, especially in the summer.
What’s your most memorable travel moment?
Travel has always been an interest of mine, dating back to when I studied abroad in Italy as a sophomore in college. Travel and time spent in nature are important components of my creativity and overall well-being, and a particularly memorable travel experience was a trip my husband and I took to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2019. We explored Tent Rocks, El Morro, and Pecos National Monuments, visited the Georgia O'Keeffe museum, and hiked in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, perfectly combining my love of nature and art for a truly fulfilling experience that feels even more meaningful now as it was our last trip prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are you up to when you aren’t making quilts/sewing?
I spend most of my free time cooking, visiting antique and thrift stores, and spending time in nature either hiking or birdwatching.
Where can we find you on the interwebs?
You can find me on Instagram @azcoquilting.
