I originally connected with Mary D. via the Pattern Writing Course we both took in fall 2020 with Elizabeth of Quilter's Candy. Mary started her Etsy shop several years ago, but her quilt pattern writing business/membership started in January 2021. She has released several patterns, most recently releasing her Paws All Around Quilt just this September! She has had various guest pattern writers and speakers in her membership since it opened and she is creating an amazing space for the quilting community to meet and support quilt pattern designers of color. Learn more about Mary and her quilting membership and patterns below. Be sure to check out how you can connect with her and learn more about her patterns and membership at the bottom of the post!
Please explain your main creative area.
I’m a quilter, quilt pattern designer and host of online membership that features quilters of color.
Tell us about your business and what your favorite thing about your business is.
I design, write and sell quilt patterns. I also host an online membership website that features quilt pattern designers of color. Every other month I feature a new designer of color and their quilt pattern on my site for members to download. I also offer live Q&A with pattern designers and others in the quilting community. My goal is to recognize and bring awareness to quilt pattern designers of color. My favorite part of this whole process is making new friends in the quilting community.
(Pictured to the left is Mary’s Hum a Few Bars Quilt Pattern)
What has been your favorite make or creation so far?
Eek of all time? That’s a toughy. Probably the first quilt I ever made. It was a sampler wall hanging. With each block, you learned a new technique. I pieced by machine and quilted it by hand.
What is one tip you'd recommend to someone just getting started in your creative area?
Do what you love. Sew what makes you happy.
What are 3 words you'd use to describe your creative style?
- Fun
- Modern
- Colorful
Do you have an upcoming make, launch, or project that you are excited about?
Very excited about my latest quilt pattern, Paws All Around Quilt, that will be releasing at the end of September 2021.
(You can grab the Paws All Around Quilt in her shop here.)
What is one skill (either craft related or not) that you wish you knew how to do?
Not so much a skill, but I wish I was more confident. I’m learning that I can do anything I set my mind to.
What would your high school superlative be? (Most likely to...)
Most likely to start a sewing business. I began sewing garments in middle school. By my senior year, I was taking two class periods of Independent Sewing – I just loved sewing so much.
What's the oddest food you've ever tried and did you like it?
Honestly, I am not an adventurous eater. Calamari would be my oddest.
If you had to lose one of your five senses, which one would you give up and why?
Probably my hearing. As long as I can see, talk, touch, feel and taste – hearing would not be as important. I’m already good at using the closed captioning on my TV! haha
Lastly, where can the readers connect with you and see more of your work?
Website: www.marygoroundquilts.com
Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/marygoroundquilts
Instagram: @marygoroundquilts
Facebook: Facebook.com/marygoroundquilts
My membership can be found through my website, but here’s a direct link if you want to use it https://www.marygoroundquilts.com/quilt-membership/
IOFAT Creative Convos are bi-monthly short Q&A style blog posts that allow me, Katherine, to share other wonderful creatives and small business owners in not only the quilting space but in the creative textile space.
The goal is to provide a seat at the table for all types of small business creatives and to introduce my community to businesses that they may not have connected with yet.