I’m a 3rd (maybe 4th?) generation quilter. While my mother and grandmother prefer to hand-quilt, I can’t sit still for that long! I do all my work by machine, and my quilts are drastically different from theirs. I use bold prints and colors, often mixing patterns–these are not your grandma’s quilts!
Mary Woll
Random Facts About You?I'm a trivia-loving, science nerd, theatre geek who quilts :D
I work in technical theatre, both as a costume designer/wardrobe technician and as a stage manager with the Actor's Equity Association. I've spent a good chunk of the last three or so years touring, living out of suitcases in hotel rooms and on tour buses across the USA. I've met some fantastic people, and been to some amazing places--things I never would have been able to do if it weren't for my theatre gigs!
I love the outdoors--camping, hiking, horseback riding.
I've always loved spy movies. When I was a kid, I wanted to either work for the CIA or be a Bond Girl......aw, who am I kidding, I STILL want to be a Bond Girl!
What got you started crafting?
I've been doing almost everything art and craft related since I could hold a jumbo crayon! In fact, I think my mother still has some of my scribblings from when she had to tape the paper to the high-chair tray :)
My mother taught me how to sew when I was young. I pretty much forgot about it (except when I needed to hem a pair of pants or sew on a button) until I was in college and took my first costuming class. The rest is pretty much history. I've been sewing not only quilts, but anything from a Italian Renaissance dress to a Zoot Suit, and everything in between for countless theatrical productions. Because the theatre world can be unpredictable at times, I occasionally find myself sitting with long periods of time between gigs. That's when I decided to pick up quilting.
I'm a 3rd (maybe 4th?) generation quilter. While my mother and grandmother prefer to hand-quilt, I can't sit still for that long! I do all my work by machine, and my quilts are drastically different from theirs. I use bold prints and colors, often mixing patterns--these are not your grandma's quilts :) The technique that I use, "rag quilting" is relatively "new" as far as quilting goes. Yes, it has been around for a while--some historians estimate it started back with the Pioneers--but, that is still pretty "new" in terms of the history of quilts. I chose this style to concentrate on, because like me, its a bit frazzled at times, and really fun!
What is your source of inspiration?
For me, it's the fabric. I will literally walk up and down the rows and rows of fabric, looking for a color or pattern that jumps out at me and screams "Make something with me!". I love looking for the bold, mod, vintage-inspired, and unique prints---I will admit I am a sucker for paisley and pin-stripe. Getting the creativity and imagination flowing by matching up colors and patterns is a huge inspiration, and half the fun of creating my quilts!
What have you made recently?
I recently created a custom keepsake T-shirt quilt. An awesome couple have competed in numerous marathons, 5k runs, etc. across the country. Using the T-shirts and other memorabilia from the events, I made them a really cute keepsake quilt.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I currently sell online through Etsy. I'm looking into a few local retail/consignment shops, but that is a work in progress.....more to come on that front!
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
As someone who has been working for years in the performing arts world, I think it is extremely important to support individual artists. I was told by one of my professors in college, "if you truly love what you do, you will never really 'work' a day in your life." I believe that to be true, and try to support other artisans when I can, so they can continue to do what they love.
Find Me
LocationSt. Louis, MO
Email Address
Mary Woll
Personal Website
http://www.frayedfuzzies.etsy.com
http://www.facebook.com/frayedfuzzies
