My Story
Hi I’m Mary, the designer, maker, creator, owner at Mary’s Collection. I’m based in beautiful West Yorkshire UK.
Born into a family of artists, my creativity was inspired very early on. My passion for creativity goes back to a very early age.
I have lovely cosy memories of watching my mother sat by the fire knitting bright vivid coloured patterned woollens for friends and family. When my mum wasn’t knitting she was making our clothes or crocheting beautiful lace. She had a Singer hand crank machine which I found amazing! I made my first ever Cindy dolls outfit hand stitched at the age of six, then progressed to using the Singer soon after. At the age of nine I was making bow hair clips and aprons and selling them to schoolmates. Soon afterwards I was making clothes for family and friends.
Raising enough money to buy myself my first ever NEW HOME electric sewing machine, I became the popular local dress maker.
Many years later with bags of experience and self-taught skills I decided to start my own collection of garments and accessories. Designs with a personal touch using my own patterns I discovered Harris Tweed. In October 2013 I purchased for the 1st time hand woven Harris Tweed from a very skilled weaver (Shawbost Weavers) on the Isle of Lewis, bright grass green Harris Tweed which I made into a very stunning full skirt coat for myself; a true head turner which received many compliments. Soon after I purchased more Harris Tweed and crazily brought life to every piece of cloth turning it into beautiful bags and accessories.
I am now a registered Harris Tweed cloth artist. Ditching my day job as an interpreter/property developer/interior designer/joiner/builder/plumber! You name it I’ve done it!
I work full time running my new business ‘Marys Collection’ from my very own home studio. I have 2 young children, one of each.
Etsy has made my dreams come true opening up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing me to offer my unique collection to customers worldwide.
In my spare time I love cooking, gardening and revamping my home! I recently gave my lounge a makeover with a fresh colour scheme. I decided to make a fitted cover for my red leather corner suite which turned out very well teamed up with embroidered Harris Tweed cushions and a lick of fresh paint on the walls. Wasn’t bad for a weekend job before Easter!
I’ve added some images of my lounge before and after picture and some images of happy customers super pleased with their bespoke orders!