In this episode of Sew & So, we chat with quilt pattern designer Maelynn Wood of Mae Just Sew for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, courage, and finding your way—even when you think you’re “late” to quilting. Maelynn shares how early sewing experiences, strong female influences, and a deep connection to family shaped her creative life long before she ever made her first quilt. She opens up about why she once jokingly called quilting “the dark side,” what changed her mind, and how becoming a mother influenced both what and why she creates. From learning pattern writing and naming her business to traveling with her family and dreaming big for the future, Maelynn offers honest insight and generous encouragement for anyone wondering if they’re ready to take the next step in their creative journey.
Our guest today is Maelynn Wood, quilt pattern designer and owner of Mae Just Sew. Born and raised in Maine and now a West Coast transplant, Maelynn draws deep inspiration from the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest—a place that mirrors her design style: grounded, thoughtful, and quietly modern. She learned to hand sew in a high school home-ec class and honestly can’t remember a time when a needle and thread weren’t close at hand. Although she began quilting seriously in 2021, Maelynn has quickly become known for patterns that blend traditional techniques with a fresh, approachable aesthetic designed to welcome quilters of all skill levels.
When she’s not designing, Maelynn is raising two kids with her husband Ben, gardening, reading the classics, sipping lattes, traveling with her family—and occasionally sharing the spotlight with her pup, Butter, who makes frequent appearances on Instagram.
When not quilting, she can be found in her vegetable garden, her rose garden, reading the classics of slipping a latte. AND…she loves to travel!
(1:40) How did Maelynn learn to sew?
(2:40) Who were the women who taught her to sew and what kind of influences did they have? Hear about the square dancers!
(4:00) Hear about a deeply fond memory Maelynn has of spending time with her grandmother.
(6:35) As an expectant mom she sewed a lot for each child. She shares why this was so very important to her.
(11:34) in 2021 she began to quilt…why?
(15:23) Maelynn decided to take a pattern writing class…why?
(19:44) She used to call quilting “the dark side”? Why and what’s changed for her now?!
(22:59) Learn why she named her company Mae Just Sew.
(24:12) What did her life look like prior to Mae Just Sew?
(27:59) Learn the three reasons why Maelynn quilts.
(31:14) There are many things she loves to do when not sewing…one of the biggest is travelling with her family. She tells of some of her favorite adventures.
(35:30) How have her adventures influenced her work?
(36:54) What’s next and what’s her dream?
(38:29) What didn’t I ask? Get ready for a little…no, a LOT of encouragement!
(41:50 ) You can reach out to Maelynn at www.maejustsew.com, #mae.just.sew on Instagram