In the heart of Bulawayo, where creativity flows through every corner of the community, Irene June Mackie is a beloved figure known for her incredible quilting talent.
As a longtime member of the Bulawayo Quilters Guild, Irene Mackie has dedicated years to turning simple pieces of fabric into beautiful, meaningful works of art.
Each of her quilts tells a story, weaving together threads of her personal heritage and aesthetics of culture.
More than just visually captivating, her quilts are rich in history and heart, capturing memories, traditions, and a passion for storytelling through each carefully crafted stitch.
“Quilting, to me, is more than just sewing pieces of fabric together,” says Mackie.
“It is about weaving stories, memories, and emotions into something tangible. Each quilt carries a part of my history, my culture, and my heart. It is like painting with fabric every piece and every stitch has a purpose and a story to tell. When I quilt, I am not just making a blanket; I am preserving a little piece of life that can be passed down through generations.”
Quilting is a textile craft that involves stitching together multiple layers of fabric to create a quilt, which can be a blanket, wall hanging, or decorative item.
Traditionally, a quilt consists of three layers: a top layer made of various fabric pieces sewn together in a specific design, a middle layer of batting or padding for warmth and texture, and a backing layer that holds everything together.
These layers are sewn with decorative or functional stitches, creating a textured effect.
Beyond being a practical way to make warm bedding, quilting has deep artistic and cultural significance.
Each quilt can tell a story, commemorate an event, or showcase unique patterns and colour combinations.
Quilters like Mackie often incorporate elements of their heritage, family history, or personal experiences, making each quilt a unique work of art.
This craft has evolved over centuries, with quilting techniques and styles varying widely across cultures, from American patchwork quilts to intricate whole-cloth quilts from Europe and vibrant story quilts from Africa.
Mackie shared her journey into the art of quilting, a path woven from an early love of fabric and colour.
“I had a love for fabric when I was young,” Mackie reminisced.
"When I got some money, even as early as 13 years old, I would buy fabric. I have always been drawn to bright, bold colors.”
This affinity for vibrant fabrics blossomed over the years, as Mackie spent much of her life experimenting with textiles and patterns, eventually becoming captivated by quilting's storytelling power.
Her commitment to fabric arts became especially meaningful when she lived in Harare, where she found herself 30 kilometres from the nearest quilters’ guild. Although the distance posed a challenge, her passion only grew stronger.
“I always wanted to quilt,” she said. “I was involved in sewing, which also helped support my family. Later, I became interested in embroidery, which felt like a gift, almost a form of intuition.”
Quilting, she believes, has offered her more than artistic expression; it has become a means of sustaining both livelihood and legacy.
Mackie’s work reflects her journey, blending her love for colour with a keen eye for design, creating pieces that hold memories, family traditions, and cultural pride.
Now, as an influential member of the Bulawayo Quilters Guild, Mackie continues to inspire others to explore fabric as a canvas, fostering a community dedicated to an art form as vibrant and resilient as Zimbabwe itself.
Mackie spoke fondly of the Bulawayo Quilters Guild, a group that had been central to her creative journey.
“The guild was like a second family to me,” she shared.
“It was not just about quilting; it was about connecting with people who understood the joy and the art of working with fabric. Every meeting has felt like coming home.”
Reflecting on the guild’s monthly gatherings, Mackie highlighted the enriching activities they offered.
“We were always learning something new,” she explained. “Whether it is a guest speaker sharing a fresh perspective or a demonstration of a new technique, there is always something to look forward to. The show-and-tell sessions are my favorite because I get to see the incredible variety in each person’s work and everyone’s story stitched together in fabric.”
Beyond the creative aspects, Mackie noted the deeper value of being part of a community that gave back.
“Our charity projects are a reminder that quilting is more than just a hobby. When we create quilts for those in need, it is our way of spreading warmth and comfort. It is a beautiful thing to use our skills to make a difference.”
Mackie also spoke highly of the guild’s resources, especially their library.
“The guild’s library is like a treasure chest for quilters,” she explained. “With so many books and patterns available, it feels like I have endless inspiration at my fingertips. It is a real gift, especially for those of us who were always eager to learn.”
For Mackie, the Bulawayo Quilters Guild has been an essential part of her life, one that fueled her passion for quilting while connecting her to a community of friends and fellow creators.
Mackie warmly invited anyone with a passion for quilting to join the Bulawayo Quilters Guild, as she said: “If you love fabric, enjoy creating something beautiful with your hands, and want to be part of a supportive and inspiring community, then the guild is the perfect place for you. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out, there’s always something to learn, and we welcome all skill levels. The friendships you’ll make here are as valuable as the quilts you’ll create. We hold monthly meetings, workshops, and charity projects, and one can become part of a vibrant group that celebrates the timeless art of quilting.”
Mackie’s achievements in quilting are an authentication to her dedication and high standards in the craft.
“I have trophies from the Harare Agricultural Show, where the judges evaluate based on specific criteria.
“I have been quilting for 12 years, and throughout that time, I have focused on improving my knowledge of color, quality, and maintaining high standards. For me, it’s about making the colours complement each other. Colours should never clash. It’s about understanding color theory and embracing the art of quilting.”
Mackie’s commitment to constant growth is reflected in her approach to learning: “I read a lot of books, magazines, and use the internet for inspiration. Nature also plays a significant role in inspiring my designs. Innovation is key when it comes to artistry. The feedback I receive from judges has been invaluable to my growth. Their comments provide helpful tips that have kept me improving and striving to stay at the top. I have been ranked second and third before in competitions but now, my aim is to be number one. It’s all about aiming for the highest standard and staying competitive.
“Etiquette is also important in competitions. It’s essential to respect the process and the art itself.”
Her commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and her drive to be the best have firmly established her as a leader in the quilting community.
Mackie shared some of the challenges quilters face in Zimbabwe, particularly when it comes to sourcing fabric.
“Fabric is hard to find, especially cotton fabric, which remains scarce. Zimbabwe used to produce its own cotton fabric, which was then exported. Now, we import cotton fabric, and it has become very expensive. Here in Bulawayo, the cotton is really scarce,” she explained.
To cope with this, Mackie has had to get creative.
“To meet this challenge, I have to improvise through dyeing. I buy dyes, and in the end, I dye my own fabric. There are also times when I can use scraps of fabric and combine them to make a beautiful quilt.”
Beyond the scarcity of materials, she also pointed out the lack of available resources for quilters in Zimbabwe.
“There is a lack of reading material on quilting, and unfortunately, it’s often seen as an old lady’s trade. Most quilters are 60 and above. The young people come and go because they want instant results, rather than taking the time to create something productive with their hands,” she said.
She emphasised the need for young people to embrace quilting as a skill: “Young people need to want to do this. They have to enhance their capability of being handy and realise that there’s a lot of value in working with their hands.”
Mackie remains hopeful that more young people will appreciate the quilting craft and understand its rewards.
nRaymond Millagre Langa is a musician, poet, orator, independent researcher and founder of Indebo edutainment Trust. You can follow on Facebook @Millagre Ray Langa, on X you can follow on #Millagre Langa, email. millagrepapito@gmail.com or indebotrust@gmail.com.