Mary Iris Gray has been sewing for 15 years and loves sewing as much today as when picking out her first pattern. She studied costume at North Carolina State then worked for Portland Opera and in bridal. She now works as alterations specialist for the Program Shop. Along the way, she has made everything from suits and ballgowns to historical wear, swimsuits, quilts, corsets, furniture and dog sweaters. She speaks the language of sewing machines and loves her own industrial machine.