Member Spotlight: Sam Mayes-Matthews

SSTB Member Sam-Mayes Mathews is a textile artist and costume maker (a “costumer”) whose main focus is on historical textile and garment construction techniques.  They are professionally trained in tailoring and theatrical costuming and have completed LOTS of personal and academic research into historical and sustainable textiles.  Sam-Mayes often says, “If it's textiles, I touch it’, all the way down to spinning and weaving.”

Sam-Mayes Mathews joined SSTB in 2025.  They learned about the concept of Timebanking from a fellow they met while offering their wares and services at a booth in a market. At the market they offer their textile services and wares for trade and barter.   Hearing about Timebanking intrigued Sam-Mayes.  The concept of Timebanking is consistent with how they live their life and run their business– so they joined SSTB! 

In the Time Bank, Sam-Mayes offers alteration and sewing services.  They also teach various crafts.  They love sharing their skills, so Timebanking is a perfect match!  Sam-Mayes also very much believes in people’s right to repair and alter clothing (versus discarding it), especially if and when clothing falls out of fashion. 

Sam-Mayes has very much enjoyed being a part of SSTB.  They’ve helped members restore heirlooms, complete crafts that hold precious memories, and help them live more sustainably by altering clothes they can keep for the long-term.

Sam-Mayes has offered their talents to SSTB Members, though they haven’t yet used their hours to solicit other members’ talents.  But, soon they will be reaching out to solicit trades!  Sam-Mayes has visions of a thriving edible garden full of vegetables in 2026 and welcomes SSTB members’ help with their garden!!

Sam-Mayes truly enjoys SSTB.  Their favorite part is meeting new people and the sense of connection and community SSTB offers.  They also believe the non-monetary exchange of goods and services helps to build a stronger, more connected community that thrives in both good times and more challenging times.  Timebanking helps to strengthen the values of sharing and community while minimizing what Sam-Mayes calls “toxic individualism” and consumerism.  Through Timebanking we can all thrive (not just survive…)

Consider a SSTB trade with Sam-Mayes Mathews, and also keep an eye out for their booth at festivals and markets where they offer their goods and services!