Underwood came across Bériau's name while visiting an elder friend and neighbor who was an expert commercial weaver. This woman owned a copy of the tome, Home Weaving, written by Oscar Bériau. It was this volume that sparked Mary's avid weaving research and her inter-provincial travels.

While traveling through Quebec on the trail of Monsieur Bériau, Underwood learned about the Bériau weaving schools. The Searle Grain Company gave funds for Oscar Bériau's daughter, Renee Bériau, to traverse the western provinces with a diverse teaching staff.