December 29, 2020

Let's Get to Know...HollyAnne Knight of String and Story

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Today I'm kicking off a monthly series of interviews! I'm quite excited about these 😊 Are there any quilters you'd like to get to know better? Let me know in the comments and I'll try to make it happen!


HollyAnne Knight is the quilter behind String and Story, as well as Free Motion Quilting Academy, which will be open for registration again on January 9th. You can go here to be added to the waitlist for registration. HollyAnne is also the creator of the What Free Motion Quilting Motif Are You? quiz. Have you taken the quiz yet? Apparently I'm Hooked Swirls 😊 

Without further ado, let's get to know HollyAnne Knight! 
Let's get to know HollyAnne Knight | DevotedQuilter.com

Tell us about your first quilt. Do you still have it?


The very, very first quilt was actually a rag style tshirt quilt that I made for my Mom. I've added to it several times since then, and she takes it with her whenever she travels for her and Dad to use in the hotel. That quilt was special because it was the first "real project" I'd made all by myself on a sewing machine. And, it inadvertently introduced me to the Instagram world of modern quilting.

Do you come from a family of quilters or crafters?


My grandfather's sister was a quilter as was their mother, but I didn't learn to quilt from family. I've been uber crafty and creative for as long as I can remember, and my Mom and I used to scrapbook together, but I definitely take things to a whole new level of obsession. Various creative endeavors have included: watercolor painting, oil painting, drawing, knitting, ballet, ballroom dancing, and scrapbooking. 
Free motion quilting | DevotedQuilter.com
All photos in this post are courtesy of HollyAnne Knight

Do you have any sewing related collections (other than fabric and thread, lol)?


I was a big collector when I was younger (of stamps and books, mostly), but I don't collect as much these days. I do have some cool sewing related Christmas ornaments and enamel pins, though! 

What sewing notions could you not live without?


My rotary cutter! I don't like cutting much to begin with, but at least a rotary cutter makes it faster!
Free motion quilting | DevotedQuilter.com

Would you rather cut the pieces for a quilt or stitch a binding?


Cut! I don't like it much, but I like it a lot more than binding! LOL

What do you wish you had known when you started quilting?


Don't use a metal ruler with the rotary cutter. I learned about the value of acrylic rulers by taking off the end of my finger. YIKES! As far as other things, ignorance was kind of bliss because I didn't know the things I was "supposed" to be picky about or scared of doing. 
Free motion quilting | DevotedQuilter.com

You teach free motion quilting in your Free Motion Quilting Academy course...what was the hardest motif for you to conquer?


Honestly, I never consistently got the hang of Baptist Fans. I finally removed it from the course for the next cohort because, while a classic, it was just frustrating for everyone.

Which is your favourite motif to stitch? Is that the one you use most often?


Graffiti quilting! I love the fun of mashing everything together! Plus, I love how it makes classic motifs like swirls, paisleys, and pebbles look thoroughly modern.
Free motion quilting | DevotedQuilter.com

What is your least favourite motif to stitch?


Hmmmm.... I'm not sure if I have one! I have a pretty firm, "I don't quilt things that raise my blood pressure" rule, so if I don't like something, I probably won't do it! 

This one’s not quilting related, though it could be if you listen or watch while you quilt 😊 Do you have a book, movie or show recommendation to share?


I'm a podcast junkie, and if you haven't checked out Frances Dowell's Quilt Fiction podcast, it's a must listen!!


Thanks, HollyAnne! It was great to get to know you a little better and I'll definitely be checking out the Quilt Fiction podcast.

Remember, you can get on the Free Motion Quilting Academy waitlist, so you won't miss when registration opens. Plus, be sure to take the quiz and find out What Free Motion Quilting Motif Are You?

3 comments:

  1. This was a great post Leanne. I am looking forward to reading more of this series. There are so many wonderful quilters out there and it will be nice to read about them.

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  2. i love Holley Anne Knight. i find her enthusiasm wonderful.
    I also like Bonnie Hunter, Alex Anderson, Heidi Profferty, Sue bleiweiss, Timna Tarr, Ricky Tims, Sherri McConnell and I absolutely adore Gudrun Erla of GE Designs. Her patterns are so easy to follow,. I also love Jaybird Quilts patters. Julie heman is a kick ass pattern writer that was quote from Tula pink as best I can remember it.

    Happy new year. This is the first time you landed in my In Box. Welcome

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