Linda Hahn is best know for her simplified method of making the New York Beauty block, one of quilting’s more elaborate and spectacular-looking designs. She describes her New York Beauty method as, “one pin, no puckers, no cussing, and they come out perfect.” Gotta love that!
Linda’s First New York Beauty Book
Linda also has a number of lovely individual patterns, including some that have nothing to do with New York Beauty. (Her patterns are available through QuiltWoman.com) I have enjoyed making and teaching her Bermuda Sunrise pattern, so I looked her up while at the North Carolina Quilt Symposium, and she graciously agreed to an interview.
Bermuda Sunrise, one of Linda’s earlier designs that I enjoyed making and teaching
Linda’s workshops now focus mostly on her New York Beauty techniques, since this is a challenging block that many quilters would like to make. Currently her most popular workshop is called “Feeling Crabby”.
Linda has written multiple books published by AQS. Her latest, New York Beauty Electrified, is due out this month.
When I interviewed her, Linda took the unusual step of leaving the room for a few minutes so I could ask students in her workshop to give their honest opinions! They were enthusiastic about her teaching and seemed to be enjoying “Feeling Crabby”. They described Linda as an even-tempered instructor who “lets you do it your way but comes right away if you need help.”
Image from Linda’s iquilt class
Linda teaches all over the country as well as on cruises, but if you want her workshop and can’t find a convenient location, I noticed her New York Beauty instruction is also available through iquilt, the AQS online class site.
Now that I’ve seen more of her beautiful work and met her, I want to take a New York Beauty class with Linda. I went to her site, and she really, really, does have classes in a variety of locations! You can find her schedule on her website. I have enjoyed her patterns (yes, I’ve made more than just the Bermuda Sunrise!) and look forward to trying those elaborate spiky blocks.
Have you made New York Beauty blocks yet?
Zippy Quilts 
We had Linda as a speaker at Ocean Waves Quilt Guild in Lewes DE about 3 or 4 years ago. I was VP at the time she was booked and came highly recommended by a member who knew her from her “New Jersey” life. I did not take the classes. I got to be a quilt holder and saw her items up close. She used interesting fabrics on the BACKS of her quilts. We have a guild member who teaches the NY Beauty technique in classes at LQS and has taught them also at the guild retreat. I always admire but avoid. 🙂 To regimented for my scrappy soul.
The New York Beauty design scares me! Enjoy the challenge of the class.
I took a New York Beauty class with another Famous Quilter years ago and it was a bust. Linda had a similar experience, which caused her to develop her technique, so I think it’s worth trying.
Please write about how the class goes. I need to be convinced!
I’ll let you know when I find one near me again and take it
Maybe some day I will make one. I am working on a wedding ring right now. Thanks for sharing.
I took a class taught by a local guild member and made a one-block wall hanging. Have always meant to return to it (along with storm at sea, and and and )
Yes, many interesting challenges available! Though some of the precision piecing seems analogous to arguing about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.
I bought a book, studied tutorials, and made one New York Beauty block…not pretty. I need to take a class.
Yes, sometimes a book is not enough!