Holly Alloway’s work first came to my attention when Studio Stitch featured this quilt as the 2022-2023 Block of the Month (BOM).
Quilt (c) Holly Alloway, designed and made by her
You can see why I took notice! Holly recently agreed to talk with me and show me some of her quilts.
Holly designed this BOM several years ago using Deb Tucker’s rulers and techniques. Quilt design (c) Holly Alloway
Like many of us, Holly has been sewing all her life, though she started making quilts “only” about 40 years ago. She has lived various places around the country and has found both guilds and classes useful in her development as a quilter.
Another BOM using Deb Tucker rulers. Quilt design (c) Holly Alloway
Holly has a particular affinity for specialty rulers and a significant talent for designing with them.
This crate contains part of Holly’s collection of specialty rulers
She loves Deb Tucker’s rulers and has done several previous BOM designs using them.
When I asked how she came to design the elaborate quilt shown at the top of this post, Holly said, “Well, Jaybird Quilts came out with those rulers.” She had already designed some modifications of English Paper Pieced (EPP) quilts so she could machine piece them.
Using the Jaybird Quilts rulers, Holly set about making many more EPP designs by machine.
Eventually she had re-designed enough EPP blocks for three quilts! The first is at the top of this post; here are two more.
And that’s not all! Holly is also a fan of strip piecing. I especially enjoyed seeing these two quilts.
And here’s the most unique thing: I originally asked to interview Holly because of her UFO management strategy. She allows herself only as many ongoing projects as she has years of life left! She has asked her family to give her a set of papier mache numbers each year representing how many projects she’s allowed to have!
I won’t tell you how many that is right now–I didn’t ask and she didn’t tell 😀 She does admit to being “over budget” presently due to several projects she has going. I just love this idea! We all need to get realistic with our quilting plans.
This bag is a current UFO for Holly.
Holly has made many more beautiful quilts than I could include here. I’m sorry to say she doesn’t publish her patterns, but we have enjoyed having her daughter teach some of her blocks in the BOM program at Studio Stitch.
Please note that all original blocks or quilts in this post are (c) Holly Alloway, various years.
Zippy Quilts 
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute! I have so enjoyed the teaching, guidance and support of her daughters at Studio Stitch. They (and consequently Holly) have enriched my retirement years. Now if I could only attend more effectively with my UFOs!!
I say all “real” quilters have multiple UFOs, so no worries 😀
The BOM quilt clearly showcases Holly’s skills acquired over a lifetime of quilting! I can see the evolution of her style in this tribute you’ve posted.
Her idea of taking on only the number of projects one has ‘left to live’ is a good one to aim for! Hadn’t thought of it like that and it helps to quantify as well as prioritize projects – at least give it a basic outline to work from.
🙂
Yes, I thought her idea was brilliant. And she makes wonderful quilts!
I really love her strip-pieced quilts!
I have more ongoing projects than I have years of life lived so far! I am trying to at least limit the areas of art and craft that I indulge in, in an effort to be more realistic about what can get done.
It’s hard to limit the start-ups! I’ve had a rule for years now that when I take on a new task I have to think first about what I’m going to give up. It’s helpful but sometimes not helpful enough 😀
Very inspiring work and such industry too!
Number of years left to one….? Now that’s an interesting question
Holly looked at her family history to calculate how many years left, but of course we all know that’s just a wild guess.
Ah!
Very interesting. It’s always good to be reminded of how many different ways quilters are touched by quiltmaking. Rulers apparently speak to Holly! 🙂 Such a nice assortment of quilts, with a very distinctive “Holly” style. I’m not sure I’ve found my own style! Ha! Holly also has an interesting way of approaching UFOs that I’ve never heard before. Gosh, in that case, I can only have five to ten UFOs. Yikes! I need to get busy!
We all need to be mindful of what we want to get done in the time we have left. I’m sure the friend who is designated to deal with my quilting “stuff” is cheering for everything I give away 😀
Lol, only as many as I have years left. I have a good few years left I hope but I think I am already over subscribed
Yes, I know the feeling!
I like her UFO management concept, thanks for sharing! Very realistic! Her quilts are wonderful, enjoyed seeing her work and learning about her.
Thanks! I enjoyed interviewing her.
Pingback: Creative Juice #359 | ARHtistic License
I love her designs and her attitude!!! The idea of doing an EPP design on the machine has been at the back of my mind for a long time. Now you have moved it to the FRONT of my mind!!!
Good luck with that! Holly obviously has the kind of mind that can break down those designs and figure out how to make them. I am lucky to be able to follow directions 😀
Pingback: Great Blocks, OK Quilt | Zippy Quilts