Linda J. Hahn

We recently saw this article about one of our designers and thought we would share it with you.  Linda J. Hahn is the designer of the popular Junk to Jems quilt pattern (shown right) and you can learn more about her by visiting her websites, www.FrogHollowDesigns.com and www.TwoCountryQuilters.com.

Thanks to Mark Rosman of News Transcript for letting us reproduce his work here.

“Mother and daughter quilters share expertise
Linda & Sarah Hahn pen ‘Dynamic Designs — New York Beauty Edition’

BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent

Linda Hahn

Linda Hahn was working as a paralegal when she discovered her passion for quilting.

“My boss’s wife, Luanne Halleran, invited me to attend a quilting guild meeting,” said Hahn, a resident of Manalapan who has been quilting since 1993. “It was love at first sight. At the time, I didn’t know how to thread a sewing machine, but through drive and determination, I started to learn how to quilt.”

Hahn’s passion for quilting eventually led her to establish a family quilting business that includes the recent publication of two new books about quilting, “New York Beauty Simplified” (American Quilter’s Society, January 2011) by Linda J. Hahn and “Dynamic Designs – New York Beauty Edition” (QuiltWoman.com, January 2011) by Linda J. Hahn and Sarah L. Hahn.

Sarah is Linda’s daughter.

Hahn explained that in “New York Beauty Simplified” a simplified technique for making the complicated New York Beauty quilt block that contains many points and curves can be learned. The name, New York Beauty quilt block, is also known as the Statue of Liberty crown or the crown of thorns, she said.

“The technique in the book contains 21 quilting projects that use the New York Beauty quilt block and is geared to the confident beginner and on up to advanced quilters,” said Hahn, who is one of about 66 certified quilt teachers in the United States. “All the projects in the book have New York names, such as ‘Midnight in Manhattan.’ ”

She said “Dynamic Designs” showcases Sarah’s design technique and shows the quilter how to create original designs by mixing and matching the New York Beauty quilt blocks.

“My daughter started at the age of 4 to help with the quilt layout and she has a good eye for color,” said Hahn, who was named the 2009NationalQuilting Association Teacher of the year. “She was teaching quilting by age 12 and I consider her an ambassador for quilting for children.”

Sarah Hahn, 20, said high school math was a source of inspiration for her quilt designs.

“I would draw designs during math class,” said Sarah, who is a 2009 graduate of Manalapan High School. “Luckily, I still got good grades in math and I now use math in quilting, including the amount of fabric needed and for design.”

She said quilting is a family business that includes her father, Allan, who was the past president of the New Jersey State Quilt Guild, and she said he assists with the quilting projects wherever needed.

Even the family dog, Amber, a golden retriever rescue dog from the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR) in Pennsylvania, helps. “Amber is our quilt tester,” said Sarah. “She has quilted pillows and throws and shows us her favorites.”

Once a year, Linda Hahn said, the family donates a quilt to the DVGRR. The quilt is auctioned off by the organization and the proceeds are used to help pay veterinary bills .

Hahn said the family’s quilting business in Manalapan includes Frog Hollow Designs, where she and her daughter design quilts and patterns and work with fabric companies such as Elizabeth’s Studio and Northcott Silk.

Through their Two Country Quilters company, they assist others in their quilting needs, including presenting classes locally at Fabric Inspirations in Englishtown and Quilting Possibilities in Forked River.

Linda, who was the 2009 all-star award winner at the New Jersey Quilt Convention, also travels nationally to present lectures and workshops, including to quilting guilds. In April 2012 she will be teaching on a quilting cruise through Quilt Retreats at Sea and she has directed three previous quilting cruises on her own.

“Quilting is relaxing, a creative outlet, and it makes functional items,” said Hahn. “After acquiring basic tools such as machines and rulers, projects can be made at reasonable costs. Quilting can be an expensive art form or reasonable wearable art. Plus, it’s fun.”

Hahn, who authored her first book, “Insider’s Guide to Quilting Careers” (Quiltwoman.com, February 2009) with Merry May, is preparing her fourth book on quilting with the collaboration of her daughter, Sarah.”