In the world of quilting education, few names resonate with as much passion and expertise as HollyAnne Knight. Through her company String & Story, she has transformed the way quilters approach free motion quilting, turning what many consider an intimidating technique into an accessible and confidence-building skill.
The Mission: Quilting Rockstars Around the World
HollyAnne Knight's mission is clear and powerful: to guide quilters to quilt with confidence. As the founder of String & Story, she has created both an online quilting education company and a brick-and-mortar shop in Duluth, Georgia, specializing in free motion quilting, longarm quilting, and quilting with rulers.
What sets HollyAnne apart is her unwavering belief that every quilter can finish their own projects on their home sewing machine. This philosophy has resonated with quilters worldwide, as evidenced by her impressive reach: she works with over 20,000 students from 17 different countries, with 3,000+ students in her Quilting Rockstar University representing all 50 states and 18+ countries.
From Beginner to Quilting Rockstar
HollyAnne's journey into quilting began with a simple t-shirt quilt for her mother, but her creative background spans multiple disciplines. She has experience in watercolor painting, oil painting, drawing, knitting, ballet, ballroom dancing, and scrapbooking, bringing a rich artistic foundation to her quilting education.
Her approach to teaching reflects this diverse creative background, emphasizing that quilting is accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic experience. As she often says, "Progress and fun are the goals, not perfection."
The String & Story Educational Philosophy
Free Motion Quilting Made Accessible
At the heart of String & Story's educational approach is the belief that anyone can learn how to free motion quilt with some willingness and practice. HollyAnne has developed a systematic approach to learning that breaks down the intimidation factor and builds confidence step by step.
Her signature programs include:
- Quilting Rockstar University - comprehensive online education
- Free Motion Quilting Academy - foundational FMQ skills
- Ruler Quilting Academy - precision quilting techniques
The Practice Philosophy
HollyAnne emphasizes that quilting is a "full body workout" and has developed a structured practice routine that includes:
- Preparation (5 minutes) - Setting up workspace and materials
- Doodle (5-10 minutes) - Warming up on paper first
- Quilt (10-20 minutes) - Actual stitching practice
- Wrap Up (5-7 minutes) - Preparing for next session and self-care
This systematic approach ensures that quilters make consistent progress while building muscle memory and confidence.
Beyond Online Education: A Complete Quilting Experience
String & Story on Main
HollyAnne's commitment to quilting education extends beyond digital platforms. Her brick-and-mortar shop, String & Story on Main, located at 3150 Main St #101, Duluth, GA, offers:
- In-person classes on basic quilt piecing, free motion and ruler quilting
- Garment sewing and bag making instruction
- A curated selection of fabric, Aurifil thread, patterns, and bernette sewing machines
- Longarm quilting services
Collaborative Partnerships
HollyAnne's expertise has led to collaborations with industry leaders including:
- Missouri Star Quilt Company
- Aurifil
- Make Modern Magazine
- QuiltCon
These partnerships have expanded her reach and influence, bringing her confidence-building approach to even more quilters.
The Quilting Rockstar Community
One of the most remarkable aspects of String & Story is the community it has fostered. Students consistently praise the supportive environment and accountability that comes with HollyAnne's programs. As one student shared: "As a newbie quilter with lots of new pieced tops, Free Motion Quilting Academy gave me the tools and confidence to feel comfortable in completing a quilt from start to finish!"
Innovative Teaching Methods
Graffiti Quilting
HollyAnne's favorite motif to stitch is graffiti quilting - a technique that combines multiple traditional motifs in a modern, free-flowing style. She loves how it makes classic motifs like swirls, paisleys, and pebbles look thoroughly modern.
Paper Practice First
A cornerstone of HollyAnne's teaching method is the emphasis on paper practice before touching fabric. She insists that students "DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP" because warming up on paper works out kinks, warms up brain and muscles, and allows troubleshooting with low stakes.
The Personal Touch
Beyond her professional achievements, HollyAnne brings authenticity to her teaching. She lives in Duluth, Georgia, with her husband John and their two sons, Jem and Ian. When not quilting or teaching, she can be found training for marathons with Team Breakthrough T1D, spending time with her pets, or enjoying home-cooked meals with her family.
A Legacy of Confidence
Since beginning her online teaching journey in 2017, HollyAnne Knight has revolutionized how quilters approach free motion quilting. Her systematic, encouraging approach has helped thousands of quilters overcome their fears and finish their own projects with pride.
Through String & Story, she continues to prove that with the right guidance, community support, and structured practice, anyone can become a Quilting Rockstar. Her story is one of passion meeting purpose, creating ripple effects of confidence and creativity that span continents and connect quilters in a shared journey of growth and accomplishment.
Whether through her online courses, in-person classes, or collaborative partnerships, HollyAnne Knight continues to weave confidence into every quilting journey, one stitch at a time.
