Debbie Allan

Hagersville, Ontario, Canada

About Debbie Allan...

I've been quilting since… I started quilting in my teens, but faded when I got married and had my family. Then life's pathway took a change and I began actively quilting in the last 18 years.

I began quilting because… My aunt was the quilter of the family and the different designs amazed me. I had learned sewing from my grandmother before she passed, and changed direction to quilting. It blended my paternal and maternal sides into one world.

I learned to quilt... I learned tie quilts first, then went on to the appliqué of colonial ladies, with my aunt. I read and self-taught pieced quilting. I have taken classes from quilt designers and visited quilt shows locally and internationally to learn more.

My quilting style is… I feel my style is unique. I can start to design a traditional style and then incorporate an edgy flair into it. Sometimes the style direction I take also depends on who the design is for and where it will be when finished.

A person who inspired me… When doing my baby quilts, I feel I am inspired by my aunt — she was the queen of baby quilts in our family and local community. Judy Martin has inspired me as well. I love her quilts and designs, and have made several quilts designed by her.

My imagination is sparked by… I can be inspired to design quilts by a variety of things… a piece of fabric can set the creative juices going. Also my friends, the environment and just life in general.

My favorite techniques… My favourite method is machine piecing, with a splash of hand appliqué (needleturn method).

Colors or fabrics I'm attracted to... When you look at my stash, it appears I am very taken with blues and greens. I collect kitty fabrics and do enjoy geometrics and paisleys.

My fabric stash... I have an extremely large stash. A rainbow of colours, but leaning toward the yellows/golds. Aside from the cat fabrics, a good mixture of geometrics, florals and dots. Some stripes but very few plaids.

My quilting community… I belong to the Hagersville Quilters Guild, part of the Quilt & Needle forum group (internet) and the Scrappy & Happy quilting group (internet). We have quilting bees in our guild and attend some at the local hospital.

My additional hobbies/interests… I enjoy reading mysteries, and cross-stitching. My favourite is soft doll art - designing and costuming.

I entered Quilt Design Star™ 2011 because... My friend and fellow quilter forwarded the newsletter and insisted I should enter my quilt I had just designed.

What you should know about me... I am a fun-loving and sharing person who just loves fabrics and quilting. I love to teach and share my enthusiasm with others.

Touch of Vegas (below) is Debbie's Quilt Design Star™ 2011 entry quilt.

Starflight Melody (below) is Debbie's Quilt Design Star™ 2011 Challenge 1 quilt.