Designer Spotlight: Holly Hill Quilt Design

We're pleased to introduce you to our newest designer, Mary Jane Carey of Holly Hill Quilt Design. The color cards for her fabric line, Ninth & Vine, were in the hands of the sales representatives in March. Your local quilt shops should be looking at the line and buying it right about now! Let's find out a little about Mary Jane!

HG:  How did you get started in business?

MJ:  In 1993 I opened The Christmas Shoppe and was selling my one-of-a-kind handcrafted Santas. In 1997 I switched my focus to quilting and have been quilting non-stop ever since. In 2008 I started Holly Hill Quilt Designs and have been designing quilting patterns since then.

HG:  Where do you get your inspiration?

MJ:  I LOVE Christmas so I draw lots of inspiration from Christmas and winter themes but most any holiday or season offers plenty of ideas to work with. My trouble is having enough time to get all of the ideas popping in and out of my mind onto paper and then made into quilts.

HG:  What are some new ventures that we should be looking for in the near future?

MJ:  In 2013 a book that I'm doing with Leisure Arts will be released. It's a Christmas book [surprise] with 7 projects.

HG: Where did you grow up and where is your home now?

MJ: I was born in Los Angeles and lived there until I was 15 years old. Then my family moved to the Bay Area in CA. I currently live in Richmond, NH. It's a beautiful, quiet New England town with a population of 1,200. Quite a change from Los Angeles.

HG:  Pets or children? Or both?

MJ:  My husband, Dan, and I have 2 grown daughters and 2 grandsons. We also have a dog, Mick, that is our "little boy."  He's a 10-year old Sheltie and I'm sure Dan talks to Mick all day long when I'm away on business.

HG:  Favorite hobbies?

MJ:  Quilting, quilting and more quilting!

HG:  Favorite vacation spot?

MJ:  Last year we took our 2 grandsons for a vacation on Lake Winnipesaukee. A really great time was had by all so we're going back again this year.

HG:  Sneak peek of your studio?

MJ:  I love to see pictures of other designers' studios but I always wonder how they can keep it so perfect. I sew at my dining room table and when I'm sewing there is no room for meals. No pictures allowed!

Thanks for spending some time with us Mary Jane!