June Featured Maker and Pattern: Sarah Holst’s Starship
It’s finally here! This month is the official kickoff of Modern Service Quilts, and we know you’re going to be excited about our first featured designer and the pattern she’s sharing with us. Without further ado, meet Sarah Holst!
Sarah’s featured quilt pattern, our June pattern of the month, is Starship. For the month of June, Sarah will be donating 100% of the proceeds from the pattern to K9s for Warriors. Keep reading to hear more about Sarah and her collaboration with MSQ!
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your quilting journey?
I first started sewing clothes and bags and was an avid knitter. After trying my hand at following a quilt pattern, I quickly found I loved quilting and fabrics, and I haven’t looked back. I spend my days homeschooling my five little ones and sneaking in as much quilting as I can. I love making bright, vibrant patterns and playing with modern fabrics.
Why did you want to collaborate with Modern Service Quilts?
I believe it’s important to honor those who have served in our military. Modern quilts seem to make up a small minority of honor quilts, and I am excited to be a part of changing that.
Do you have your own personal connection to the military, service members, or the tradition of making honor quilts?
My dad served in the Air Force for 21 years, and he met my mom while serving in Korea. I spent the early part of my life living on military bases. My mom was a young girl during the Korean War and remembers the American soldiers helping move her family (along with other Koreans) to what would become South Korea. That changed the course of history for so many people, my family included.
This month, we’re highlighting your Starship quilt pattern. Why do you think this particular design lends itself well to becoming a modern honor quilt?
Star quilts are my favorite, and I designed this one to be a twist on a sawtooth star. Stars have been used in honor quilts for a long time, and I think Starship paired with modern fabrics creates a great modern service quilt.
Do you have any other patterns you think could work well as honor quilts?
Any of them! But specifically Good Times, Dawning Day, and Star Glow would be fun options.
Do you have any tips for making a quilt pattern appropriate for an honor quilt?
If making something for a specific purpose, I try to think of the recipient and what would be most pleasing to them. If you don't know the recipient, I'd defer to making something that would be pleasing to most people.
You’ve chosen to support K9s for Warriors with your Starship pattern sales this month. What led you to choose that particular charity?
Providing dogs to veterans who have experienced trauma is a great way to care for those whose service led to emotional or physical stress or harm. Research has been done to show that trained dogs can have a positive effect on those suffering from PTSD. It’s such a great way to honor those who have suffered trauma while serving our country.
Anything else you’d like to share?
No, I am just glad to be a part of this, and I am so excited to watch it grow!
Sarah, we’re so glad to have you, and thank you for sharing this wonderful pattern with our makers. Head to Sarah’s shop to purchase your own copy of the Starship pattern. We can’t wait to see the beautiful quilts you all make.
If you need information on donating your finished quilt to a veteran, check out this page.
We’ll be back next week with more information on the sample quilt we made using Sarah’s pattern. Until then, be sure to follow us on Instagram for lots more photos and information. You can follow Sarah on Instagram @sarah_made.
