The Sisters...Sue Nickels & Pat Holly. We've Always Played Well With Each Other

In this special family-themed episode we're delighted to welcome sisters Sue Nickels and Pat Holly, renowned figures in the quilting community. Both have dedicated more than four decades to the art of quilting, earning numerous accolades and inspiring countless enthusiasts worldwide.​

Pat Holly was born in Lafayette, Indiana, during her father's tenure as a flight instructor in the Korean War. Though the family relocated to Michigan when she was just six weeks old, Pat proudly embraces her Hoosier roots. She pursued biology at the University of Michigan and later worked as an electron microscope technician at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital. It was there she met her husband, a pathology resident. Following their marriage, Pat returned to the University of Michigan School of Art to study graphic design, weaving, and fabric design. Her fascination with textile creation and historical textiles from around the world continues to influence her quilting designs. 

Sue Nickels was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and spent most of her life in Ann Arbor. She attended Eastern Michigan University, majoring in Art. Sue married in 1976 and welcomed her first daughter in 1978. Inspired by her sister Pat's baby quilt gift, Sue embarked on her quilting journey by enrolling in a class at a local quilt shop, where only hand techniques were taught at the time. Over the years, she transitioned to machine quilting and has been teaching machine techniques for more than 30 years. Sue's dedication to quilting has earned her numerous awards, including the 1998 AQS Best of Show for "The Beatles Quilt," a collaboration with Pat.

Beyond their collaborative projects, Sue and Pat have contributed significantly to the quilting community through teaching, writing, and sharing their expertise. Sue has authored several books and has developed her own rulers for machine quilting. Pat's work reflects her deep appreciation for historical textiles and her background in graphic design and weaving. 

(3:10) How did Pat and Sue learn to sew? Their mother of course! Hear the story of the genesis of their sewing/quilting careers. Were they good at sharing their only sewing machine? Hear about that right here! Oh, learn about the Troll doll cloths too!

(6:00) What inspired each of them to transition from being sewists to quilters? Their grandmother and a special baby quilt!

(9:14) Learn about the influences of Illinois Quilters Inc. and Jinny Beyer, Ruth McDowell, Harriet Hargrave and Gwen Marston.

(11:27) Sue, learned to quilt from Harriet Hargrave’s book “Heirloom Machine Quilting” with the help of Pat who had taken a workshop form Harriet in the Chicago area. This was in 1987 and other quilters in your area had not discovered machine quilting. Was it hard to make the transition to machine quilting?

(15:43) Both Pat and Sue talk about the influence of Gwen Marston and the Beaver Island Quilt Retreat.

(18:40)In the late 80”s Pat moved to Muskegon, MI and began the PALS (Patchers at the Lakeshore) Quilt Guild. Here she talks about this move and the genesis of this endearing group of quilters.

(20:09) The sisters talk about what it’s like to collaborate on their work…and what it’s like to win awards together.

(23:42) What moment or event stands out for Pat and Sue? Well…there are many and then there’s the Beatles Quilt. And for Pat it was her miniature quilts.

(26:53) Learn more about the Beatles Quilt of 1998 Best of Show. It’s beginning and how they created it.

(30:56) Both Sue and Pat are BERNINA Ambassadors. They talk about how they became a part of the first class of Ambassadors and why the program means so very much to them.

(34:35) Pat and Sue talk about their special exhibit “The Two of Us” featured at Quilt Week at Paducah 2025. Learn about what’s in the exhibit and how they’ll be implementing QR codes. Also to be features will be the Beatles Quilt and Pat’s miniatures.

(38:37) Lea