Table
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Q&A: Angela Walters
Angela with three of her passions: wine, popcorn, and intricate stitching!
Friends@Festival caught up with Walters to discuss the class, her career, teaching virtually, and why the word “finished” is always better than “perfect.”
How would you describe “Show Off” quilting?
When it comes to machine quilting, a lot of quilters struggle with knowing what designs to use. It's one of the most common questions that I am asked! The way that I handle choosing designs is to ask myself what is the most important element of the quilt. It could be a number of things, the fabric or the pattern, for instance. Once I know that, I can choose designs that will help show it off. Or I can also pick designs that can help hide other areas of the quilting that I don't love.
Tell us a bit about more about what students can expect from your class.
Students can expect to get practical tips for choosing designs of their quilts and, hopefully, the confidence to know that they are the expert of their own opinion. Visit Class Page »
An example of the quilting that Angela will teach in her class.
How has your own journey with quilting designs on tops evolved?
It has definitely evolved over the years. I tend to go through phases where I use a design or technique a lot, then move on. That's what is so fun about machine quilting! Recently, I have been playing with thread painting and more ruler work. Two things that are completely different, but lots of fun!
How and when did you know you wanted to make a career in quilting?
When I started quilting, I had no intention at all of making it a business! I started quilting for customers early on though, because I loved machine quilting more than piecing. Quilting for customers allowed me to have fun with the quilting without having to make quilt tops! It took a little longer for me to realize how much I love teaching, though. After the Modern quilting movement started, I found myself in the perfect place at the perfect time. Now, I probably love teaching more than machine quilting.
What do you hope to do in The Midnight Quilter that other similar types of educational programs don’t?
Making The Midnight Quilter series allows me to share my passion for other aspects of quilting, not just machine quilting. It allows me to share my goofy, fun-loving side with viewers. I want it to be mostly entertaining with some education. Undertaking the production of this has definitely taken me out of my comfort zone, but it's been fun!
What are your thoughts on teaching (and learning) virtually vs. in person? And what are the pros and cons?
Teaching virtual classes has been unexpectedly better than I thought it would. While I do miss the in-person interaction of a live class, a virtual class allows everyone to have a front seat to the action. Also, I know that some students don't like learning in a live environment, so I love that they can learn in the comfort of their own home. On a personal note, it's so nice to not be gone as much as I have in the past. Teaching virtually allows me to do what I love without missing out on my family time.
Finally, what is the #1 takeaway you hope students get from your class?
I hope that my students learn that a finished quilt top is always better than a perfect quilt top!
Angela Walters: A Very Scrappy Woman.
For more on Angela Walters,
visit www.quiltingismytherapy.com
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