Angela is one of the most influential modern quilters and her love for free motion quilting is plain to see. I loved watching her Quiltcon 2013 lecture on her approach design for quilting. With a long list of amazing clients, including Jacquie Gering and Tula Pink, Angela is a long arm quilter, teacher, author, fabric designer, mother and so much more.
1. Tell us about how you started quilting and how you found modern quilting.
I started quilting over 10 years ago when my husband’s grandpa taught me how to make my first quilt. He was my quilting buddy and we worked on several quilts together. He is also the reason that I am a longarm quilter. He suggested that I buy one and also help persuade (coerce, lol) my husband to buy it. He was so encouraging and really helped shape who I am as a quilter and teacher. About 5 years ago, I was invited to the first meeting of the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild. After years of not having any quilting friends my own age, the opportunity to connect with younger quilters was the main draw. But I quickly found that I loved the aesthetic of modern quilting and also loved the challenge of machine quilting modern quilts.
2. What does it mean to you to be a modern quilter and a modern woman?
That’s a good question, and one that I don’t really know the answer to. The more I try to define something, the more limited I think it feels. I will say that I love the fact that I have built a business doing what I love, while still being a mom, wife and friend. I think that is what being a “modern woman” is all about. Finding your balance and your passion. Being called a “modern quilter” or “modern woman” is definitely a compliment to me!
3. Which quilt that you have made represents you and why?
I feel like most quilts that I make are representations of myself. Since I quilt for others, I really don’t get around to actually making quilt tops. (I love quilting more than piecing…..it’s the funnest part!!) But a quilt that has an especially personal story is Impracticality. When I started making it, I was burnt out and really overwhelmed with all the things going on in my life. I decided to sit down and make a quilt as a way to reconnect with my love of quilting. I started in the center and let it evolve. I had no plan or concept of what it would look like, I just felt compelled to finish it. Once it was done, I was astonished by how different than any other quilt that I have made. For one, I had never made an improvisational pieced quilt before. Secondly, the colors are completely different than my normal color palate. I don’t even know why I had those colors in my stash. But after I thought about it for awhile, I decided that it was my frustration and angst coming out on my quilt. It’s definitely one of my favorite quilts!
4. How do you connect with other modern quilters? What does it mean to you to have this sisterhood of modern women?
Due to hectic travel and family schedules, I don’t attend a quilt guild any more. Although, I do miss it! To stay connected with other quilters and friends, I have a few Facebook groups and try to connect online. I also love that I get to connect with quilters while teaching and traveling. I have met so many wonderful people and have made many new friends from my classes.
I wouldn’t be where I am right now if Grandpa Ford hadn’t taken the time to share his love of quilting with me. It makes me passionate about sharing this amazing craft with others, including my daugthers. My oldest son was 6 months old when I got my machine, so my kids have grown up with quilting in their live. My middle daughter Cloe, loves to sew and will quilt on my longarm from time to time. Although, she would say that she doesn’t get to use it enough. She loves quilting so much that we partnered up to write a quilting book for kids 8-13 years old. “Get Quilting with Angela and Cloe” (to be released in April 2015) shows kids how to quilt with easy, quick-to-finish projects. I couldn’t be more proud of my daughter and the book. My hope is that we can get the next generation of quilters hooked on quilting!!
Want to connect with Angela?
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Did you know you can take a quilting class anytime in the comfort of your own home with Angela? Her Craftsy classes on free motion quilting offer a no fuss approach to quilting and provide you with plenty of inspiration to complete your next quilt!
[…] the 2013 lectures, you can actually watch them through Craftsy – my favourites are Mary Fons, Jacquie Gering, Angela Waters and Heather Jones (watch them here for […]