What do blind squirrels have to do with quilting? As it turns out, everything.
I just presented my newest book, Quilting Is My Therapy, at Quilt Market and it was completely humbling. Don’t get me wrong, every time I write a book, I pour myself into it. But this book was a completely different experience. For the first time, I couldn’t hide behind quilting samples, tips and illustrations. It was like shining a light inward, and it was scary.
I don’t think that I was born with more talent than anyone else. My quilting style has developed from over 13 years machine quilting. In between changing diapers, raising kids and trying to maintain a normal life, my love for quilting has been constant. It’s my hobby, my business…..my therapy.
“Ventana” by Alison Glass
Sprinkled between pictures of the quilts, I share my story.
“Wholecloth” by Angela Walters
The story of how a fast food employee became a professional machine quilter. It’s the same story of a young lady that found her love of quilting because of her husband’s Grandpa.
“Grandpa” by Angela Walters
The story of how a new machine quilter became a vendor at a local quilt show and only got one customer. Seemingly a bust, until it led to a quilting friendship that results in some of my best quilting.
“Reject” by Tula Pink
But I don’t share my story to share how great I think I am. I share it to show you how great you can be. Because, if I can do it, any one can. The first few paragraphs of the book explains the main idea:
Have you ever heard of the phrase, “Even a blind squirrel gets a nut sometimes”? It pretty much sums up my quilting career. Like most professionals in the quilting industry, I didn’t set out to be a professional quilter. It’s not as though that option is in the list of potential careers.
I didn’t grow up with family members that quilted, and I was never crafty—well, at least in the sense of making things. In fact, I failed the sewing machine test in eighth grade home economics….twice. All I had to do was identify the parts of sewing machine; I didn’t have to actually use it! If I am being honest, the only reason I passed the third time was because the teacher finally took pity on me and helped “suggest” some of the answers. So when I say, “If I can do it, anyone can,” you can take me at my word.
As you can see, I am just a blind squirrel that was fortunate to find my passion. But, just because I have stumbled upon quilting, it doesn’t mean that I can’t sink all that I have into it. I plan to keep quilting, even long after people are reading my website or taking my classes.
“Drawn” by Angela Walters
So I’d love to thank each and everyone one of you that support me. In fact, the last paragraphs in the book are dedicated to you:
One day in my studio, my middle child, Cloe, said wondrously, “You must have quilted a hundred quilts!” Laughing, I agreed that I had quilted at least a hundred quilts. I have no idea how many I have truly quilted, but I hope to have the opportunity to quilt twice as many.
I am not sharing my story to tell you how great I am. I am trying to show you how great you can be. If I can do it, anyone can. Now it’s your turn! What “nut” are you looking for? Go out and get it!
“Impracticality” by Angela Walters
Go find what you love! And if it’s machine quilting, then here’s to many years of Happy Quilting!
To get a copy of Quilting Is My Therapy for yourself, order here:
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Oh, Angela! You are such an inspiration and I really admire your smooth free-hand machine quilting guides – who needs Netflix? 😉 Anyway, you made me try out feathers, which has been a “want-to-do-but-will-it-ruin-my-quilt?”-fears of mine. But following your videos, beginning with acutally using a pen and paper to get a grip of how lovely they actually can get, I went on to fabric with my home sewing machine – boy, was I surprised! I COULD do feathers – even beautiful ones! Thank you so very much for being so generous with posting free classes. Over the Mothers Day weekend Craftsy free-watching you were my companion (I did check out Cindy Needham too) and I am eager to be able to quilt a bigger whole cloth quilt using your ideas, quilting freely and just enjoying the work! So, thank you again, from a quilter i Sweden!
Hello Angela,
Your books with Tula arrived yesterday and I have already read it cover to cover. What a great reference tool this is. I congratulate you on your fantastic attitude and encouragement to those of us on our quilting journey. 2017 looks like a great year for new challenges and expanding quilting designs, and looking forward to meeting you at AQC in Melbourne, Australia next April. Many thanks for your expertise and encouragement. Wendy Dyhr
I got it and read it cover to cover … it is beautiful and so inspirational. The stories about you and Grandpa Ford really made me tear up. He sounded so wonderful.
Angela, I just love your quilting, I’ve taken your Craftsy classes and I’ve learned so much. I use many of the designs you teach in my own quilting and I go back to the classes often. You’ve inspired me to do so many new things, and I appreciate your attitude of “close enough is good enough” – I’m learning to tame the perfectionist in me so I’m able to have more fun and stop worrying so much about little mistakes and focus on the whole picture. You are a wonderful teacher and so generous in sharing all your great ideas!
Your post is very inspiring! What you put out there is what you get back! 😉
I am very much in awe of the entire quilting process. I believe it is an art form and amazingly beautiful. The really exciting thing is that even if a person, (here I mean me) doesn’t have knowledge not ability as such, the blind squirrel theory is indeed true. I have found great pleasure in what little I know as far. I am very interested in learning about various machines and where to go from the domestic machine to a more technical or advanced machine. I would love to visit your shop if you aren’t too far away. Where are you located. I am in west central Illinois. Are you within driving distance from me?
You do fabulous work. I contributed one triangle to Julie of Jaybird Quilts Hoopah. I had no idea how it would turn out. You did such a wonderful job completing it. I was so overcome when I saw the finished item. It is just stunning. I have many of your books but I have not done any longarm quilting yet.
I have been longarming since 2009. I teach, lecture, and give trunk shows. My bucket list includes meeting both you and Tula Pink! Thanks for all the inspiration and the practical tips and ideas that I use everyday!
What an inspiring post. That’s what I love about people in the quilting biz. They cheer us on and encourage us to take the plunge. It makes us keep trying new things and learning. Way to go, Angela!
To sink your passion into anything is to embrace who you are in that context, and to try to become better and better. We can all do this, if we are willing to invest our time and energy. Congratulations on an interesting looking book, and finding your passion and embracing it.
Hi Angela, I bought an electronic copy of your book the minute you posted about it on IG. And read it straight away. What an inspiration you are! Golden tip from you to not over-stress about perfect quilting has helped me so much to move forward and to enjoy quilting process much more. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work! x
Hi Angela, I bought an electronic copy of your book the minute you posted about it on IG. And read it straight away. What an inspiration you are! Golden tip from you to not over-stressed about perfect quilting has helped me so much to move forward and to enjoy quilting process much more. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work! x
Hi Angela, I bought an electronic copy of your book the minute you pisted about it on IG. And read it straight away. What an inspiration you are! Golden tip from you to not over-stressed about perfect quilting has helped me so much to move forward and to enjoy quilting process much more. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work! x
Thanks for the inspiration. I recently purchased a longarm and I am loving it, but I find myself thinking I’m not that good. I know it will come with time and practice. I pinned one of your pics today for inspiration for a quilt I will be starting to quilt soon.
Thanks for sharing, Angela! It’s just the encouragement I need to keep going after what I want. I can’t wait to get my hands on the new book 🙂
Angela, you are such a humble person. You have been a wonderful inspiration to me in my quilting journey. I have taken your Craftsy classes and bought two of your books, which are wonderful. Thank you for sharing your story, your knowledge of quilting, and your spirit!
Oh bless you for sharing your story and your passion. I am a quilter, doing all over quilting but am scared to make a mess trying what you do. It is so beautiful! I have trouble with going smoothly and knowing where to go next. .. I wish I could take one of your classes in person. Best of luck!
Mary in Saskatchewan
WOW! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Love the quilting that you’ve shown on this page. Wish you best of luck. Great job.
Angela, love your new book, as it’s loaded with eye candy, and have my eye on getting the one you did with Tula Pink as that looks interesting as well. Have to admit that you’ve been a huge inspiration to me and I refer to your previous books often when I’m doing my quilting for ideas and inspiration. Loved your Craftsy classes and hoping that you’ll do another one, as I’m sure loads of your followers are hoping for as well. A sincere thank you for all that you do and share with all of us.
You are a great encourager. I bought a long arm a year ago and still am not where I would like to be. Sometimes, I feel like giving up. Have your book and a couple of Craftsy classes. Your work is a breath of fresh air after seeing so much computer perfect same old all overs.
Dear Linda,
I am finishing up my first quilt – machine stitching. Started a year ago when “re-learning’ from years ago.
Ruler cutting errors, imperfect seams, squares that got “turned” to bias before joining, etc.
Outline seam with walking foot – should have stitched in the ditch…etc. In addition, the bulk of quilt (even though I am quilting in thirds) has been a stress on my back.
I have almost tossed a few times, but am praying for continued acceptance as it is a gift to my stepson – the whole idea was to gift him before anyone.
In the span of the past year, I see my improvements with other projects, and have learned from the errors and teaching I have received.
Let’s hang in there together!
Thanks for sharing your story and your heart. A huge part of your success has been your willingness to share those ‘nuts’ you find! You are a blessing to many, and an influence to THOUSANDS of quilters (tell Chloe to imagine how many quilts that might be!). I’m excited to read your new book — read is such a lame word for something I’m sure will inspire me to improve my quilting!
Congratulations on your book and thanks for the encouragement to us all. You are an inspiration and a down to earth person, every woman’s friend.
Putting yourself out there under the microscope is not an easy thing to do, but I imagine you’ve done it with grace and style. Can’t wait to have my own copy of your book to add to my Quilting Library. You’ve been a huge influence in my own quilting journey, and for that I thank you! And congratulations on this publication.
What’s it take to become a sublime exdupnoer of prose like yourself?
Congrats on your book! Thanks for sharing a snippet on how you found your own awesomeness.
Angela, you are a genuine delight. This is why I broke land speed barriers to see you in Sarasota, re-buy one of your books and jump when you offer a class on Craftsy. Your charming, unassuming style makes machine quilting doable for everyone… one step at a time. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I look forward to reading “Quilting Is My Therapy” and wish you and your family all happiness and success.