Modern quilter and designer Julia Wachs’ engineering roots are evident in her precisely conceived modern quilts. Noted for crisp lines and sharp angles, Julia’s quilts sing with color. Foundation paper piecing helps Julia achieve the accurate sewing her designs require.
How did you find yourself on an artist’s path? Always there? Lightbulb moment? Dragged kicking and screaming?
I grew up a crafty and creative person thanks to my mom. She was always making things and I was always eager to make things of my own. When I was ten years old or so, I started a simple square quilt that I planned to hand sew together. I think I sewed maybe two pieces together before my attention turned to something else. I picked that quilt project back up when I was home for the holidays after moving to Seattle. For some reason, I just felt the urge to finish it. I used various online resources to complete it, and really fell in love with quilting during that process.
Why quilting? How does that medium best express what you want to communicate through your art?
For me, I think quilting is an art form that really rewards precision. Of course, that doesn’t apply to improv quilting, but I like to create modern geometric patterns within the quilt design itself.
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How much does your engineering background influence your design sensibilities? Do you find that you embrace that part of you or try to rebel against it?
My background influences my design sensibilities quite a lot. I attribute my love for geometric designs to my engineering mind. I like for things to be in order and symmetric.
What do you do differently? What is your signature that makes your work stand out as yours?
I honestly think I’m still finding my creative voice. At this point in time, my signature is sharp angles, geometric designs and bold colors.
What do you do to develop your skills? How do you get better at what you do?
Before Covid, I took quite a few classes that taught new techniques. I like to take what I learned and make it my own. I find taking classes from other quilters is one of the best ways to advance creatively. Now, I just go for it. I tried Y-seams for the first time while making a pattern written by someone else.
When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?
Definitely a planner! At least with designing and making my own patterns. However, when it comes to fabric usage, I tend to eyeball what I have and hope that’s enough! I’ve had to reorder some ¼ yard quantities when I’ve just run out!
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
I have a sewing room/office. I will say that it’s extremely messy. But I think most creatives can relate. My current projects are foundation paper piecing, which tends to be a lot messier than traditional piecing. I’m always finding paper bits everywhere in my house! I’m also pretty bad at picking up after myself when I’m in the midst of a project. I try to do a cleaning reset between projects to clear both my mind and my sewing space.
What are the indispensable tools and materials in your studio? How do they improve your work?
Since I design lots of foundation paper piecing patterns, my laser printer has been absolutely indispensable. I also use my add-a-quarter ruler constantly. When it comes to quilting, I always use my 24½” ruler and Hera marker to draft my quilting lines. Another thing that vastly improves my ease of sewing is my sewing table that lets the surface of my sewing machine sit level with it. This makes chain piecing and quilting so much easier.
Do you use a sketchbook or journal? How does that help your work develop?
I use a notebook to sketch out my designs and ideas first. For some reason, my thoughts flow best through a pencil instead of a keyboard. I’m able to spill all relevant ideas onto paper, and then refine them on my computer. I also do all my quilt math in a notebook before transferring it into my pattern.
What plays in the background while you work? Silence? Music, audiobooks, podcasts, movies? If so, what kind?
If I’m doing something that requires concentration, it’s either silence or a Daft Punk album, with my favorite being Alive 2007. Otherwise, you may find me listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or music. My favorite audiobook these days is Bad Blood by John Carreyrou. I’m a big fan of the true crime genre when it involves the exposé and eventual downfall of unethical companies. I may also watch a movie or reality show. I usually stick to things I can easily digest and doesn’t require me to constantly look at my iPad. My most recent watch was The Witcher on Netflix.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
The project currently on my design wall is a foundation paper pieced mini quilt I’m making for my QuiltCon swap partner. Lately I’ve been very inspired by parallel lines and medallion arrangements, so I wanted to incorporate those into my design. I doodled a bit on some paper, and then started making a quadrant of a block in EQ8. Once I loved my design, I colored it in and then started mapping out how to foundation paper piece it. I always dictate my own order of assembly when it comes to foundation paper piecing. I then shopped my stash and started making it!
How do you get unstuck creatively?
This is a relevant question because I’m struggling with it right now. What’s helping me now is collaborating with other talented quilt designers. When I have deadlines and other people depending on me, it forces me out of my rut and kickstarts my creative process again. Sometimes just doing some little thing gets me interested and motivated to tackle the big things again. If I’m not collaborating, I find that using my planner to plan out goals and deadlines is really helpful. Another way I get unstuck is to just sew for myself. I always enjoy the activity of sewing, even if I’m struggling creatively.
Learn more about Julia on her website.
Interview posted January 2022.
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