Big 5 Blog Party: Meet Angela from Cut to Pieces

Welcome to Day 4 of the Big 5 Blog Party! Yea!

Hope you're having a great time. 


We have a fun giveaway going on so be sure to enter after the post. 

I was thrilled when Angela from Cut to Pieces accepted my invitation to be a part of the Big 5 Blog Party. Her work is amazing. 

Where Bluebirds Fly might be tops on my list of favorite quilting projects I've ever seen. This one speaks to me. I cannot get over the details: the witches hats, the mermaids, the leaves on the trees. Seriously, I just love it.  

But the best part is the wonderful story the quilt tells. 

The same is true for The Rescuers quilt.

So what are we waiting for? Let's get to know Angela! 


How did you get started quilting? 

I started quilting a long time ago...about 15 years ago when I was working at (gasp!) Joann Fabrics.  I loved seeing all the different fabrics and the quilters who came through the store really interested me.  I had done a fair amount of garment sewing by that time in high school (I was one of those people who made my own prom dress) and I loved the geometry that I saw in quilting.  I'm also a really practical person and I loved how useful quilting is.  When you are finished, you have a product that will last "forever".  

Modern Quilting intrigued me by its very nature.  When I first saw it, I was sure I liked the idea of "breaking the rules".  I'm very much a rule follower and it was hard for and sometimes is still hard to do wonky patterns.  More than anything, I love the fresh aesthetic of current fabrics.  I'm drawn to them in a way that I was not with previous fabrics.  I still remember the very first time I saw Anna Maria Horner's Chocolate Lollipop collection.  I couldn't believe that anyone would put out such fun fabric!  (I also remember being shocked by a friend who ordered fabric online! lol)

What is your favorite fabric line and what’s on your fabric wish list?

Oh well that is a tough question!  I love so many fabrics.  But as a whole collection I keep returning to many of the fabrics from Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow.  I'm excited to see the new line coming out after Aviary 2.  He's a genius with coordinates and color palettes.  I think because he is a male designer, he brings a stronger geometric vision to fabric design that I find timeless.

My wish list is never ending as the fabric companies torment us...err...present us with new fabric lines.  For some reason I do not have any Central Park fabric and that must be corrected!  And I'm kind of a late comer to the party, but I am a huge fan of Sweetwater and am eagerly awaiting Hometown.  Also Storyboek is another line that I would love to have!

What inspires you most? 

I get inspiration for all sorts of things, but I am probably most inspired by geometric images.  I have sort of a split personality when it comes to quilting.  I love the sweet and whimsical nature of certain projects, but I'm always drawn to geometry.  I'm a math loving logical person, so I find comfort in the shapes and the way that they interact.  So things like rug designs, origami, and woodworking all influence me.

What type of machine do you sew with? 

I have a Brother Innovis nx 630

This was a huge jump for me in the world of sewing machines.  I used to have a simplicity something machine that my mom bought for me about 10+ years ago for less than a $100 off of QVC.  That was actually one of my mom's better Christmas gifts for me. lol.  But when I got more serious about sewing, it was clear that I needed a better machine.  I prepared my husband for the sticker shock, but even he could tell that my machine was destroying the work I had already done when I went to quilt.  So a new machine was definitely in order.  I could have spent a lot more....but I am overall very happy with this purchase.

Describe your dream sewing studio. 

Ahh...windows and natural light.  A pretty blue paint color on the walls, subtle but still vibrant.  A wall of open storage with white shelves for all of my fabric.  A center island cutting table/ironing surface.  A tv and dvd and possible computer for looking up projects and entertaining me while I sew.  A large design wall, a long arm quilting machine, and a fancy sewing machine with bells and whistles.  A table for drafting ideas and proper organization for all sizes of fabric, from scraps to 54" width.  Hand made curtains from my favorite fabric at the time...perhaps this could change seasonally.

I don't think that is asking too much...right? ;)

What is your favorite go-to tool and why?

I love the fons and porter binding tool.  It helps you achieve a perfect diagonal seam on closing off a binding without doing any math.  I actually know the math now to do it without one, but I still like using the tool so I don't have to turn that part of my brain on.

Tell us about your favorite completed quilt or sewing project. 

Isn't that like asking you to pick a favorite child or pet?!  I couldn't begin to decide what my favorite project is!  Often the things that I love don't tend to garner as much attention as the ones that others love.  It's an interesting phenomenon that many of us experience I think.  What we love is not always what others love about us.  As a cop out, I'll say that I usually love what I'm finally finished with. But I also love the things that I make with no expectations...because then I so often exceed them (which is quite easy to do when you don't have expectations to begin with).  I struggle with the items that I put pressure on myself to make. 

What traditional pattern do you like to put a modern twist on?

Anything with stars!  I think that there is an unexplored world of star quilts and designs!  They have a desirableness that outlasts each generation and can be reinterpreted by the next.

Do you have a process for choosing fabric for a project?

Absolutely!  Often the fabric will lead to the design of a project because I want to make something that appropriately showcases the fabric.  Other times, the color will lead the way.  I always look at the color, the scale of the print, and the business of the print.  My general tips are to choose fabrics that make you happy (because you have to work with them!  and often for quite a long time).  Then choose fabrics that are both interesting and calming.  You need some parts to "pop" and some parts to be a place for you eye to rest.  

What work-in-progress are you most excited about? 

Right now?  At this exact moment?  A Swirling Hexagon Picnic Quilt based of a

small 6" block that I made last year.

What’s your favorite part of the quilting process?

Buying the fabric?  

what?  that's not acceptable?  

Picking out the fabric?

What?  That's still not sewing?

Hmm.... I love that moment when you have worked for something and picked out fabrics and a layout all in the hopes that you will make something beautiful.  And then you do.  

That's my favorite part about quilting and sewing.

 What’s something we don’t know about you? ( doesn’t have to be sewing related) 

Oh I feel like I am an open book sometimes...but in the interest of those of you who don't know me well.  I LOVE school.  Yep.  I love homework and tests and learning new things from (knowledgeable) people.  I have degrees in mathematics and interior design along with minors in philosophy and music.  Hmmm...you probably don't know that I am a coloratura soprano (unless you've been on a quilting retreat with me and been forced to hear me sing lol).  That means that I sing very high.  Think Phantom of the Opera or Pirates of Penzance...or The Magic Flute (mozart anyone?) 

Angela's family

Thank you Angela, for inspiring us and giving us a peek into your world. 

At this time comments are closed. 

Alright, giveaway time! 

To enter to win this lovely stack of Moda Crossweaves from Sew Fresh Fabrics and the cute quilting necklace from The Bead Bouquet

*leave one comment telling me what quilt of Angela's inspires you

For bonus chances: 

*follow me at Ellison Lane Quilts and leave a comment here telling me you did (or tell me that you already are)

*follow Angela at Cut to Pieces and leave a comment here telling me you did (or tell me that you already are)

Now, mark your calendar to come back tomorrow as we wrap up the Big 5 Blog Party with another great blogger interview. 

(All quilting and family pictures belong to Angela of Cut to Pieces.)