I’m especially excited about this month’s November Designer Spotlight, because our featured designer is now quilting just a few hours away from me here in Spain!
Julia Wachs, who recently moved from Seattle to Madrid, is now dedicating her full time to quilting. Her modern, geometric designs are full of color, precision, and creative energy.
Keep reading to discover her story, her inspirations, and how she’s bringing her bold quilting style to her new life in Spain. 💛
Personal Background
Julia, as we dive into your story, could you provide a snapshot of who you are and take us on the journey that led you to where you are today?
My name is Julia Wachs and I moved to Madrid, Spain this summer from Seattle, Washington. I was an aerospace engineer for over 10 years but have been focused on getting settled in Spain and quilting since March 2025. In Madrid, I plan to do quilting full time!
Quilting Journey
When and how did you start quilting? What drew you to quilting as a form of expression?
I got my start in quilting in 2014 after finding that I needed a tactile hobby after sitting behind a computer all day at my first job out of college. My first quilt was simple squares, but my second quilt was a self-designed queen sized quilt with a houndstooth pattern. I love how creatively inspired I am when designing a new quilt pattern.
Pattern Designing
What inspired you to start designing quilt patterns? How do you approach the creative process of designing a new pattern?
I started designing my own quilt patterns in earnest during the height of the pandemic as a creative escape. I like to use a pencil and paper for sketching my ideas before transitioning to various computer programs to iterate on them.
Style and Aesthetics
How would you define your pattern style? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently appear in your designs?
The majority of my quilt patterns have either foundation paper piecing or applique, with my row of the month patterns including both. My current style is bold, geometric, and botanical patterns that evoke a distinctive design feeling. I am drawn to saturated solids that enhance the geometric aspects of my quilt designs.
Color
How does color play a role in your pattern designing? Do you have a favorite color? Are there certain color combinations you find particularly appealing?
Color absolutely plays a giant role in my pattern designing. I like to play with value and to create interesting effects using different shades of colors. I always seem to incorporate a teal and a yellow into my quilts.
Business Activities
Apart from designing patterns, what other activities are integral to your quilting business?
(Membership, notions, courses, etc)
My block of the month programs are integral to my business and I absolutely love designing them. In the near future, I plan to offer more courses and live classes!
Online Presence
Where can people find your work online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?
www.juliawachs.com, Instagram @juliawachs.designs, YouTube @JuliaWachsDesigns, Bluesky @juliawachsdesigns, TikTok @juliawachs.designs
Upcoming Projects
Can you provide a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or designs you’re working on? Any exciting collaborations or events?
I am currently designing a new FPP pattern for early 2026, plus a new sampler and a new 2027 BOM! I love collaborating with other designers and am hoping to organize one in the near future.
Additionally, I will be releasing an FPP 101 course in early 2026. I am also in the process of scripting a FPP Design course that will teach quilters how to design their own FPP quilts using different types of software applications.
QuiltInk Experience
How has QuiltInk contributed to your quilt pattern design business? Could you share your experience with the platform and how it has influenced your creative process and connected you with fellow quilters?
QuiltInk has allowed me to provide my customers with a convenient and fun way to test out fabric options with my designs. The private room feature has been a big help when collaborating with shops to create custom kits. I absolutely love browsing the wall and seeing my quilt patterns colored with beautiful color combinations I never would have thought up myself!
It’s so thrilling to see people recolouring your design and hopefully, making it one day!