Meet Julia McLeod | Quilt maker, lecturer and instructor.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia McLeod and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor in my success so far is showing up. I show up in my studio to do the work of making quilts. I apply to teach at various shows and guilds and then follow through reliably, and with enthusiasm, delivering the promised workshop or lecture.
This sounds a little dogged, but I think it’s important in building a business, and reputation as a maker, to be relatable and reliable. I like to establish warm and efficient communication. Building these kinds of relationships inspires me to bring my best work to the table.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a quilt maker specializing in the use of silks and salvaged fabrics. I use up cycled clothing, furnishing remnants and vintage quilt blocks in my work. These quilts become the basis for lecturing and teaching other quilters through quilt guilds and national shows. What sets me apart from other quilters is my interest in working with reclaimed textiles. I employ particular techniques to make challenging fabrics manageable.
Much of my success has been due to saying yes to invitations that have come my way, but I have also met with success by simply applying to shows, exhibitions and teaching opportunities.
I count quilt making as my third career. In the last decade of my working life, I want people to know that I am OPEN for all kinds of teaching and travel opportunities. My dream is to teach on a quilting cruise, to teach groups on week-long retreats and to continue to share my passion for quilt-making with others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The San Francisco Bay Area is rich in so many ways. There is plenty of culture to explore in the form of many museums, music venues and performance spaces. My favorite haunts are the De Young Museum in golden Gate Park, Freight and Salvage music venue in Berkeley, and American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. If you love nature, visit Muir Woods, Fort Funston beach or China Camp State Beach.
‘Stairway Walks in San Francisco’ by Ada Bakalinsky is a great guide for exploring the steep neighborhoods of San Francisco.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Lyric Kinard, founder of Global Quilt Connection (globalquiltconnection.com) and Academy for Virtual Teaching (a4vt.com) has been an inspiring model for me. Her generosity in sharing what she knows, connecting people and encouraging growth has kept me moving forward in my work.

Website: www.juliamcleodquilts.com

Instagram: @juliamcleodquilts

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