Meet JulieAnn Chavez of The Quilting Nerd—A Deaf-Owned APQS Store Bringing Community & Creativity Together

In the vibrant world of quilting, where passion and storytelling intertwine, meeting someone like JulieAnn Chavez is truly inspiring. As the owner of The Quilting Nerd, a Deaf-owned and wheelchair-user-friendly APQS dealership, JulieAnn’s journey is stitched with a love for the craft, a commitment to inclusive learning, and a mission to make quilting accessible to all.

A Passion for APQS & Breaking Barriers

JulieAnn has been part of the APQS family for over four years as a representative, and she recently took the bold step of opening her own APQS dealership. She is one of the first, if not the first, Deaf women to own an APQS store and is also a full-time wheelchair user.

“I’m profoundly Deaf and a new-ish wheelchair user,” JulieAnn shares. “I love connecting with the disability community through quilting, and I’m able to provide information in American Sign Language (ASL) for fellow quilters.”

Her shop is designed with accessibility in mind, from ASL-friendly education to a fully wheelchair-accessible longarm quilting setup. She is living proof that quilting is for everyone, regardless of mobility or communication barriers.

A Shop Designed for Accessibility & Learning

JulieAnn’s commitment to inclusivity shines through in everything she offers:

• Longarm rentals with a prerequisite certification course to help quilters gain confidence before renting
• Education and classes, including beginner-friendly longarm training and advanced Quilt Path™ techniques
• ASL-friendly instruction for Deaf and hard-of-hearing quilters
• A wheelchair-accessible space designed for ease of movement and comfort

As the co-founder of the Northern Virginia Deaf Quilting Club, JulieAnn understands the power of community. “There’s a huge Deaf quilting world out there, and I want them—and everyone—to know they’re welcome here,” she says.

“It Glides Like Buttah”

When asked about her favorite thing about APQS, JulieAnn doesn’t hesitate. “I love how the machine glides like buttah and how easy it is to use Quilt Path.” She believes quilting should be effortless, joyful, and available to everyone.

Looking Ahead: More Opportunities to Learn & Quilt Together

Though The Quilting Nerd is still in its early stages, JulieAnn has exciting plans:

• Longarm quilting retreats where quilters can learn, share, and create in a supportive environment
• New workshops in 2025 designed to keep her quilting community engaged and inspired
• APQS maintenance training for her and her husband to better serve customers

Join the Community

Quilting is more than a hobby—it’s a way to connect, express creativity, and build community. JulieAnn’s shop is a welcoming space for all quilters, Deaf and hearing alike, with or without mobility challenges.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact JulieAnn at julieann@thequiltingnerd.com or call 501-914-9221.