Angela’s Quilting Studio and More: A Labor of Love and Creativity

By Donnette Mickelson

Nestled in a converted barn, north of Ridgeland, Angela’s Quilting Studio and More is more than just a quilt shop—it's a dream come true for owner Angela Tonyan. What began with a passion for quilting and a longarm machine set up in her living room has evolved into a full-service quilt shop serving the area with heart, creativity, and a bit of eclectic flair. From Living Room to Full Quilt Shop

Angela’s journey started with a simple love for longarm quilting. Longarm quilting involves stitching a quilted top with a middle layer of batting and a fabric back. Longarm machines are typically twelve feet wide to allow the entire quilt to be placed in the machine. As her passion for quilting grew, so did her space needs. The longarm moved from the living room to the garage, and finally took up residence in the barn—officially marking the birth of her rustic quilting studio. By 2015, Angela opened her doors not only as a place for longarm services but also as a space for teaching and open sewing sessions. Over time, it evolved into a full quilt shop, offering a wide array of fabrics, tools, and inspiration.

Ask Angela what makes her shop different, and she’ll tell you it’s her “eclectic taste”—a trait that shows in the variety of fabrics she offers. “There isn’t a fabric that I don’t have blenders for,” she says proudly. Blenders are background fabrics used to enhance quilt patterns. More than that, she puts a strong emphasis on customer service, treating people the way she wishes she had been treated in her early days as a quilting customer. I have found Angela more than willing to help newbie quilters

Like many small business owners, Angela’s biggest challenge in the beginning was simply getting the word out that there is a quilt shop located one mile west on 4 ½ avenue off of highway 25, six miles north of Ridgeland. Look for the Angela’s Quilting sign on the right.  Through dedication and a commitment to offering quality quilting supplies, her reputation has steadily grown. Opening the shop was a proud and emotional moment for Angela. “It was a dream come true,” she says—a testament to years of hard work, vision, and perseverance.

Angela is far from finished. Her long-term dream is to open a retreat center, a space where quilters can learn together with workshops and classes.  Though she’s still working out the details of where and how it will come together, the idea is already taking shape.

Advice for New Quilters

For those new to sewing or quilting, Angela offers this wisdom: “Take your time, enjoy the process. Don’t stress over perfect lines—they will come!” It is advice from experience.

Angela stays inspired through quilting magazines, YouTube videos, and the organizations she’s a part of. She’s always learning, always growing—and always happy to share what she knows. Whether you're new to quilting or a seasoned stitcher, Angela’s Quilting Studio and More is a place where creativity, community, and fabric come together.