Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

Attention all quilting and sewing enthusiasts! Get ready to be captivated by the extraordinary talent of our Sewcialites. They recently took over our Instagram, sharing personal stories and their knowledge, skills, and insider tricks. And that's not all! Be prepared to be endlessly inspired by their latest projects. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner on your creative journey, our Sewcialites have something for everyone that can take your quilting game to the next level. And Who are our Sewcialites, you may wonder? They are a group of 10 of the best creative and passionate quilting and sewing enthusiasts, all joining together to spread their love for AGF within the community. Keep reading to find out more about them!

Not only are they sharing their knowledge & experiences with quilters, but they have also personally hand-picked a bundle of fabrics that resonate with their distinctive aesthetic, thoughtfully selected from our renowned collections, AGF Elements & PURE Solids. In addition to their incredible bundles, they have designed a captivating FREE Pattern that beautifully showcases them, turning your journey into their world into a wonderful and immersive experience. 

So, gather your tools, ignite your imagination, and get ready to be captivated by the artistry of these incredible Sewcialites!

Wendy Chow of  The Weekend Quilter

Get inspired by our first Sewcialite, Wendy Chow, a.k.a. The Weekend Quilter. Hailing from the energetic streets of New York City, Wendy is the creator of the captivating ‘Summer Streets’ Sewcialite Bundle, showcasing her bold geometrical design aesthetic. She designed a FREE Pattern, the ‘Mercer Street Quilt', to complement her curated bundle that is beginner and fat-quarter friendly and focuses on quick-corner units, a piecing method in quilting. Discover ongoing inspiration by following Wendy’s Instagram.

Ashelyn Downs of Urban Dwell Studios

Meet Ashelyn Downs, the creative force behind Urban Dwell Studio! Her quilting journey blends sewing expertise, pattern designing, and design background, resulting in a collection of beginner-friendly quilt patterns that beautifully reflect their creators' styles and spaces. Inspired by 20th-century architecture, 90's grunge, street art, travel, and pop culture, Ashelyn's work showcases minimalist color palettes and artistic concepts, igniting a passion for quilting in the next generation of creators. Don't miss her ‘Boulevard’ Bundle and the perfectly complementing FREE Quilt Pattern, ‘Right Turn Only’. Explore more of her creations by following Ashelyn's Instagram!

Taylor Krz of Toad and Sew

Discover the artistry of our Sewcialite, Taylor Krz, also known as Toad and Sew! Based in Seattle, WA, Taylor's modern quilt patterns beautifully capture the essence of PNW landscapes with a nostalgic color palette of vibrant tones. Taylor curates the ‘Nostalgia’ Bundle, evoking memories of the 60s tableware, 70s band posters, 80s scrunchies and leggings, and even 90s TV shows. To complement her bundle, she designed a stunning FREE Quilt Pattern, "Courthouse Steps Zine." allowing the vibrant colors to mix magically. Find creative inspiration by following Taylor's Instagram. 

Christina Lee of Sweet Potato Quilts

Say hello to the incredible Sewcialite Christina Lee, also known as Sweet Potato Quilts! Prepare to be amazed by her inspiring quilting journey, and guess what? She's a talented musician too. Her curated bundle, ‘Joyful Jaunt’, transports you to moments of childhood wonder and curiosity. The complementary FREE Quilt Pattern, ‘Bora’, was specially designed for this bundle. This Baby-Size Quilt is beginner-friendly, making it both easy and fast to create. Follow Christina's Instagram Page to discover more of her beautiful creations!

Abby Luchsinger of Abby Maed

Get ready to be inspired by Abby Luchsinger, our Sewcialite and third-generation quilter, affectionately known as Abby Maed. Her love for sewing was passed down by her grandmother since childhood. Her middle name, Mae, is a sweet tribute to her quilting heritage. Abby's curated bundle, ‘Roseglow’, captures the magic of golden hour throughout the seasons. Don't miss her FREE Quilt Pattern, ‘Soft Focus’, designed to complement the bundle, making it fat-quarter-friendly. Discover more about her inspiring work by following Abby's Instagram. 

Victoria Newmyer of Midlife Quilter

Prepare to fall in love with Sewcialite Victoria Newmyer, the talent behind Midlife Quilter! Her passion for quilting bloomed when she gifted herself a sewing machine on her 40th birthday. Victoria is the creative force behind the heartwarming Beloved Bundle, encouraging you to embrace and cherish the love you feel. Don't miss her FREE pattern, ‘Bejeweled Table Runner’, perfectly designed to showcase her curated bundle. It's a scrappy-friendly project that comes together in no time. Explore more about her on our website and stay inspired by following Victoria's Instagram.

Vickeidy Plybon of Sewspicous

Get ready to explore a world of vibrant colors with Sewcialite Vickeidy Plybon, the creator and visionary behind Sewspicious! As a high school Spanish teacher and fourth-generation sewist, she has a passion for both teaching and sewing. Vickeidy's ‘Alegría’ bundle is a burst of colors inspired by her joyful memories of the Dominican Republic, her birthplace. Check out her FREE Quilt Pattern, 'Rosalia,' which beautifully brings the colors of her bundle to life. Explore more about Vickeidy on our website and stay inspired by following Vickeidy's Instagram.

Brooke Shankland of Eudaimonia Studio

Discover our talented Sewcialite Brooke Shankland, the creative force behind Eudaimonia Studio. Passionate about philosophy and modern quilting, she curated the stunning 'Thrive' Bundle, representing the full spectrum of beauty in nature and human experience. With a diverse range of colors, geometry, and scale fabrics, it's a celebration of our world's eclectic totality. Don't forget to check out her FREE Quilt Pattern, 'Resilience,' which beautifully showcases the fabrics. Follow Brooke’s Instagram for inspiring work, and explore more on our website.

Kelsey Swatske of White Rose Designs

Enter the world of inspiration with Sewcialite Kelsey Swatske, also known as White Rose Designs, a passionate sewer for over 15+ years with an unwavering love for floral fabrics. Delve into her creative realm through her curated Secret Garden Bundle, which combines vintage pastel florals with cool sage greens. Plus, you'll get the perfectly complementing FREE Quilt Pattern ‘Secret Garden’, stunningly showcasing the fabrics' beauty. Discover more about Kelsey on our website and find ongoing inspiration by following Kelsey's Instagram Page.

Christina West of Kindred Quilt Co.

Discover the artistic brilliance of Christina West, the heart and soul of Kindred Quilt Co, a company known for its exceptional quilting and pattern design. As a full-time quilter and pattern designer, she resides in the vibrant DFW area with her husband, son, cat, and dog. Experience her curated bundle 'Wildflower Hill', capturing the spirit of spring's renewal in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Don't miss her FREE Quilt Pattern, 'Wild Season,' a stunning showcase of her bundle. Learn more about Christina on our website and stay inspired by following Christina's Instagram.

We hope you enjoyed meeting our ten Sewcialites. Through every stitch they shared, these talented individuals have taught us that patience, passion, and dedication are key ingredients for creating extraordinary wonders. Embrace these virtues, unlock the magic in your hands, and let their inspiring journey fuel your creativity. There are no limits to what you can achieve!  

Stay connected by following our hashtag #AGFSewcialite, and visit the Sewcialites Section on our website to learn more about them. 

Until we meet again, keep creating - 

Juana 

Summer's here, and it's time to soak up those sunny vibes! ☀️ Get ready to embrace the retro charm and vibrant colors with our exciting collections: Daisy by Maureen Cracknell and Flower Bloom & PURE Solids by AGF Studio. These trending prints and blenders perfectly fuse the timeless appeal of retro styles with a modern color palette. They bring the essence of summer, allowing you to create trend-setting projects that will make a statement everywhere you go! I can already see so many summer projects being made with these fabrics.  

Come join me as we take a deep dive into each collection!

Daisy by Maureen Cracknell 

Splash into summer with the Daisy collection! Bursting with a colorful palette and a touch of vintage flair, these floral designs will captivate your senses. You'll also find coordinating novelty motifs like pretty vases and sweet bees, adding extra charm to this collection. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern style. Available in 16 cotton prints, 1 Flowy Rayon, and 1 Cozy Flannel, this is a must-have for any quilting or sewing project in need of a colorful touch.

Here's a fun fact: Designer Maureen found inspiration in the joy and cheerfulness symbolized by daisy flowers and summer picnics. Her goal was to create a collection that uplifts and energizes makers, brimming with brightness, happiness, and the hopeful spirit of the season. She would love to see quilts in her prints.

*Featuring fabrics: Garden Path Deep and Reflective Meadow from Daisy by Maureen Cracknell

Don't miss out on our FREE ‘Imagine Daisy’ Lunch Bag pattern featuring these lovely prints. It's the ultimate summer project for your on-the-go adventures. Download it now, and get ready to craft!

Flower Bloom by AGF Studio  

Attention all floral and print enthusiasts! Prepare to have your dreams fulfilled with the mesmerizing Flower Bloom Collection. Indulge in the boldness and beauty of blooming flowers combined with groovy prints that will transport you to a retro wonderland. Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant summer paradise as you explore the collection's warm and rich color palette. The possibilities are endless and available in 12 cotton prints, 1 Soft Knit, 1 Flowy Rayon, and 1 Sturdy Canvas. So, lace up your skates and let your inner flower child shine brightly with this captivating collection.

*Featuring fabrics: Garden Path Deep and Reflective Meadow from Flower Bloom by AGF Studio 

Get your hands on our FREE ‘Lazy Pillow’ Pattern, highlighting these delightful prints. It's the perfect summer project for unwinding on lazy, sun-soaked days. Download it now and start creating!

PURE Solids by AGF Studio 

Don’t forget your blenders! Our renowned PURE Solids fabrics are the secret ingredient to giving your project that special spark. These versatile fabrics act as the perfect balance, seamlessly blending with your chosen prints and enhancing your overall design. With our wide range of Elements and Solids, you have an abundance of options to choose from. So don't overlook the power of blenders – they are the key to taking your creations to new heights of beauty and harmony. Let your imagination soar as you incorporate these essential elements into your projects.

*Featuring fabrics: Cosmos and Olive Oil from PURE Solids by AGF Studio 

Add a touch of brightness and fun to your home decor with our FREE ‘Summery Pillow’ pattern. This delightful pattern beautifully showcases the vibrant and playful fabrics from our PURE Solids and Nature Elements collections. 

Discover more fabric projects in our Daisy & Flower Bloom Lookbooks that will show you new ways to piece together these fabrics and inspire you to get on your sewing machine.

Our goal is to spread joy through fabric with our vibrant hues and delightful, whimsical prints that uplift your creative spirit. We hope these collections bring brightness and happiness to your home but with style too. If you have this collection and want to share your creations, make sure to tag us on social media and use the hashtag #AGFDaisy #AGFFlowerBloom and #AGFPureSolids so that we can share the love!

May your summer be brimming with relaxing moments and pretty fabrics! Thank you for coming along on this journey with me, and let me know what you’re looking forward to sewing with these collections in the comments below. 

Until next time and Happy Sewing! 

-Juana

Welcome back to the AGF Blog! Today, we dive into the art of fabric pairing in the world of textiles, where colors and textures come alive, and possibilities are endless. Discover how different fabrics complement one another, especially when blending various collections. This has become a wellspring of inspiration for sewists and quilters everywhere. 

Join me as we explore our Checkered Elements Blenders, which offer the perfect texture and pop of color. They are a classic yet trendy blender that can be used in countless ways! To inspire your creativity, I'd like to share three different ways you can incorporate this blender to cater to your style. Whether you prefer a modern, low-volume aesthetic or a more traditional look, our Houndstooth and Tweed prints are sure to bring your projects together.⁠

Here we Go!

1. Modern: Embracing the Contemporary Aesthetic

Let's begin with the modern style. We envision geometric patterns, shapes, and straight lines when we think of modernism. Sleek curves and a bold color palette are also key elements. I have chosen eight exquisite Art Gallery Fabrics that perfectly embody the modern look. Each fabric has been meticulously selected to inspire your creativity and elevate your projects to new heights. Before starting any project, it’s important to pinpoint our color scheme. I’ve incorporated teal, black, and a touch of gold, adding vibrancy and sophistication. 

Next are your main prints, Visions Woodblock and Tinted Blooms from our  Luna & Laurel collection; these larger-scaled prints bring boldness. To complement these fabrics, we have included our Checkered Elements Blenders, which are the ideal companions, creating a striking contrast and adding texture that captures the eye. 

Lastly, our PURE Solids bring balance and harmony to our group of fabrics. This curated assortment is now ready for creating unique quilts, fashion-forward garments, or edgy accessories. Let your imagination run wild as you infuse your projects with a modern flair that is bound to turn heads.

2. Low Volume: Subtle Elegance 

Low volume fabrics have gained immense popularity, particularly amongst the modern quilt movement. This style can be described as basically in subtle white, cream, neutral, or pale-colored print fabrics, often with a delicate self-colored pattern or subtle design, and they are selected to offset the much brighter color palettes. If you appreciate refined, soft, and tonal aesthetics, the low volume style is for you! I have chosen eight beautiful Art Gallery Fabrics that perfectly embody the low-volume look. I went with a warm color scheme in this fabric pull and added my main small-scaled prints: Brushed Fibers from our collection Soften the Volume, Castle Keys from the Willow Collection, and Sashiko Mending Tan from our All is Well Collection. You could use low volume prints where the effect of using a solid fabric is desired, particularly in modern quilts. 

Next are our blenders, this is where they shine! Featured blenders are Checkered Elements & Oval Elements. These blenders add sophistication and texture that magically blends together without overpowering each other.

Finally, I’ve added a touch of our PURE Solids, and Voilà! Your Low Volume Fabric selection is ready for creating dreamy quilts, soft and flowing garments, or refined home decor.

3. Traditional: Embracing Classic Charm 

The Traditional style stands the test of time, remaining beautiful year after year, making them timeless. If you're drawn to the timeless charm of traditional designs, I have curated a special fabric assortment just for you. The color scheme I've chosen embraces nostalgic hues of red and blue with a touch of gold.

Next, I wanted to go with classic florals and some geometrics for our main prints to stay with the nostalgia theme - Fabrics are Botanist’s Essay Two & French Sampler Two from Garden of Opulence. Let’s add some Checkered Elements, Oval Elements, and Floral Elements blenders to add texture and redefine this group. This fabric pull is perfect for traditional quilt projects, apparel, or crafting unique accessories. These blenders will beautifully tie your projects together.

We hope these three different approaches to using our Checkered Elements Blenders have sparked your inspiration and ignited a desire to experiment with fabric pairing. Let us know your favorite by leaving a comment below! 

To view the full collection, click here: Checkered Elements 

Let’s make the most of your fabric pulls! Unleash your creativity with these FREE Projects from our Checkered Elements Lookbook:

Flora Blocks

Checkered Pillows 

Our AGF Blog is your go-to resource for all things fabric-related, so stay tuned for more exciting tips, tutorials, and inspiration. Stay connected by following us on Instagram! Get the inside scoop on our latest AGF News and interact with fellow makers. 

Happy sewing and quilting!

Until next time, 

-Juana