Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

Hello Makers,

Glad to report that I am back on the sewing machine! This time, I decided to tackle a simpler project, an actual beginner-friendly project and with some help from the trusty sewing wizard, Meli. I really wanted to make a pillow this time with an easier block from the #AGFquiltblockcollection, and I landed on the Linking Block tutorial, which was perfect for someone like me that just started sewing. Learning from my first block that I did, I choose fabric prints that were harder to “mess up” on, so I didn’t have to worry about the way a print was facing, and fewer chances on me sewing on the wrong side (spoiler alert: still ended up doing, haha.) With my fabrics selected and tutorial on hand, I was ready to begin!

*Fabrics used: Pure Solids in White Linen and Night Sea, Squared Elements in Navy, Decostitch Elements in Reflection.

Going in on this project, I already started to enjoy it because of how easily you can customize the final look! I decided to make these big decorative pillows, so I added 4” inches extra on the fabric requirements for a final size of 18”. The second greatest thing about this tutorial is that you will have cut out double pieces, so you have enough fabric to make 2 pillows!

As I was cutting the pieces for the pillow, I already realized how much more relaxed I was doing it, my pieces were coming out more precise. Putting the HST’s were getting easier as I learned from the first time, there really isn’t too many pins when it comes to sewing your pieces together!

Before you know it, I finished my pillow top! As I showed the girls at the studio my progress, they asked me the forbidden question… “Why don’t you quilt it?” I just started sewing, am I ready to start quilting?! After some encouraging words from the girls, one thing led to another, and I was ready with some backing and batting! I made sure my seams were all going the same direction so the top was laying flatter against the batting than I started pinning away.

The moment of truth, I decided not to get crazy and begun with quilting straight lines that were supposed to be even but as you can see in the pictures, that’s not what happened. I mistakenly moved the needle all the way to the right, so when I was alternating sides, it would be closer to the line I sewed previously. I embraced my mistakes and I went on with that look, which I ended up really enjoying! Luckily, I gave myself a lot of room on the edge of the pillow top to have one continuous quilting line.

Ladies and Gents, we made it! The first time quilting something and I am pretty happy with it. My corners aren’t matching exactly but I would say it’s still an improvement from my first block.

With the leftover HST pieces, I made a second pillow and played with the design to make a totally different look. I even gained some confidence and I quilted the second one with a square motif in mind. I learned a new sewing technique when I arrived at the end of quilting my swirl, where I would raise the needle, grab the thread and transfer it to the other side and tie it off with the bottom thread.

Here are the final results! This was a very fun project, I got to learn a bunch of new things, and just practice on my sewing skills. Even for the back part of the pillow, I did some first-time topstitching! Still making mistakes, but I am getting better on this sewing journey and I plan on sharing all of it right here on the blog. Here are some quick takeaways:

1. First time quilting- give yourself a lot of overhang with the batting.
2. Use the diagonal on the ruler!! I will make the world of the difference on squaring your pieces.
3. FEED your machine- sometimes as I was quilting, the stitches were shorter than other because I was not helping the sewing machine guide through.
4. Make sure the right sides are together when sewing the pieces together.
5. Pin closer to your seams, I was afraid at first but it's crucial for your fabric not to move
6. Start with basic prints, our Pure Solids have no wrong side which made this process easier.
7. Embrace your quilting mistakes!

That’s it, for now, my quilty friends, thank you for those who commented on my last post, your encouraging words made me want to keep this going! These would be great beginner pillows to make for Father’s Day as well, for anyone looking for a project. If you are new at sewing it would probably take you all day, but handmade gifts are always worth it. Don’t forget to embrace your mistakes, I believe they make gifts, extra-special. But of course, any tips or advice are always appreciated in the comments below!

‘Till next time,

Jannelle

Because we're always listening to you and hearing which colors you're searching for on your sewing journeys, we created 20 NEW COLORS for our PURE SOLIDS!

That's right! We decided to expand our range of hues, so you have more options to match with our collections or simply use on their own. Now you'll find that "slightly more lemonish yellow, brighter shade of red, or ever that super light lilac." Our unique and improved dip-dye technique leads to the most brilliant shades ever, and now all of our Pure Solids are internationally OEKO-TEX certified, so you can rest assure our dyes are the most environmentally safe to use for the sewing industry. 

Check out our latest addition to the family of Pure's - all listed below by name for you! 

Collaborating with some of our talented designers and makers, we wanted to go a step further and show you some different ways of sewing with solid fabrics and how they can be used for a multitude of projects, not just with quilting! Mixing different color combinations and techniques, we really wanted to let the color palette resonate in each sewing project, so we choose very neutral backgrounds to make them stand out in the photographs here at our AGF studio.

Here's a glimpse at some of the projects we all put together for you using our newest Pure Solids. 

To see what else we've made as well as to learn more about our solids, check out our “Pure Solids Fabric Lookbook!”

Regarding a giveaway, we're doing something different this time around! Stay tuned this week on our Instagram for a special giveaway with Pure Solids.

If you don't have an Instagram account, don't worry we'll have plenty more giveaways on our blog this month! 

Until next time, keep creating. 

*Pure Solids featured above: Mandarin, Canary, Cherry Lipgloss, and Tigerlily.

My favorite season is around the corner...summer!! The countdown begins..June 21st, the official first day of summer and I can’t wait. Most people down here in Florida either really love or despise the summer months because it can get really hot, but I just happen to love the humidity, the bright colors, and all the breezy garments that come with the season. Now that I’ve been exploring how to sew on a sewing machine, I am really excited about adding some more sewing skills to my experience. Fun projects call for fun fabrics, so this month I chose “Tangerine Summer” Color Master to take the spotlight. A bundle that represents the sunny warm colors, vibrant fruit, and bloomed flowers... These fabrics are already calling my name.

With this wide variety of tones, take your fabric projects to the next level! All you need is one bundle to make a project that's perfect for the month, and you can get it in two sizes: Fat Quarters or Half yards.

Here are some projects from the lookbooks that you can make with our “Color Master” fabrics!

Ruffled Wristlet  #1: Featuring the print “Citrus Sunrise” and “Florita Party” which together makes a super cute wristlet for all your beach essentials, from sunblock to sunglasses. Definitely a great accessory to bring on your tropical vacation travels!

Plenum Quilt #2: Using the entire "Color Master" to create this gorgeous, bright orange quilt! An explosion of color using our signature quality cotton, combined with an original and unique project. If you’re interested in only making the Plenum Quilt Top with the box, then check out our Plenum Quilt free pattern, which includes all 10 prints!

Baby top #3: The "Lively Rosebuds Burst" print from Bai J. was used for this romper and it definitely doesn't need any other print to shine. Paired with some bright orange Pure Solids, your little ones will be ready for a summer-inspired trip!

This “Color Master” bundle can give you the option of using just one print or several to compliment any of your sewings designs. Although this bundle highlights the tangerine color, each print has distinct hues that make it easy to pair with other projects. For example, the print called “Florita Party” (Print shown below, circled in red) has an array of colors like yellow and soft oranges that can help piece together other fabrics with a matching color palette.

Imagine all the possibilities that can be done and if you still need some DIY ideas, you can follow our #AGFColorMaster hashtag, where you can see what other makers are making with these group of fabrics! Remember that this box is there for your convenience, it has many uses! The “Color Master Box” can keep your fabrics organized and neatly displayed for easy finding, or you can share the love because it’s perfectly curated in a box for an easy present!

Too excited to get straight to the fabric?! Well, we have some exciting news for you! You can get the “Cloud & Sky” edition in a BUNDLE. If you missed our big reveal on our social media last week, we now offer our Color Masters in both BOX and BUNDLE! The bundle option is there for anyone ready to be cut and be sewn right away, also available in FQ or HY!

If you're a fabric lover or know one in your life, these group of fabrics would be the perfect gift or you treat you yourself by finding them in our online stores. If you have any project ideas or already sewn something with these fabrics, make sure to tag us on social media using #artgalleryfabrics!

Keep making,

Jannelle