Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

Wanderlust is a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world.

It seems as if this wonderful feeling has been rapidly spreading among more and more people. From exploring around one's city, to taking big leaps into places completely unknown. Travelling is a thought that has become as organic as eating; a necessity. Because of that need to explore and find new places, yet leaving all of our senses free to experience, we created this bum bag. We want to free it from its bad reputation through this tutorial. We incorporated Bijoux by Bari J., a collection from the imagined life of a travelling free spirit. The earth tones make it perfect to create a bag that will seamlessly incorporate itself into a wild adventure. By changing the prints and details into something more minimalist, you can transport with this bum bag into an industrialised setting where you explore an urban area. Ocean blue and palm tree greens will lead you on a tropical getaway. Always with the possibility to have your basic needs at hand, but your hands free.

Here is what you will need:

1. (2) Two 2 ¼” x 6 ½” strips of Exotic Bandana Sahara (Bijoux by Bari J.)
2. (2) Two 2” x 6 ½” strips of Caravan’s Light Sunset (Bijoux)
3. (1) One 6” x 6 ½” strip of Dancing Harvest Wheat (Bijoux)
4. (1) One 4 ¾” x 3 ½” rectangle of Dancing Harvest Wheat (Bijoux)
5. (2) Two 4 ¾” x 2” rectangles of Dancing Harvest Wheat (Bijoux)
6. (4) Four 1” x 6 ½” strips of Coffee Bean (Pure Elements by AGF In-house Studio)
7. (1) One 14 ½” x 6 ½” rectangle of Coffee Bean (Pure Elements)
8. (1) One 3” x WOF Strip of Coffee Bean (Pure Elements)
9. (1) One 14 ½” x 13” rectangle of Crystal Pink (Pure Elements)
10. (1) One 10” zipper
11. (1) 36 ½” x 1” strip of interfacing
12. TEMPLATE

Start by sewing all the strips together in order to create a rectangular piece (follow the diagram). Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise. Place the template provided on fold and cut.

Take piece #7 and use the same template to cut (also on fold) the back side of the bag.

Take piece #9 fold it in half lengthwise and fold it again crosswise. Align the template to the folded edge and cut. These are the two lining pieces.

Take piece #8 and iron the interfacing strip on top of the wrong side of the fabric ¼” away from the bottom edge. Centre it leaving approximately 3” on each side. Fold it in half lengthwise right sides facing and sew along the long edge. Trace a vertical line in the centre of the strip and sew ¼” from the line to both sides of it. Cut the strip in half following the traced line and turn the two new pieces inside out.

Take the front of the bum bag and place it on top of one of the lining pieces. Align carefully. Using a fabric marker trace a 6” horizontal line and make two 1/2" “arrows” at both ends of the line (follow the template). This will be the opening for the zipper. Hold both pieces with pins and cut on the lines. Fold the cut edges towards the wrong side of the fabrics.

Take piece #4 and iron a ½” x 4 ¼” strip of double-stick fusible on the top edge of the rectangle, fold it and iron again to stick in place. Repeat the same for the side edges, this time add a ¼” x 3 ½” strip. Place the bottom of the pocket (the edge without double sided fusible) 1” away from the bottom edge of the main piece (face-to-face) sew ¼” away from the bottom of the pocket piece, turn it over and now sew in place 1/8” around the pocket (except on the top edge).

Place the two #5 pieces (pocket flap) together and trim the corners at a 45degree angle. Align them face-to-face and sew around the exterior edge leaving the top edge open to turn the piece inside out. With the right side of fabric out sew a 1/8” top-stitch all around. Place this flap on top of the main piece ½” below the zipper line and stitch it in place (1/8" from the raw edge). Press it towards the pocket and create a stitch 1/8” away from the top edge. Sew clasps inside to secure it. You can also add a decorative button to the flap.

Take front and the back pieces and pin them face-to-face. Sew along the top and bottom edge with ¼” seam allowance (leave the side edges open) turn it inside out through the zipper opening. Repeat the previous step with the lining pieces.

 
Insert the lining in the main piece. Then, insert one strap on each side. Sew them from the inside and pull them out.

Prior to attaching the zipper, clean the raw edges either with a serger or with a zigzag stitch. Open the zipper. Place it on the bottom edge of the opening with the teeth facing downwards. Sew along the edge (make sure that you grab the lining fabric as you are sewing). Align the zipper's edge (opposite to the teeth) to the top-edge and stitch it in place 3/8" away from the edge. Clean the exposed edges with a serger or a zig zag stitch. Insert the zipper in the pocket and do a top stitch all around 1/16" from the edge of the fabric.

Sew a decorative running stitch on top of the Coffee Bean strips by hand.

You are done!

This Bijoux Wanderer Bum Bag already went to the Grand Canyon:

A closer view:

May this simple project ignite a creative adventure that ultimately leads you to go out there and explore the world.

Rock 'n Sew,

Lauv

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Here are the options I mentioned:

The first one is made with Pure Elements and the second one with Nature Elements

Hello everyone!

We're thrilled to announce the arrival of Chic Flora! The collection is inspired by the most refreshing season of the year, Spring! It was designed by AGF In-house Studio, who came up with an energizing and rejuvenating color palette by mixing bold shades of blue with sweet corals.

Chic Flora’s color palette consists of different shades of mineral blues, bright corals and tints of lime.

These beautiful fabrics from Chic Flora reveal their potential through apparel projects, accessories, quilts and home décor. 

Here is a selection of Chic Flora’s coordinating blenders: 

Pure Elements: PE-441 Blueberry Zest, PE-409 Light Citron, PE-438 Coral Reef, PE-450 Grapefruit, PE-423 Appletini and PE-436 Creme de la Creme. Squared Elements: SE-612 Blueberry and SE-610 Lime.

If you’re looking for Spring wardrobe or Spring inspiring ideas, check out Chic Flora’s lookbook! 

Can’t wait to get your hands on these beautiful fabrics? Click here to find out your nearest fabric shop carrying Chic Flora. Or, if you prefer to shop online, we’ve got the list here.

Please share your projects using Chic Flora with us, and don’t forget to tag them with #artgalleryfabrics and #chicflora 

We’re curious to see what you’re going to come up with. Thank you for reading, and may all your projects blossom!

Xo,

Tai.

For the Chromatics Lookbook we created this pillow using appliqué. This technique helped us achieve a pieced look with texture and dimension. Another plus is that we can avoid the seams on the background fabric for a smooth feel. 

 To create this look this is what you will need:

1. (2) 19” Square of Nocturnal (Pure Elements by AGF In-house Studio)
2. (1) 2” x 15 ¾” Strip of Love Notes Retro (Chromatics by AGF In-house Studio)
3. (1) 2” x 14 ¼” Strip of Love Notes Retro (Chromatics)
4. (1) 2” x 7 ¾” Strip of Triangular Mustard (Chromatics)
5. (1) 2” x 10 ¼” Strip of Fancy Buttons Grey (Chromatics)
6. (1) 2” x 9 ¾” Strip of Fancy Buttons Grey (Chromatics)
7. (1) 2” x 9 ¼” Strip of Pointelle Yellow (Chromatics)
8. (1) 2” x 12” Strip of Pointelle Yellow (Chromatics)
9. (1) 2” x 11 ¾” Strip of Triangularity Moon (Chromatics)
10. (1) 2” x 16” Strip of Triangularity Moon (Chromatics)
11. (1) 1” x 6 ¾” Strip of Ash (Pure Elements)
12. (1) 1” x 8 ¾” Strip of Ash (Pure Elements)
13. Steam-a-Seam double stick fusible.

Start by attaching the Steam-a-Seam to all of the strips.

Refer to the first photograph for fabric placement.

Iron on the long strips (be mindful of the order since the Ash grey pieces go on what we can call a "second layer" of appliqué) to the true side of one of the 19” squares of Nocturnal. Sew a top-stitch 1/8” from the edge around each strip to hold them in place 

Now take the 19” square that was left and place it on top of the worked square (face-to-face) and sew ½” around leaving an opening at the bottom that is long enough to turn the piece inside out (around 4").

Insert an 18" pillow form and close the opening with an invisible stitch by hand.

You are done!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial and incorporate this technique in your AGF projects. If you do make sure to share it with us using the (hashtag) #artgalleryfabrics #myAGFprojects

Rock 'n Sew,

Lauv

Hey everybody!

 

Today we're excited to reveal the names and faces on our Limited Edition project! Many of your guesses are about to be confirmed, so let's start with introductions. 

 

This incredible group of women will be diversifying our brand with styles and skills that are as inspiring as they are diverse. So, in no particular order, we're very proud to welcome to the AGF family:

 

 

April Rhodes

---

 

April is a dreamer, crafter, wife, and mother. She was eight years old when her mom first taught her to use a sewing machine and her passion bloomed. Making pretty things brings her fulfillment and joy.

April is quite the fashion enthusiast and loves wearing what she makes. It gives her a great sense of pride to walk around in a dress she's sewn herself. She says it’s like a fun little secret... “I made it myself.”  

It was that feeling of fulfillment that drove her to create simple garment patterns for women’s home sewing. Her first pattern, The Staple Dress, released last year with an amazing reception into the sewing community. The success of that first release has both humbled and excited her. Invigorated by the thought of other crafters using her work, patterns or fabric, to pursue their own creative endeavors--makes her heart skip!

"It's important for me to stay close to family and friends as well as our shop, Sew To Speak. A fabric store I helped my mother open in 2008."

In addition to sewing, she enjoys dabbling in interior design and DIY home decor, photography, antiquing and vintage camper rehab. She currently lives in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio, where her and husband, Jeff, have a mid-century ranch. They are pursuing their dreams while raising their two daughters.

 

Visit her website: april-rhodes.com

 

 

Hello all!

We’re very excited to introduce Leah Duncan’s second collection with AGF, Meadow! The textile and surface designer/illustrator that loves sunny weather, designed a line takes you to a place where there’s a light breeze, fresh air and sunshine's warmth brushes your skin. Meadow is inspired by the perfect summer day.

Nature elements define the aesthetic identity of Meadow. There are flowers as well as patterns that mimic a dotted landscape all over the fabrics. You can see airiness throughout the collection along with broad strokes reminiscent of grass, evoking a sunny meadow with vast hills. 

Meadow’s two color palettes feature fresh shades of yellow, coral, green and blue to tell the story of summer days past and present.

Picnic by the River consists of delicate blues and bright yellows.

Picnic in the Hills main colors are garden-fresh greens and soft corals. 

Meadow’s versatility allowed us to come up with a range of many different projects like apparel, quilt, pillows, tablecloths, suitcases and other home décor pieces.  

For an in-depth look into Meadow, jump into our lookbook. You will not only find amazing pictures that will inspire you, but also tutorials and projects you can try using Meadow fabrics.

 Selection of Meadow’s coordinating blenders below:

Pure Elements: PE-406 Burnt Orange, PE-415 Parisian Blue, PE-436 Creme de la Crème, PE-417 Emerald, PE-424 Mirage Blue, PE-426 Apricot Crepe, PE-442 Ocean Waves, and PE-448 Canary. Nature Elements: NE-106 Orange Peel. Floral Elements: FE-533 Winter Wheat. Oval Elements: OE-916 Mood Indigo and OE-911 Golden.

Get the free quilt pattern Sunrise designed by Leah Duncan to bring you some warmth. 

Meadow is officially in stores! Click here to find your nearest independent quilt and fabric shop stocked with Meadow. Or, if you prefer to shop online, we’ve got that website list here.

Tag your projects using Meadow fabrics with #artgalleryfabrics and #meadowfabric so we can see what you came up with.

Thank you for reading! We hope Meadow lights up your creativity and desire to create! Wishing you all perfect sunny days.

Xo,

Tai.

We had to share this great free pattern created by one of our designers, Pat Bravo. She has a new take on hexagons using Carnaby St. and Rapture. Take a look at her blog post for all the details.

And that heart IS beautiful!

Rock 'n Sew,

Lauv