Hey there sewing friends,
I am so excited to show you our finished quilt top for the Community Sampler hosted by two of our amazing fabric designers, Maureen Cracknell and Sharon Holland! The past fifteen weeks of this "Sew Along" has gone by so quickly but we enjoyed every minute of the process. This week, I teamed up with three awesome girls from the AGF Crew to attach the border section of our quilt! It was such a treat to teach the girls how to make flying geese using the no waste method! See our finished quilt top below and meet the wonderful ladies that finished up this beautiful sampler we created with Splendid Fusion.
I hope you have been enjoying following along to the creation of our AGF Community Sampler in the past weeks and getting to know everyone on the AGF Team. I can't express enough how I am so honored to work with such a inspiring group of ladies! There is no better feeling then sewing and learning new things with a group of people who share the same passions and love for creating. Meet Sarah below! She was a little nervous at first to start sewing but she quickly was smiling ear to ear once she got the hang of things.
Prior to starting your quilt block did you have any sewing experience?
Just a bit! My grandmother taught me the basics when I was younger with fun mini projects. I did a little more sewing in college when one of my textile design professors introduced me to quilting in hopes that I would become more comfortable with the sewing machine.
Before starting your first quilt block lesson, what was your impression of quilting and how did you feel about doing this for the first time?
I think it can be a little intimidating for some, including myself. I was really nervous about being totally precise and accurate with every cut, making sure everything lined up correctly.
What was your favorite part about creating your first quilt block?
It’s exciting to watch all of these little pieces folded this way and that way, add up and make something new. It’s like a puzzle.
What was the most difficult part about creating your quilt block?
Cutting! It’s hard not to shift your hand slightly as you’re trying to make these perfectly straight cuts. It’s something you don’t even think about until you’re doing it!
What advice would you give someone who is new to quilting?
Just be patient and trust yourself. Don’t overthink the process, just enjoy it and embrace any little mistakes that might happen. They add character.
How does it feel to have created your first quilt block?
Exciting! It takes a lot of time and patience, and it’s great to see that come together.
How has your idea of quilting changed after learning more about it?
It becomes less intimidating with more practice. It’s pretty relaxing once you get started.
Do you see yourself quilting in the future?
Of course!
Here is Angie below! She has been with Art Gallery Fabrics since the very beginning and is someone I look up to and turn to for guidance when it comes to design. Read all about her and her quilting experience below!
Prior to starting your quilt block did you have any sewing experience?
Not really, maybe a few short attempts but I’ve always been scared of the sewing machine.
Before starting your first quilt block lesson, what was your impression of quilting and how did you feel about doing this for the first time?
I have been working at AGF for a while now and that has allowed me to familiarize myself with the quilting world quite a bit, so I’ve been exposed to all sorts of blocks, tutorials, techniques and what not - but it was nice to actually try it myself ; )
What was your favorite part about creating your first quilt block?
I love geometric shapes so I really enjoy joining pieces together and creating new shapes.
What was the most difficult part about creating your quilt block?
Straight seams. I want perfect seams always and always, but I understand it takes practice.
What advice would you give someone who is new to quilting?
Don’t be scared and take your time. Start with a small project, nothing too overwhelming and don’t rush!
How does it feel to have created your first quilt block?
Love it! Cutting & sewing the borders was a lot of work (more than I thought), and it’s a great feeling seeing it come together. Thank you Meli, you are a great teacher!
How has your idea of quilting changed after learning more about it?
There is so much more to learn and practice, but it doesn’t seem as scary anymore.
Do you see yourself quilting in the future?
I have a few ideas in my head already ; )
Meet Lauv below (Left) ! It's always a lot of fun getting to sew and talk to this lovely lady! Read more about her below! :)
How did you get into sewing?
My mum has always been into arts and crafts, she would sew many of my garments when I was a baby (and she still does if I ask), so I don’t recall the exact way that I got into it, but it had to do with sewing and fixing garments with my mum.
What is your favorite thing to sew?
Hmm, now that I’ve worked seven years in the quilting industry I confess that I like sewing straight lines, I can really get into strip piecing. I also always enjoyed doing french seams, there is something calming about the end result.
Tell us about your first quilting experience… If you could go back and tell past you any advice what would you say?
My first quilting experience was quite ambitious! It was one of the first quilts I designed for AGF made with the Hyperreal Garden collection by Pat Bravo, and then I had to put it together. My advice would be to “relax and trust that you are doing it correctly,” because I remember I was a bit nervous about getting it right, and frustration made it seem way more stressful than it really was.
What is your favorite quilting technique that you use all the time?
I don’t know if I have a preferred quilting technique. I like strip piecing, improv piecing, and basically anything that is already cut (cutting is my least favourite part of the process).
Having the right sewing supplies to get the job done right saves a ton of stress. What is one sewing tool you could never live without.
Small sharp scissors.
Finishing a project gives all sewers a rush of happiness. What is your all time favorite sewing project you have completed?
I made a mini quilt with appliqued Sony Angels for a girl that used to work here and I was really in love with it. I put tiny wings on the back of it and I adored it.
There you have it! A lot of hard work and team work went into creating this quilt and I am so happy it as a little part of everyone of us girls in it! In the next week or so I will be deciding on backing, binding and thread and would love your help. Stay tuned to our IG Stories to help me figure out what to do.
Happy Sewing ,
Meli
Natural Wonders: "Signature" Fabric Collection