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June 2018

Natural Wonders: "Signature" Fabric Collection

Hi Makers,

Happy Monday! Hope you all enjoyed a lovely, Father's Day weekend!

I'm sure a lot of you spent it outside and there's nothing better than being in the great outdoors! (Weather permitting, of course!) Whenever I'm in a bit of a funk or need to gather some inspiration to reset my mind, I love to immerse myself in the natural world. Living here in South Florida, there's such fascinating, tropical wildlife and I always enjoy admiring it while I take my two beagles pups for a long walk, twice a day. I live near a canal so I often see Egyptian geese, Muscovy ducks, blue jay's, cardinals, white ibis, iguanas, turtles, Monarch butterflies, and my favorite, manatees! I'll never stop being in awe of all the flora and fauna here and how it all truly makes you live in the moment, enjoying life's simple pleasures. 

Our designer Sharon Holland’s latest fabric collection “Signature” derives from the natural world, highlighting budding florals, butterflies and forest animals such as deer and foxes. Known for her hand-drawn style, Sharon gathered inspiration from where she grew up in Ohio to create these elegant prints that are perfect for strip-piecing or for circular patterns to replicate “flower petals” in your future quilts, garments and home decor. This collection is filled with a  lovely fusion of "vintage meets modern" in a very elegant way. 

Signature Fabric Bundle 1

Signature_Extempore-Dress-Knit_2 Signature Sarai 2
For more nature-inspired sewing projects with instructions to follow along, click below to view our "Signature" look-book!

 

 

Here's our lovely "Sunflower Quilt" for you to create, just click the below link for the FREE quilting pattern:

Download Quilt Pattern

Signature_Quilt1-1

In case you need some ideas for solids, I've also included these blenders for you that can easily coordinate with the nature-inspired prints of "Signature." 

SignatureBlenders

Last but not least as you all know, enter a chance to win this fabulous, fabric bundle by signing up to our giveaway:

Signature-Fabric-Bundle

 To enter, please fill the form below. Giveaway ends Monday, June, 25nd, 2018. Good luck! 

"SIGNATURE" GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED, CONGRATULATIONS NAOMI RAIMON! Please check your email.

 

 

 

 

 


Fussy Cutting Lovers this Tutorial is for you!

Hey Everyone, 

Summer has come early here in Florida and I already want to spend most of my days inside with the AC or at the beach. I been spending the most of my time lately sewing with Mister Domestic (a.k.a Mathew Boudreaux) new fabric collection, Loved to Pieces! I am so excited to introduce to you my new video tutorial made with Loved to Pieces fabric.  Join me in making the Alabama Block, where I put my fussy cutting skills to the test and have a blast cutting out 1 1/2" squares from the "Anthonem Serene" print! 

Fussy-Cut-Quilt-Block

This block comes together quickly and  is perfect for beginner quilters. I would love to make a nice lap quilt just using this square and strip method. Check out my mock up below. To fussy cut my 1 1/2" squares I used this awesome clear template plastic from Dritz sewing. It really worked like a dream. Can't wait to use it in more of my sewing tutorials because it comes in super handy. 

  Loved-to-Pieces-Throw-Quilt

Enjoy the video and don't forget to share it with your quilty friends! Leave me a comment below with your favorite project using the fussy cutting technique. It is definitely one of my all time favorite techniques to use. Wan to see more fun quilt block tutorials, check out the AGF Quilt Block Collection Playlist! :)

Happy Sewing, 

Meli 


AGF Mystery Monday Giveaway - BIG REVEAL!

Hi Makers,

Happy Wednesday! Can't believe we're already in the middle of June, already. To keep your "hump day" exciting and yes, I know you're all patiently waiting for the reveal of what of our first "AGF Mystery Monday" is going to be, the time has finally come!

In case you missed it, we recently launched a NEW GIVEAWAY - AGF Mystery Monday that we'll be hosting once a month where we'll be giving away a MYSTERY BAG (yes, it will have fabric in it and other goodies too) that you can win by entering and guessing what's inside the bag! If you guess correctly, we'll pick you as the WINNER and you'll receive the mystery bag! Each mystery bag every month will have a specific theme, and we'll give you hints as to what's inside the bag. 

Here's the BIG REVEAL to this month's mystery's bag, and without further ado, the "cat's officially out of the bag!" 🐈 

Fabric

Fabric-Swatches
It's all CAT-THEMED fabric this month, and all of this fabric is going to Linda Williamson! Congratulations! :)

In case, you're curious (like a cat) and are wondering where to find this meow-filled fabric, I've listed it out for you, so you can easily find it via our site: 

  1. Quilter's Little Helper (Mint Version)
  2. Needle Finder 
  3. Bird Watcher
  4. Quilter's Little Helper (Pink Version)
  5. Cat Scratches
  6. Only Got Eyes For You
  7. Paws Up 
  8. Patiently Waiting (Mint Version)
  9. Patiently Waiting (Teal Version)

 Stay tuned for next's month "Mystery Monday" and thanks to everyone who participated in this first one! :)

Oh, and let us know if there's a certain theme you'd love to win in a "mystery bag." We always love hearing YOUR ideas! 

Thank you and keep creating,

- Sophia 

 

 

 

 

 


Mini Quilt Tutorial- Watermelon Snowcone

Hey Everyone,

Are you ready for summer? Growing up in the cold Midwest all winter long I would dream of summer.  Summer meant no school, days filled with bike riding and being outside enjoy the warm summer sun.  With summer just around the corner it has me wanting to sew with the bright beautiful colors that remind us all of the this amazing sunny season. With Coral being my favorite color to wear in the hot summer months I decided why not make a mini quilt featuring one of AGF's Colormaster Boxes.  The Coraline Edition has a great mix of blenders and focal prints. I am obsessed with the cute dragonfly print which I used for the back of my mini! I love it when your backing turns out just as cute as your quilt top! Hope you have fun making the Watermelon Snow Cone mini, as you dream about all the summer fun you will have with family and friends. 

Coraline-Color-Master--Mini--Graphic

Fabrics Used

16" Finished Mini

Fabric A- WNG-2027 Plumage Poppy
Fabric B- CTL-59901 Buoyant Vista
Fabric C- MWK-1118 Vitrine Watermarks Glaze
Fabric D- HCF-59308 Sprayed Doodles Coral
Fabric E- PE-408- White Linen
Binding -PE-450 Grapefruit
Backing - NTF- 77905 Nox Iridescence Aglow

 

Cutting Directions

Eight (8) 2 ½” x 4 ½” strips from Fabric A, B,C, and D

Sixty Four (64) 2 ½” squares from Fabric E

 

Block Construction

 I love how this mini is to put together because its only one block unit repeated 16 times which creates this super fun zig zag pattern!  To create a unit you will need two 2 ½” x 4 ½” strips from Fabric A and four 2 ½” squares from Fabric E. Draw a diagonal line with a fabric marking pen on the wrong side of all your 2 ½” squares. Place squares on the top of each 2 ½” x 4 ½” strip with the diagonal lines facing in.

Step-1

Pin your pieces together and sew on the line you drew. Trim your seam allowance to ¼” and press your seams in alternating directions.

Step-2

Repeat this process with your remaining two squares with the diagonal lines facing in. Sew on the line you drew and trim seam allowance to ¼”. Press seams in alternating directions.

Step-5

Now sew both of your pieces together making sure seams match. And voila one block unit complete.

Step-6

Repeat this process fifteen more times with your remaining fabric pieces. Sew similar block units into rows and then sew your rows together to get a cool looking mini like mine!

Quilt-top

Now... for my favorite part choosing the thread and backing. I choose the "Nox Iridescence  Aglow" print for my backing!  The dragonflies in this print are so cute and have me thinking of picnics at the park watching them float around in zag zag patterns. I chose a really yummy orangey coral thread to match my fabrics and decided to do a little straight line echo stitching in the white areas of my mini! I varied the width of the lines and I love the final finished look! 

Backing-again

Finished-quilt-

Wanna  see more ways to incorporate this gorgeous color into your everyday sewing check out this blog post we wrote featuring the Coraline Edition Color Master Box. It will definitely get ya into the summer mood! 

 

Happy Sewing, 

Meli


Father's Day Gift Guide

Hello, Makers!

How’s everyone doing today? I hope everyone was happy with their hand-sewn items for Mother’s day! But now, it’s time for all the dads to take the spotlight, “Father’s Day” is right around the corner. Time to turn those sewing machines on and make something special for them! If you're in a pickle and can't decide on what to get for your father or if you're like me and already gifted everything you possibly could think of… I have the perfect solution for you! There is nothing more special than making a handmade gift that your father will never forget.  I narrowed it down to four types: the traveler, the businessman, the stylish one, and the chef. So I searched long and far through our lookbooks, to find the most fitting gift for your father.

i. For the Traveler

This Travel Bag is perfect for any dads out there that are always on the go. Big enough to fit their essentials but small enough to fit in a suitcase for a trip. It also has compartments inside to keep any small items in its place.

Collection: Mediterraneo by Katarina Roccella
Mediterraneo_Sherri-Herrera-2


ii. For the Business Man

 

This Money Clip wallet is for any dad going to work and needs a thin wallet to put in their pocket. It has a slim and stylish design that any dad will enjoy! Simple enough for the everyday wear.

Collection: Mad Plaid by AGF

Wallet

 

 

iii. For the Stylish One

For all dads that really love wearing stylish clothes, here’s a great button-up shirt for any casual occasion! With a bold yellow pocket, this shirt is great for those who want a pop of color.

Collection: Day Trip by Dana Willard

Day Trip Man Shirt 3


iv. For The Chef

Calling all Chefs! We have the best gift for those who love to show off in the kitchen. Keep your dad nice and clean from the BBQ with this Apron-- especially if he’s a messy cook!

Collection: Denim Studio

Chef


I hope everyone has a beautiful day with their fathers! Every year my dad and I BBQ together, so that apron will be great for him. If you have any traditions that you do on Father’s day, please share in the comments below! As well as, any projects you create with our fabrics, use the hashtag #ArtGalleryFabrics to share the love.

 

Happy Father’s Day!

Jannelle

 

 

 

 


AGF Community Sampler- Attaching the Borders

 

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

  Community-Sampler-Applying-Borders

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. 

IMG_0271_blog 

 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! 


IMG_0275_blog

 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! :) 

  Melissa-and-Lauv

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