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August 2018

My Photo Stash - Magnificent Sunset

Hello my fellow makers!

It's been a while since I've written here, and I've missed sharing and chatting with you about all things fabric. This time I'm back to share a new source of inspiration that I've found for my personal projects and that's keeping me joyfully busy these days. I will call it "My Photo Stash." It all started with a photograph I took on a day in which the forecast said it would be nothing but grey skies and pouring rain. I took advantage of the fact that the sky was clear (contrary to what the forecast predicted) to hop on a bike and ride around for a bit... And then the sunset did this:

AGF_sunset_myphotostash
It is not the best quality photograph, but I love that it reminds me of how nature constantly amazes us. The combination of colours is so striking that it gave me the idea of taking a moment we captured on camera and translating it into fabric choices for the making of an heirloom. Wouldn't it be beautiful to gift someone a photo of a shared moment, and something made inspired by it? Even a bundle of the fabrics next to the photo. I would love receiving that.

For my interpretation I chose seven colours from our Pure Elements line (from top to bottom): Ocean Waves, Tranquil Waters, Very Berry, Apricot Crepe, Empire Yellow, Purple Pansy & Purple Wine.

Pure_elements_myphotostash

I would love to know if you've used photos as inspiration for quilts or projects (maybe garments, too?). I am looking forward to seeing your own "Photo Stashes" and please stay tuned to see the project I will be making with these fabrics. If you love this "Magnificent Sunset" combination let me know in the comments and I might do a giveaway of this fabric selection.

Rock n' sew!

Lauv


Upcoming Fabric Collection Reveals - Fall / Winter 2018

 
Part-3-2018-Reveal

Hello Fabric Lovers, 

Are you ready?! Yes, it is that time of year once again, where Art Gallery Fabrics reveals their upcoming fabric collections for Fall / Winter 2018! As a fabric lover/ AGF Fan I am like a kid at Christmas excited to finally see what all of our amazing AGF fabric designers have been working so hard on the past few months! I am truly blown away every collection reveal being able to see so many gorgeous designs. I immediately start dreaming of all the projects I want to make with all the different collections! All of our designers are amazingly talented individuals with  unique styles, coming from so many different backgrounds which ends up creating  special fabric collections that our made with love, purpose and with you mind. Without further ado, below you will get a glimpse of all the great new fabrics to come!

Which collections are you excited to start working with? Click  the pictures below to view all the prints in each collection. Check out the videos below where each designer shares their inspiration behind their new collection.  Happy exploring and don't forget to mark the dates on your calendar for the release of each collection! :) 

  Collection-1

  Virtuosa

Inspired by the days of performing in theatre, our designer Bari J shines the spotlight on romantic and bold prints that take center stage in this fabric collection. With a distinct color palette filled with jewel-tones, there’s no doubt that these fabrics fuse together harmony, opulence, and of course, drama!

Right away I am thinking of home decor projects, pillows, table clothes, wall hangings, my mind is spinning with sewing possibilities. Bari J is famous for her hand painted florals that are masterpieces in themselves which is why I would use a lot of her prints for the backing of my quilts or even make whole cloth quilts to enjoy the beauty of her lushes floral designs. 

 

 

Collection-2Little-clementine

“Little Clementine” is  adorned with enchanted forests and ditsy florals, these prints tell the story of Little Clementine, a little girl who enjoys reading books and befriending forest creatures like bears and rabbits. With nostalgic and whimsical elements, these fabrics are filled with soft, autumnal tones that make this collection, an extra cozy one!

I got my rotary cutter and fussy cut rulers ready to start cutting the cute elements out of these precious fabrics! We all know people that have little ones in there lives and this collection possess amazing opportunities for creating nursery decor! 

 

 

Collection-3

 

Sonata

Inspired by the classical music of Ludwig van Beethoven, our designer Amy Sinibaldi takes us on a musical journey with her latest collection “Sonata". Composed of romantic prints, these fabrics include symphony instruments, harmonious florals like edelweiss, and ornate windows that overlook the wondrous city of Vienna.

Any music lovers out there? As we all in our own way cherish the sounds of music and the happiness it brings, it's super fun to be able to have this sweet fabric collection to add to our to sew list! The color palette in this collection is the first thing that stops me in my tracks, I always look to Amy for collections that have a soft, delicate touch! 

 

 

Collection-4 Aura
Embark on a tropical adventure with Mister Domestic’s fabric collection, “Aura.” Gathering inspiration from his own travels to Hawaii with his daughter, these fabrics highlight whimsical sea creatures and mesmerizing, geometric designs. With a vibrant color palette, these lush flora and fauna prints will instantly transport your sewing room into a Polynesian paradise!

Having never been to Hawaii I would definitely say sewing with this collection might be the second best thing! This collection being Mister Domestic's second collection with AGF I can safely say that he has truly found his signature style. 

 

Collection-5 Legendary

Using passion and persistence as her creative fuel, Pat Bravo has created 40 fabric collections over the past fourteen years and “Legendary” celebrates this artistic journey! With striking colors and energetic prints, these fabrics feature the “best selling” designs through the years while honoring Pat’s signature style.

Being a fan of Pat's designs for many years I have fallen in love with her use of color and free-spirited  bohemian style. She did a phenomenal job carefully selecting each one of these designs and recoloring them in ways that bring a whole new identity to the print! I am very much looking forward to sewing so many new project with this exquisite collection. 

Collection-6

Striped
Go bold or go home! Our latest “Striped Knits” now include 4 NEW BOLD STRIPES PRINTS that are 1” inch wide, so you can play with variations of scale and contrast in your sewing projects. These striped fabrics have a four-way stretch, incredibly soft, and are very “forgiving” on your sewing machine. Without a doubt, you’ll want to wear whatever you make, all day long.  

For years I have been on myself to create more garments for myself. Last New Year's Eve, a few of my sewing friends and I pledged to not buy any new clothes for the year of 2018. With 2019 approaching I think I am set to go another year with out purchasing any new outfits, especially with all the great knit fabrics that AGF offers! 

  Collection-7

Floral-elements

For your color mood! If you didn’t know, “Floral Elements” is one of our original AGF blender lines that has been essential to complement most of our main fabric designs. This time around, we added 6 NEW COLORS to this line. With these new vivid and textural colors, you’ll have even more options to mix and match in your sewing projects.

AGF Blenders are my go to for background fabrics and for mixing and matching into my quilt designs. These fantastic new colors are so striking and will  for sure make a great addition to my future quilts! 

 

Collection-8 Sunkissed
With Maureen Cracknell's new collection called “Sun Kissed," we’re venturing to tropical climates.  Inspired by soaking up the sunshine, this collection features cheerful suns, tropical botanicals, and colorful pool tiles. With a color palette of ocean blues, cherry reds, and citrus yellows, these fabric prints truly create a relaxing “island escape” feel!

This collection is being released in the most perfect time of year, with  December being one of the coldest months out of the year this collection will have us day dreaming of warm weather and summer time outfits! Any of you taking a Winter Holiday to some place warm? This collection calls for the creation of  cruise wear and beach bags! 

 

Collection-9 Art-district

A bite-size collection featuring AGF designers, Dana Willard, Caroline Hulse, Pat Bravo and AGF studio, “Art District Fusion” mixes together a wide array of expressive textures and bright colors. With painterly marks and strokes, these prints celebrate the “beat and pulse” of the artistic community here in Miami. With fun, eye-catching designs, this collection is fit for anyone who appreciates discovering “hidden art” while exploring the streets of an art district.

I love the concept of AGF's Fusion collections because there is a theme that caters to all the people in your life and since they are bite size collections consisting of 10 prints they are so easy to work with. Pick a few of your favorite AGF Blenders and your favorite Fusion collection and your well on your way to creating something new and fantastic! 

 

 

Collection-10 Silkroad

“Silk Road Fusion” transports us to Asia, highlighting ancient Asian techniques of brushwork modernized with geometrics. This collection creates an exotic mix of what’d you discover while traveling the trading route that connected the East to the West. These bold, impactful designs celebrate “old world meets new world” craftsmanship and also serve as a reminder to never to forget the past. 

SUPER excited about this brand new Fusion, with black and red being colors you don't see too much in AGF Fabric Collections, I am thrilled to start sewing with this incredible color palette.

 


 

I hope you are as excited as I am to start sewing with these lovely new collections! Any future plans in the works using these inspiring new collections? Can't wait to see what you all make! :)

Click the LookBook below for more insight on our upcoming collections! 

Agf_season3_sep_dec_18-1

Happy Sewing, 

Meli

 

 

 


Collection Reveals!

Part 3 2018 Reveal Final 2

Hello, Makers!

If you don't know already, we’ll be launching what we’ve been working on the past few months, our NEXT ROUND OF FABRIC COLLECTION REVEALS! Make sure to follow us on our social media accounts to see your favorite designers reveal their upcoming prints! 

Stay tuned EVERY DAY THIS WEEK to see new collections from AGF Studio, Bari J., Amy Sinibaldi, Mister Domestic, Pat Bravo, Maureen Cracknell and more

Here are our social media handles: 

Instagram/ IGTV: @ArtGalleryFabrics

Facebook: @ArtGalleryFabrics

Twitter: @ArtGalleryFab

 

Is there a certain designer you’re super excited to see?!

 


Chevron Piecing!

Did you know that the "Chevron" design is also called "Herringbone"? This amazing zig-zag pattern can be found in ancient Grecian pottery dating from 1800 B. C. and even though it sounds like a long time ago, today the classic pattern continues to make a great presence in fashion, film, corporate graphics, and of course quilting.

Pinterest-template-graphic3

Inspired on the organic and modern "Gathered" collection, we will be learning how to make a chevron pillow top using strips sets made of  Always & Always Luminance (Fabric A) and Aerial Clay (Fabric B).

The first step is to cut your strips, eight (8) width of fabric x 2 1/2" strips from fabric A and six (6) width of fabric x 2 1/2" strips from fabric B.

Then make two strip sets: A - B - A - B- A - B - A.

Subcut 2 1/2" strips from the strip sets using the 30 degree guide from the ruler. Make sure that if the strips from the first block are cut to the left, the strips from the second block are cut in the opposite direction.

 

Continue reading "Chevron Piecing!" »


Fussy Cutting Projects- Find the Perfect Prints!

 Hello Makers, 

What is your go to quilting technique? EPP, scrappy quilts, foundation paper piecing, quilt-as-you- go?  There are so many ways to create a single quilt and whatever way you choose why not incorporate a bit of fussy cutting to add a dose of extra cuteness to your handmade creations. When I first started working at Art Gallery Fabrics about  4  and a half years ago, I was introduced to all things quilty! One of the first quilting terms I learned was the word "Fussy Cutting", which I thought at the time was a pretty silly name. When you think about it fussy cutting is exactly as it sounds, being fussy about the things you cut from your fabric. Later, I learned fabric designers actually design fabrics based around this silly name called Fussy Cutting. It's safe to say this fun technique has become apart of many of my quilting and  sewing projects.  Below are a few on my favorite prints and projects showcasing the Fussy Cutting technique! Enjoy scrolling through the post and make sure to comment below with your favorite AGF prints that you have used in your fussy cutting projects! 

 Nightfall Fabrics 


Nightfall-Fabrics

 Click here for Free Pattern! Prints made by Maureen Cracknell.

 

The "Foxfire" free quilt pattern made it's debut in the Nightfall Fabrics lookbook where it featured this super cute owl and bunny print! These adorable prints made it's way into the middle of each quilt block which is my favorite way to incorporate fussy cutting into my quilts. This quilt bl0ck design does a great job framing your fussy cut prints while adding half square triangles to each corner of your block. When all your blocks are sewn together it adds a nice secondary block of Half Square Triangles. (Can you see what I am talking about? ) Pretty cool, right!?  

 

Loved to Pieces Fabrics


Loved-to-Pieces

 Projects made with Loved to Pieces Fabric

Now let's talk about my newest favorite print to fussy cut from Loved to Pieces Fabrics! The "Anthonem  Serene"print exhibits an array of  distinctive florals all lined up in alphabetical order.  How sweet is this? Mister Domestic made this super sweet pillow below showcasing this cute postage stamp floral print.  

Also an extra bonus is this print comes in another colorway! Most often times your favorite AGF print will come in two different colorways which I love but sometimes it ends up being hard to choose which print to use, which I don't tend to mind! :)  

I also wanted to show you the "Alabama Quilt Block" using the same florals! Make sure to head to our Youtube for the full tutorial! You will have a blast cutting out all the little flowers, I know I sure did. :)

 

Charleston Fabrics 



Charleston

Charleston English Paper Piecing Jodi 2 square

 Prints from Charleston Fabrics 

My two favorite prints from Charleston Fabrics by Amy Sinibaldi has to be the " The Row" which celebrates the beautiful architecture and scenery of the historical town of Charleston.  My other fave is the cute stencil pineapple print called "Ananas Powder" , there is just something so inviting about pineapple fabrics and decor which is probably why the pineapple is a symbol for welcome, friendship, and hospitality.

I can't get over all the hard work and patience it takes to get through a EPP project like the one above! Jodi from @talesofcloth is a EPP master! If your new to EPP I suggest you head to her profile and if your feeling inspired pick up the Pirouette Quilt with lots of fussying cutting options!  

 

Lambkin Fabrics

Lambkin-Fabrics

Prints from Lambkin Fabrics by Bonnie Christine

For those of you who have children or are obsessed with sewing things for your niece and nephews like me you are going to love the next two collections! Lambkin Fabrics (pic above) consists of two beautiful color palettes which cater  to sewing for girls and boys. First let's talk about how charming the "Sir Wooly" print is, he is perfect to fussy cut and apply to your kids clothing or incorporate into your quilt blocks for a cute baby quilt. 

I also am crazy about the numbers and symbols print called "Arista Oats"! I have a two year old nephew and I can't wait to make him something with this print maybe spelling out his name or using the numbers in this print and making him something so I can teach him to count! 

The next print called "Little Entomologist" displays a collection of insects you would find in your garden! I am not necessary a fan of the real thing but on fabric these cute critters  are fun to cut out from the fabric!  

 

Campsite Fabrics



Campsite

Prints from Campsite Fabrics

I am not the most avid camper but I do remember going on a few camping trips with my Girl Scout Troop back in my childhood. There is something so special about being outdoors, breathing in fresh air and being one with nature. Campsite Fabrics brings back this special memory for me is such a cute way. My two favorite projects has to be these cute patches and table cloth! You can find these super cute fussy cutting projects in the Campsite Lookbook.  

 

Tallinn Fabrics 

Tallin

Last but not least, I wanted to talk about the Tiger print from Tallinn Fabrics by our talented designer Jessica Swift! This print comes in two different colorways and has so many great elements to fussy cut. These denim pants made with our smooth denim fabrics can be found in the Tallinn Lookbook! What a super cute way to embellish your denim! This project definitely got my wheels turning and inspired me to take my fussy cutting to the next level! 

Well I hope you enjoyed hearing about the  prints and projects in this blog post. If you have any other fussy cutting inspired projects you would like to share with me I would be so excited to see! 

 Happy Fussy Cutting, 

Meli


Back to School Sewing Essentials

Greetings, makers!

 

I can’t believe summer’s almost over. I remember as a kid (when I was age 12) I would dread listening to all the “back to school” commercials in mid-July 😂, especially since my mom would worry about getting my supplies early because if you waited too long, shopping becomes chaotic with all the parents scrambling to get what they need. But here we are now, 10 years later repeating history with my 12 year old brother! My brother is starting school in the next couple of weeks, and although he is not excited, he is looking forward on picking out a backpack. To him, that is the only thing that matters and I don’t blame him, everyone wants to look cool, right?

Luckily, I work with very talented makers that have sewn wonderful projects that are totally “back-to-school” worthy of creating! So, I gathered some of my favorite essentials from past lookbooks with free patterns, so that you can be ready when the school comes too!

1: Bucket Bag made with Arizona After and Heritage fabrics. I wish I had this backpack when I was going to school! Bucket bags are the best because it involves no zippers that gets stuck with all your folders and papers. Arizona After & Heritage Backpack 2 1

 

#2 Insulated Lunch bag made with Campsite fabrics. I think everyone growing up really avoided cafeteria food, at least I did! But I definitely would of brought lunch to school more often if I had a lunch bag like this one! Capsules Campsite Lunch Bag 5

 

 

#3 Lined Booked Cover made with Flower Child fabrics. Make organizing more adorable with these book covers, that you can adjust to any size journal you may have. Flower Child Journal Cover 2

#4 Stationary bag made with Lambkin fabrics.I actually have a funny story about this, when I was in the first grade, the girl that sat next to me had the coolest set of crayola crayons. I was so jealous because I had the basic primary colors but luckily (for me) we actually had the same pencil pouch at the time, so when she wasn’t looking, I replaced my bag with hers so I can have all her crayons, haha! Don’t let your kids go through this trauma with some easy DIY pouches. Lambkin Boy - more 4

#5 Sketchbook and Pencil holder made with Wild Bloom fabrics. Keep all your notes and supplies in one place with an organizer like this one! You can adjust the width of each pocket to hold any notebook, pencil, or even some sticky notes. Wild Bloom Book Cover 1

 

No need to panic anymore, because we have all your sewing “back to school” essentials right here! Let's get the kids excited again with their own custom supplies. Looking back at those days, I wish I was kid again! So many good stories to tell from growing up, and if you have any funny stories to tell from your childhood please comment down below!

 

As always, we love to share the love and see your creations, so tag us on social media using the hashtag #ArtGalleryFabrics!

 

Wishing everyone a great school year,

Jannelle