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March 2019

February 2019

PURE SOLIDS-Truth about Quilting Cottons and all you need to know about AGF SOLIDS

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Hello Makers,

Don’t say we didn’t tell you! Our Pure Elements are now PURE SOLIDS. They have new characteristics you’ll love while maintaining the virtues that made them famous. I am here to tell you all about PURE SOLIDS.

For those that have been sewing with PURE SOLIDS for some time now, you truly understand and FEEL THE DIFFERENCE already! But for those of you who haven’t had the pleasure, let me breakdown all you need to know about our PURE SOLIDS and what makes them so great!


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Color is everything, especially when it comes to quilting. We all gravitate to different shades and hues and finding that perfect tone that matches with the fabrics you pull to create your quilt is extremely important. To create that jaw-dropping, mouth-watering quilt most often times it has to do with the proper amount of color and contrast!


Making sure you have a variety of different coordinating and contrasting colors is a must. Our selection of PURE SOLIDS is comprised of 79 hues that add that special touch of
Pure Color” to your sewing projects. AND GUESS WHAT! We are launching 20 NEW colors to add to your sewing arsenal! I have had the honor of having a look at all the NEW colors and take it from me it’s so exciting and I can’t wait to get my creative little hands on these new trend-setting shades!

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Now you may be wondering what gives our PURE SOLIDS that vibrant glowing shine? Well let me let you in on our little secret, AGF has an EXCLUSIVE and IMPROVED dip dye process that is used on all of our juicy array of colors, which creates more brilliant colors than any other solid fabrics in the market! And because of this process, the color on the back of the fabric is just as stunning and vivid as the front, which makes our solids reversible. In other words, you don’t even need to worry what is the wrong or right side of the fabric!! PRETTY COOL huh? :)

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OK, let me enlighten you on some more fabric magic! NOT ALL 100% cotton are treated equally! Thread count plays a big role in the outcome of the finished fabric. The higher the thread count, the more luxurious and magnificent the feel and radiance. PURE SOLIDS thread count is 133" x 72", this plays a key factor in creating that perfect “silky” feel which also makes our cotton excellent to use for making garments! Our premium cotton has the softest hand and the lowest shrinkage percentage (1% - 2%). They almost don’t fray, making them ideal for all kind of projects.

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From what I have learned, thread count isn’t the only important factor when trying to find the best quilting cotton to sew with! The thickness of the threads used are also equally as important. The thinner the thread the more soft drapey feel.

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Our PURE SOLIDS  are super easy to care for as well! Machine wash warm, normal cycle. Use only non-chlorine bleach. Tumble dry medium and use a warm iron. What I LOVE THE MOST is because of our high thread count our fabrics will wrinkle less than other fabrics in the market. Which I don't know about you, but I despise ironing and the shorter time I spend ironing the BETTER! :) Also, by following the fabric care that I mentioned above you do not have to worry about the color fading, the exclusive dip dying process I mentioned earlier keeps your fabrics that same vibrant color even after tons of washes!

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One thing that is MEGA important to me as a sewist/consumer of goods is understanding the process the products I am buying go through before it gets to my doorstep. Have you watched the Netflix documentary called “STINK” yet? If you haven’t I encourage you to educate yourself because knowledge is POWER! In this documentary, they share with you that a lot of things that we purchase on a daily basis, which we think are safe are not as SAFE as we think they are, and what’s even more disheartening is these products are designed specifically to incorporate these chemicals knowing the consequences they could have on the human body.

That’s why it’s SOOOOO important to us as a company that we are confidently offering products that are safe for you and our environment, so you know that the handmade quilts, garments and sewing projects you create for your loved ones are truly made with love.

 

All of the products we offer are internationally OEKO-TEX certified. Head to their site to learn more about this process. We use environmentally safe inks to create our fabrics because we are as much NATURE LOVERS as we are fabric lovers.

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We believe in delivering quality, PURE COLOR, and fabrics that will last the test of time. To view our full selection of colors click here! I hope for those of you who haven’t given our PURE SOLIDS a try, grab a few colors and let us know what you think! You all mean the world to us and we want you sewing with nothing but the best which we work hard to bring you!

 

Make sure to follow us on our social media in the weeks to come for more colorful inspiration and the release of our NEW COLORS!

Happy Sewing,

Meli  

 

 


Printable Valentine's Card- AGF Style

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Can you believe Valentine’s Day is only a few days away?! I’m excited to stay home with my loved ones, watch movies, and eat my homemade kettle corn! One of my favorite things to do is make homemade cards, it was always a small creative outlet for me and the best part was to give someone who would really appreciate it. If you’re preparing little goodies too, we made these Valentine's card that combines your love for handmade crafts, as well as your love for that special someone.

This year we wanted to add some quilty elements with a catchy phrase, to go perfectly with any box of chocolate, roses, or fabric (😉 haha)!  The cards feature elements from Signature by Sharon Holland, Wonderful Things by Bonnie Christine, Paperie and Sonata by Amy Sinibaldi. So load up your printer with paper (or you could use card stock if you’re feeling fancy) and click the link below to download the card.

Preview

 

DOWNLOAD VALENTINE'S CARD HERE

Each sheet of paper will perfectly fold into one card, with more room in the inside of the card for a written message. If you’re printing these lovely cards, feel free to let me know in the comments below what you plan on gifting it with!

 

Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s day,

 

-Jannelle

 

 

 

 


Sewing with Color - How to Make a "Kentucky Chain" Block

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Hello Makers,

Do you ever have problems finding the perfect go-to blenders to match back with your main fabrics when creating your quilts? I am a print girl all the way but sometimes you need a solid or blender to mix into your quilt to truly appreciate all the beautiful prints and to add contrast to make your fabrics shine. If you are a Pat Bravo fan like me and already have prints from her previous collections then you definitely need to get your hands on her new collection called Matchmade! This collection was meticulously curated to work back with all her previous fabric collections. Of course, Matchmade fabrics also work well on its own or mixing with other various prints you may have.

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What I love most about Matchmade is there are five different designs coordinated into four welcoming color groups, berry, gold, foliage and midnight! These tonal prints are just marvelous to sew with. I had the privilege of whipping up the free quilt pattern for this collection and these fabrics against the black solid background is just out of this world.

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Berry is by far my favorite color group because I am all about the color pink! But I just had to whip up a block in every color group! In the video below follow along with me to make the Kentucky Chain block. Also, vote on your favorite block! I can’t decide! :)

 

I can’t wait to see what you all make with Matchmade fabrics for inspiration make sure to check out our new Fabric Project Catalog.

Happy Sewing,

Meli


Made for Each Other: Matchmade Collection

“I am super excited to introduce my latest collection “MATCHMADE” to all of you! I hope you don’t feel surprised because these kind of lines are not what I normally do, but I felt it was necessary to compliment my work!” - Pat Bravo

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If you're a huge fan of our designer Pat Bravo's collections, then we have some NEWS for you! Pat came up with this very unique approach to create a fabric collection that acts as blenders for her previous collections like Legendary, Indie Folk and Indie Boheme. Since her style has always been very intricate, ornate and edgy, she wanted to offer makers fabrics that act as a "solid but that's not too solid" to create entire quilts and other projects. Ranging in Pat’s signature colors like bold teals, magentas, spiced mustards, these twenty fabrics have textured, little designs to add depth and unexpected details to any sewing project. They’re perfect for creating entire quilts as well as home decor, garments, and accessories like boho bags and totes. You’ll fall in love with all the options you can pair within this collection. 

For more colorful projects inspo, head over to our "Matchmade Fabric Lookbook!" 

 

 

Here's our lovely "Soultmates Quilt" for you to enjoy, just click the below link for the FREE pattern:

Download Quilt Pattern

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- - - MATCHMADE GIVEAWAY - - - 

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Enter a chance to win this fabulous, fabric bundle for your fabric stash by signing up to our giveaway!

Congratulations to our winner, Sandy Barse! Please check your email. :)

*Once you have entered the giveaway it's normal for your information to disappear. To confirm your entry check your email for a confirmation and approve it. By entering our giveaway you'll be automatically signed up for our newsletters. Don't worry, we don't spam!


#AGFMakerMonday - February Feature!

Hi Makers, 

Last year, we started a new way to feature your inspiring work that also gives you the opportunity to win our fabrics, but THE BEST PART is that we all get to know a little more about you! By encouraging makers to post their sewing projects using our fabrics via their social media using the hashtag #AGFMakerMonday,  we get to see how talented you are and all the amazing work you all do! Once we decide on the winner for the month, the maker receives a feature here on our AGF Blog AND of course...they win A 20-PIECE FQ BUNDLE of our fabric, based on their personal preference.

Meet this month’s featured maker, “Melanie Call!” Based out of Washington, she’s a super mom and pharmacist by day, and a quilter by night. She calls herself a “total math and chemistry nerd,” which definitely comes in handy when she’s designing her quilts. Melanie loves to combine both “modern and traditional” designs, and “loves big block quilts, so the fabric can shine!” Check out her quilty skills and a special interview we did with her. 

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Gathered Paper Pieced Pillow Covers/Table Toppers // Fabric: Bonnie Christine's Gathered and AGF Denim
 
MelanieCallNursery Quilt // Fabric: Nest Fabric with AGF Denim 
 
MelanieCall1Reversible Quilt with Enchanted Stars with Modern Triangles // Fabric: AGF Trinkets and AGF Denim
 
MelanieCall3Table Runner // Fabric: Pure Elements with Bonnie Christine 's Succulence
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1. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you first started sewing?
Hello Art Gallery Fabric Friends! I’m Melanie Call and I’m so excited to be here today on the AGF Blog! I’m married to my high school sweetheart and we have 3 amazing kids, plus I work as a pharmacist - total math and chemistry nerd here. Fabric has become my relaxing and creative outlet and I LOVE it! I began sewing about 14 years ago when a group of girlfriends and I started trying all sorts of crafty projects while our husbands played video games. :) We decided to try sewing so I bought a basic sewing machine at Costco and started sewing flannel receiving blankets and my first quilt. In no time, I fell in LOVE with sewing and quilting! Soon, I joined a local quilt group, upgraded my sewing machine, and began making receiving blankets, quilts, and bibs for my future kids. For the past 2 years, I have been sewing/quilting almost every day! My kids call it “Mom’s fabric-ing time." I love sewing in the morning before the kids wake up - it is so peaceful and relaxing! It’s the perfect way to start my day!
 
2. How do you often approach a new sewing project?
Fabric is my inspiration. I choose fabric that makes me feel happy and design or choose a project that fits the fabric. Only 10% of the time, I will choose the project first then select the fabric. I love being able to have the fabric in my hand prior to choosing the project - plus have you felt AGF….it’s soooo soft! When I’m designing quilts, I use Electric Quilt 8. I love being able to add in the fabric swatches so I know what my quilt will look like prior to making it! 
 
3.  Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere! I’m a very visual person so I love noticing patterns when I’m shopping, at work, or outside. I also love reading blogs, Instagram, magazines, and books. My favorite inspiration is the fabric itself! I find if I’m stumped on a design- I open EQ8 and start playing with blocks and soon enough - ideas start! Similar if I’m stuck on a project - I just start sewing patchwork blocks as patchwork makes me happy and motivates me.
 
4. How would you sum up your design style?
Modern Traditional - plus I love big block quilts so the fabric can shine!
 
5. What's was the best sewing advice even given to you?
Sew what makes YOU happy! 
 
6. What's on your "sew list" for 2019? 
My must sew list is never ending ;)
 
- Crossbody Bag. I need a new one!
- Back Pack
- Queen size quilt
- Design more patterns
 
7.  Name 5 things you can't live without in your sewing room.  
1. My sewing machine- Janome 9400 (love it)
2. Wonder clips 
3. Creative grid 2.5” x 18.5” ruler
4. Seam ripper - a necessary evil ;)
5. Gorgeous, happy fabric
 
8. Where can other makers' find your work?
A Bit of Scrap Stuff Blog: https://abitofscrapstuff.blogspot.com
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Since Melanie said she loves anything "florals, purples/magenta/navy, AGF designers Katarina Roccella, and Maureen Cracknell, we made this personalized, 20-piece bundle for her!
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If you want to be next month's - "March's Feature," enter a chance to win and be featured by tagging us in your work using the hashtag #AGFMakerMonday and we just might pick you! 
 
A big THANK YOU to Melanie for taking the time to chat with us, and thanks to everyone else who participated this month! 
 
Until next time, keep creating - 
 
- Sophia 
 

Color Master of the Month: Berry Valentine

Color mood board

Oh, it’s February, the month of love. 💓 Whether you have a Valentine's date or not, we can always appreciate all our loved ones in our life. I think my favorite part of Valentine’s day is the excuse to go out for dinner (I can’t be the only one, right?). I usually try to pick out a place that I never been too in the city of Miami, because the city looks stunning at night with all of the lights reflecting from one tower to the next and the riveting nightlife. Besides the food, I love to give little gifts to my family on Valentine’s Day, just to a show a little love and appreciation. From handmade cards to a small project that I’ve made, or just offer something unexpected like a massage or a car wash. If handmade gifts are your thing too, but you just need some guidance on which fabrics to use, look no further, the “Berry Valentine” bundle is here! I can’t think of a better Color Master of the month than this edition, with a mood board that represents what this bundle is all about: handwritten love notes, pugs, and the color of passion.

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!

Sewing inspo

Zippered Pouch #1: Featuring the print “Intertwill Blush”, this will a great quick project to sew up, and put all your goodies like candies or small trinkets to be gifted on Valentine’s Day.

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

Orange Fields Pillow #3: The “Corsage Charm Pink” print is just lovely for the flowers on this pillow. I love this as a gift or even to sew up for your own home, for some romantic and feminine, home decor.

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 color berry-pink, each print has distinct hues that make it easy to pair with other projects. For example, the print called “Love Blooms”  (Print shown below, circled in red) has orange, yellow, and light blue flowers to form the word “love” which can help piece together other fabrics with a matching color palette.

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Imagine all the possibilities that can be done and if you still need some DIY ideas, we hosted a color fun series post talking all about a bundle that includes fuschias and how you can pair it with other colored 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!

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Too excited to get straight to the fabric?! Well, we have some exciting news for you! You can get the “Berry Valentine” 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!

Bundles

If you're a fabric lover or know one in your life, these group of fabrics would be the perfect gift or you treat yourself by finding them in our online stores.

If you’re creating a sewing project using a “Color Master” fabrics, please feel free to share it with us on social media and use the hashtag #AGFColorMaster.   

Sew with love,

Jannelle