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September 2019

Decostitch Elements - 6 NEW COLORS!

Channel some desert-inspired hues! 

We've added 6 NEW COLORS to our blender, Decostitch Elements. If you're not familiar with this line of fabrics, we launched them last year and because they had such a great response from the sewing community, we decided to add more options. 

These fabrics highlight stitching motifs and unexpected little details, acting as a solid while adding depth and texture to your sewing projects. If you also have a soft spot for romantic, bohemian color palettes, these are definitely up your alley. They also can be paired with various AGF collections like Open Road, Little Clementine, Gathered, Lugu, and much more! 

New-decostitch-FINAL

Featuring "Cafe Latte, Pecan Praline, Ballet, Red Desert, Borgogna, and Blue Minerale," these colors easily work together as quilting, decor, apparel, and accessories. These colors are definitely trending this year with interior design from bedrooms, living rooms to even nurseries!

Especially with the seasons soon changing, these colors add a special warmth and coziness to your home as the weather begins to cool down. 


New deco colors block-FINAL

We created this quilt block using these new colors to show you how they can be used together!

To view these colors as well as our other Decostitch options, click here

What would you sew with these fabrics? We would love to know! :)

 


Bohemian Apparel with Nuncia Fabrics

For our designer Pat Bravo's Nuncia collection and fabric lookbook, we really wanted to put a big apparel focus on these fabrics! The main reason being that this collection has an eclectic, bohemian flair that can work so well with various garments. 

For inspiration, we created mood boards that were based around a free-spirited, romantic aesthetic with a 70's vibe as well as taking ideas from embellished textiles and accessories found in marketplaces across the globe. 

Inspo Untitled-1With all of this in mind guiding us for visual references, we also knew we wanted to create boho jackets, blouses, pants, and dresses which make perfect, transeasonal pieces...especially with fall right around the corner! Deciding to do something different and fun for a change, we had some of our own AGF ladies at home office pick their favorite print from this collection and pair it with a pattern of their choice. 

We hope you enjoy getting to know some of our team and what they decided to create for their own #handmadefashion. 

All the girls

 

Noemely // Graphic Design Noem"I have to say, the pattern was my first love in this beautiful creation. I knew that for this dress, rayon was a MUST and I am a sucker for long, flowy dresses. The “Paisleys Forever Turquoise” print in rayon caught my attention and immediately I knew that this intricate, floral paisley print would give this pattern the life it deserves. As you can see this dress is elegant enough for a romantic evening dinner but still comfortable enough to run errands on a Saturday."

 

Jessica // ProductionChicken_FINAL"I chose the “Paisleys Forever Boheme” print because I liked the teardrop-shaped design. I have always been a fan of the 70’s fashion and culture, and this print reminds me so much of that era. My personal style is very bohemian and I like pieces that flow organically and finding this print in rayon, I couldn’t resist making a set of pants and kimono."

 

Sarah // Textile Design

Sarah_FINALThe Always Do Good” print definitely stood out to me being a delicate, small-scale floral. This fun, ditsy floral set against black was the perfect complement to a wide flare. This print is so easy and effortless to pair with boots or heels, and a flowy top!"

 

Elisa // ProductionEli_FINAL

"I chose the "Just More Red" print because when I saw it, the first thing that came to my mind is that it looked like velvet fabric and loved how it would look on a jacket. The color pops a lot on your skin, and it’s perfect for everyday wear. The patches that were added to the jacket are from the print NUC-11982 where we fussy cut some flower repeats, paisleys, and hand-stitched gypsy crochet shisha mirror applique gave that extra touch to the jacket. As a cotton, it’s easy and comfortable to use and to give more structure with a clean finish, we used DEN-OYD-6002 for the lining."

 

Marcela // Marketing Capture

“I loved the simplicity and classic look of the “Goodness Thoughts” print and picked a pattern that complimented the voluminous sleeves of this blouse, and a touch of red never fails! Cotton was the best choice for this puff-sleeve effect.”

 

Jannelle // Marketing Yayelle_FINAL"The reason why I choose the ‘Pretty Eyes Twinkly’ print was that it reminded me of the inner, fierce attitude I have! From afar it’s a gorgeous, yellow print but up-close you’ll see those bold cheetah eyes. This oversized jacket was perfect for the cotton substrate because of the quilty stitching details. To match my sass, we brought “Phoebe” the wiener dog, to rock this look too!" 

 

To find out which prints and patterns we used for these garments, as well as other inspiration with Pat's collection, just browse through our "Nuncia Fabric Lookbook!" 


Designer’s Palette of the Month: Bonnie Christine

DP Template copy

Summer is coming to an end but at this time of year where we should take advantage of the summer nights. Inspired by all the warm colors that come out during the golden hour, I instantly thought of Bonnie Christine and her fabrics! But how can I choose just one collection from her? Thankfully, AGF already did the hard work for me! You may have seen the Color Masters before on the blog talking about each color group but now AGF launched the Color Master in “Designer’s Palette Edition” where they have curated a 10-piece FQ/HY sampler bundle from each designer with coordinating prints, to better introduce you to each designer’s style. 

 

Last month, we talked about Katarina Roccella’s Designer’s Palette, and for this month's spotlight, Bonnie Christine’s Designer was the perfect combination of style and colors I needed for this season. 



Bonnie Christine grew up in North Carolina, where her mother had a quilt shop that she would spend her time creating, sewing, and mostly, falling in love with the fabric. Working with her mother's own fabric stash, her dream to start designing her own fabrics begun. 

 

Bonnie’s prints are inspired by the nature that surrounds her, from the largest of trees to the tiniest of leaves. Always finding the simple things in life through her photography, and drawing in her sketchbook. She taught herself how to use Adobe Illustrator and read many books about designing- fast forward to today, she evolved to the designer she is today. In every single print, she embraces the design process which makes the end results very meaningful to her. 

If you’re looking for a sweet yet earthy color palette with delicate designs, Bonnie Christine’s Designer’s Palette captures her style with an assortment of her past collections like Hello Bear, Succulence, and Gathered. I can see projects made with these fabrics ranging from cozy quilts, kitchen decor like tea towels or pot holders, and of course some, sweet pillows. 

Bonnies DP

Obsessing over the prints with a retro-vibe, I decided to make a Harvest Apron, using some of the prints from the FQ box! I made this super easy apron, that anyone can make or customize with their favorite prints. 

Group 1 Group 2
To start, you can cut out all the pieces you need before putting anything together. You’ll need:

-Three 7 ½ inch squares for the pockets (I used prints “Spiny Oasis Divine,” “Beekeeper Lime,” and “Simple Living.”)

-One 16 x 22-inch square (I used “Feathered Flight Sunken”)

-Three 4 ½ Inch strips of any direction you’d wish to cute from the FQ (I used “Timeless Rosewood”)

I first started to sew the three squares in a row, together and placed the right side on top of “Feathered Flight Sunken’s” wrong side (see pictures above). I folded the side edges, so when I sewed around the whole thing, I would have a clean edge once I flipped the pockets inside-out. I topstitched each pocket square with the “Feathered Flight Sunken” underneath to create different compartments. 

Lastly, I grabbed the three strips and sewn them together so I can make one strip, big enough to tie behind your back. I folded the strips in half, pressed the right sides together, and sewn on the edge. Flip the tube inside out and sew the ends. Iron to make completely flat, and align the edge with “Feathered Flight Sunken” then sew together. 

Final

Viola, you’re done! Talk about an easy project right? Ideal for any retro-inspired kitchen, or an easy gift to make for someone who also loves Bonnie’s prints. 

A true collector’s box! 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!

Designers_bonnie

Too excited to get straight to the fabric?! You can get all Color Master Designer’s Palettes, in a BUNDLE, also available in FQ or HY.

Bundles copy


If you're a fan of Bonnie Christine or know someone who is, these groups of fabrics would be the perfect gift or you treat you yourself by finding them in our online stores. AGF made a box for all of their designers, so don’t forget to check them all out here. If you have any project ideas or already sewn something with these fabrics, make sure to tag us on social media using #artgalleryfabrics.

 

Keep making,

Jannelle

 


QUILTY MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

I have never been good at goodbyes, finding the right words to express how I feel in the final moments of goodbye are so hard for me. Filled with emotion, sometimes I find myself speechless if only people could read minds. The past five years and four months working at Art Gallery Fabrics have been filled with amazing memories, life-changing experiences, and relationships that will last a lifetime. 

After 8 years of living in Florida, I am returning to my home state of Minnesota! After the passing of my Dad this past March I realize my heart and presence belongs in Minnesota. I am going to miss being apart of the AGF Team and coming to work each morning and being surround by such talented young ladies! Of course, my sewing and quilting journey doesn't end here, I will always be AGF’s number one fan and supporter and will continue to create, sew, and inspire. 

Thanks to all of you who have liked, commented, encouraged and inspired me and AGF over the years and for making this amazing sewing community a beautiful space for all of us to grow and learn from each other. I thought it would be fun to incorporate my top five favorite memories at AGF, that I will never forget and cherish always. 

1. Sewing My First Quilt

The first quilt I designed and sewed up is called the “Pentelic Marvel Quilt” with Athena Fabrics

There is a picture of me below testing out my block measurements with scrap fabrics. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Sewing half rectangle triangles were totally confusing and frustrating, and I had the toughest time keeping a perfect ¼” seam allowance but I had the biggest goofiest smile on my face ready to tackle anything and everything. 

First Quilt

 

This quilt wasn’t my finest work or something I am particularly proud of but it marks the beginning of my quilting journey. I have learned so much about the design, piecing, and quilting process which has turned me into the quilter I am today! We all start somewhere, the most important thing is we start because it only gets better from there. 

First Quilt12. My First Quilt Market

2014 Pittsburgh Spring Market was the first quilt market I ever attended, I remember that day as if it was yesterday. I had no idea what to expect but when I got there I was blown away by all the quilts, sewing brands, and people who shared a passion for the same thing I did! Throughout all the many markets I attended I met and gained so much knowledge and love for the sewing and quilting community. Meeting and chatting with bloggers, quilt shops, and distributors from all over learning how each of them fit into the textile world. 

 

What I will remember the most about Quilt Market is all the hard work and dedication it took to create our booths and the great group of girls making you laugh along the way. 

IMG_7546

 

Here are two pictures of both of our entrances to our booth that year. My fingers still tingle from all the hot glue burns I gave myself creating these floral-inspired walls. 


QM-2014-AGF_MainBooth

QM-2014-AGF_MainBooth_8

3. Creation of the AGF Quilt Block Collection

 

The creation of the AGF Quilt Block collection is what started me on the path to creating youtube videos for AGF. 

Quilt-Block

With no experience in filming, or editing I took it upon myself to figure it out. After creating 71 block videos and a lot of trial and error I finally have found my voice. I created the AGF Quilt Block Collection to do my part in teaching quilters of all skill levels to learn and create something new with AGF Fabrics. I have had such a blast coming out of my comfort zone and spreading my love for AGF fabrics. 




4. Community Sampler Sew Along

Being apart of the Community Sampler Sew Along hosted by two of our amazing designers, Sharon Holland, and Maureen Cracknell was one of the most heart filled experiences of my time at AGF. 

AGF Community Sampler

All the girls in the office participated in making this quilt, each week I would sit down with each girl teaching them the basics of quilting and by the end of their lesson, they would have a completed quilt block. Each week I introduced the girls to you on the blog with a little Q and A. It was such an honor to share my knowledge and love for sewing with all of them. So many laughs and memories I will never forget! 

Community-Sampler-Sew-Along-16-weeks

 

5. Celebrating with my AGF Family 

Being far away from family was hard at first when I first moved to Florida until I found my AGF Family. AGF isn’t just a job, it’s way more than that. 

Here you're treated like family and at AGF they love throwing a good party. One of my most memorable birthdays at AGF was the Thor themed party they threw me.  Nerd alert...yes I love everything Marvel, with Thor being my all-time favorite. Here is me below geeking out over the giant Thor poster they put together. 

Thor party

Since it’s hard for me to come up with the right words I will leave you all with a quote that sums up how I feel,

 

 “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” 

 

A.A. Milne (Winnie-the- Pooh)

Meli-in-the-AGF-Shop

Hope you all keep in touch and until next time, 

Happy Sewing! :) 





Quilting in Fashion

Who would’ve thought that quilting is becoming a huge trend in the fashion industry? Handmade and personalized touches are "must-have's for the season" and we, my dear quilting friends, are the experts! All we have to do is choose a simple pattern to show off all our knowledge.

For me, it was very easy to get inspired by the colorful, bohemian, and chic Nuncia Collection. Since so many quilting ideas came to my head with all the amazing prints, I decided to make vests with two techniques that I really like. That way, I could put all my effort into what I love the most: piecing.

Vests-011

For the first vest, I chose to use the Chevron technique, I felt that with the saturated colors from the collection I could get a '70s vibe, kind of boho and fun. If you would like a step by step explanation of how to make it just click on the Chevron Tutorial link.

Vests-02

After all the fabric cutting and piecing, it was very exciting to lay the strips on the floor and get a vision of how it was going to look.

Vests-03

Then, I took my front vest pattern and back vest pattern and blended the side seams to make one pattern for the whole vest. This way I didn’t have to interrupt the zig-zag look with the side seams.

Vests-04

 

To clean the inside of my garment, I cut the vest pattern in another fun print from the collection to use as lining.  I started by aligning and joining the necklines, then the armholes followed by the hemlines, and finally the center front with the zipper.

Vests-05

For the second vest, I wanted to do an improvised look using a traditional technique, the Dresden. For a detailed explanation on how to make it just click on the Dresden Tutorial Link.

I cut many uneven strips from different fabrics and joined them randomly into blocks to sub-cut them using my Dresden ruler.Vests-06

As you can see, I couldn’t resist playing with my pieces and admiring how beautiful they looked together.

Vests-08

Since the Dresden wasn't big enough, I added larger uneven strips to the sides until the whole block was bigger than the vest pattern. And just to give it a more improvised look I decided to appliqué some flowers from the "Flowers Everywhere Caress" fabric in the center of the Dresden, instead of a perfect circle. These fabrics kept on inspiring me!

Now, all that's left to do is quilt it and finish it. This time instead of hiding the raw edges with the lining, I will use binding all around to add the extra quilty/high fashion look.Vests-07So what team are you on, Team Dresden Obsession or Team Chevron Love? I still can’t decide, but there is something that I know for sure, I will have two beautiful vests to wear this fall! ;)

 

Vests-09

Happy Piecing!

- Laucara


How to Sew a “Continental” Quilt Block Tutorial featuring Nuncia Fabrics by Pat Bravo

My Mom has always told me becoming a Mother was the most rewarding thing that could have ever happened to her. Being a mother of four she loves all her kids the same but has always held her two daughters closest to her heart. There is just something so special about a mother-daughter relationship where your Mom isn’s just a Mom but a best friend. 

This basically sums up Pat Bravo’s inspiration for her latest collection, Nuncia, which is named after her mother and is a tribute to her life and the amazing lessons she left for her two daughters. This collection has great statement prints to choose from classic paisleys, unique leopard prints, and artistic florals.  

How-to-Sew-a-Continental-Quilt--Block

For today’s quilt block tutorial, I sewed up the “Continental” Block! This 9” block came out so fantastically! I love the super patchy look with the star and cross design. 

Have fun watching the video below! Let me know what you think of this block below! For more fun sewing projects made with Nuncia fabrics make sure to check out our Fabric Lookbook



Happy Sewing, 

Meli