Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

Welcome back fabric friends, I hope everyone had a nice and safe Christmas! Who else is ready to have a fresh start? 2021 is in a few days and I am looking forward to all the new adventures we will go through together. Today, we are finally wrapping up the year with the last lookbook launch of 2020, Little Forester Fusion! This is a new Fusion collection from AGF, meaning we grab a couple of iconic prints from your favorite designers, and then we recolor them to create a new exciting group. Little Forester Fusion is an all-cotton collection, which means extra fun for all you quilters out there!

Trail through the forest wilderness, breathe in fresh pine-scented air, and discover curious creatures along the way, filled with soft teals, deep amber, and blues that will unleash your little one’s adventurous hearts.

*Available in 10 quilting cotton prints

So many fun textures and animals happening in this collection! Plus, if you’ve been reading this blog for a while now, you know I’m a sucker for those mustard yellows. Although this would be a great collection to sew for the kids, I feel you can use these fabrics for any nature lover! Use your favorite print for an adorable pet bandana or use the blenders of the collection to make fun accessories like scrunchies and coin purses.

*Featuring prints: Among The Pines Forester, Rooted Forester, and Bumble Forester. 

I wanted to break down the prints a little more, so I want to start with this fantastic fussy cut trio featured in the picture above. Each design has plenty of space in between so you can cut out almost any shape around them without affecting the pattern. It’s prints like these that would be great to fussy cut and use as a focal point in your patchwork and applique projects.

*Featuring prints: Dew’s Cloth-Line Forester, Wavelength Forester, and Wildwood Forester.  

Next up, we have another fantastic trio- the blenders! With minimal designs, you can take advantage of these fabrics when sewing with fussy cut prints and large prints because it won’t distract the viewer from the main designs. These fabrics are best used when you are working with small pieces or heavy patchwork patterns because you won’t be losing the focus on all those cute forest critters.

This collection has a large variety of prints, but if you’re still looking for more matching blenders, check out these suggested Elements:

*Featuring PURE Solids in Raw Gold, Crystalline, and Grapefruit & Prisma Elements in Dusk Zircon and Pagoda Gem.

More matching PURE Solids not pictured: Tile Blue, Nocturnal, Peach Sherbet, Spruce, Denim Blue, Gentle Feather, and Ocean Fog. 

Take a look at all the playful projects made with this collection by checking out the lookbook below for tons of sewing content! 

Have fun cutting tons of HSTs with our “Wilderness” free quilt pattern below!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Take a closer look at the latest Fusion collection, Little Forester! In this Let’s Talk Fabric video, you’ll get to see a fresh and inviting color palette that features buzzing bumblebees, furry forest critters, and how you can use these fabrics for fun sewing projects. Just click play, relax, and enjoy!

Who is ready to start the new year with a fresh new collection?! For a chance to win a Fat Quarter bundle of Little Forester Fusion, CLICK HERE, and enter your information. The giveaway ends on Wednesday, January 6, and the winner will be emailed and announced right here on the blog! 

THE WINNER IS GEOFF SCHELL, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL TO REDEEM YOUR PRIZE! 

Happy Sewing! The next time we see each other will be next year, so I’m wishing you the happiest New Year and that you spend the last few days of 2020 with loved ones and some alone time with your fabric stash, haha! Please let me know your sewing plans for the upcoming year in the comments below and I look forward to looking at all your makes on Instagram under the hashtag #artgalleryfabrics! And until next year...

-Jannelle 

Hello Makers, 

Hope you are finished making your handmade makes and have them beautifully wrapped under the tree! I can't believe Christmas is only three days away! Hope you all have a relaxing and safe holidays! But before you start celebrating I have a Quilting Tips video for you showing you a simple binding method that will have you finishing your quilting projects like a pro! There are so many different ways to bind a quilt and choosing the one that works for you may take some time. In this video I will show you the most successful method I have found that has given me the best results with the least amount of stress and fuss. Enjoy the video below! 

If any of you are like me and have a stack of unfinished projects at the binding stage, NOW is the time to start checking them off your projects list. With binding, practice makes perfect and practicing on smaller projects like potholders or table runners are perfect projects to build your confidence to get you ready for binding larger quilting projects. 

Happy Sewing, 

Melissa 

Now I know last week I said that it was a crazy week, well I lied to you all because THIS week is actually crazy! Holidays are near and we couldn’t be more excited to start on new projects for 2021. This week is going to be the last full week here before the year ends, so we are working together to bring you as much inspiration as we can. This brings me to today, where we have Katarina Roccella’s latest collection, Aquarelle! Seeing all the makers submit their projects got me excited for this lookbook, and of course, Katarina never disappoints with her fabric designs. She is truly a talented artist, and you can see it through all her collections with her details! 

Ok, I’m sure you all just want to skip right into the fabric, so let me give you some insight. Giving an ode to her favorite style of painting in this collection, Aquarelle, is a delicate technique of watercolor. Navy blues and rich fuchsias highlight these lush florals all whilst creating contrast with geometrical shapes and textures that produce sensations of fluidity and translucency.

*Available in 16 quilting cotton prints

Look at that beautiful range of colors! There are 2 colorways available, one being “Atelier Cobalt” which is filled with true blues, and the second colorway is called “Atelier Viridian” that’s more on the teal side and filled with saturated pinks.  

*Featuring prints: Rhombastic Positive, Watermarks Cerise, and Plein Air Bouquet

You have everything you need in this collection, lights, darks, large florals, small florals, and unique blenders. I can already see the intricate quilts under the hashtag #AGFAquarelle!  The magic trio pictured above shows a perfect example of the variety of prints offered, like “Rhomastic Positive” that you can fussy cut without disturbing the rest of the elements, “Watermarks Cerise” which is small enough to use as a blender and that looks great when sewn with larger prints like “Plein Air Bouquet.”

*Featuring the rayon prints in Buttercups Still Life and Rhombastic Negative.

Apparel makers prepare to be excited because we have 2 rayon substrates available in this collection. The painterly florals and geometric shapes in Aquarelle will make sophisticated dresses, skirts, and accessories like scarves!

Looking for more matching blenders? Here are suggested Elements that pair with the collection:

(IN PROGRESS)

*Featuring PURE Solids in Cherry Lipgloss, Tile Blue, and Royal Cobalt & Floral Elements in Shocking Pink and Esmeralda.

More matching blenders not pictured:

PURE Solids: Fuschia, Mirage Blue, Nocturnal, Icy Mint, and Flamingo. 

Floral Elements: Icy Blue and Cobaltic

Take a look at all the wonderful projects made with this collection by checking out the lookbook below for tons of patterns that you can download with a click of a button.

Have fun cutting tons of strips with our “Waterfall” free quilt pattern below!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Take a closer look at Katarina Roccella’s latest collection, Aquarelle! In this Fabric Haul video, you’ll be mesmerized by Katarina’s favorite style of painting, a delicate technique of watercolor infused in all her design details. Just click play, relax, and enjoy some inspiring sewing content! 

Who is ready to start the new year with some pretty fabrics?! For a chance to win the entire collection of Aquarelle, CLICK HERE, and enter your information. The giveaway ends on Monday, December 28th, and the winner will be emailed and announced right here on the blog! 

THE WINNER IS JUDY ODAY!! PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL TO REDEEM YOUR PRIZE!

Thank you for following along this wild AGF ride, it has brought me a lot of joy hearing your feedback lately on the blog! If you enjoy this collection, please let me know what you would create with these fabrics in the comments below. And until next time…

Happy Sewing!

-Jannelle 

’Twas the night after Quiltmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a Quiltmas Elf…well, actually, this Elf is still up! Hi everyone, Amanda @broadclothstudio here. Art Gallery Fabrics kindly invited me over to talk a little bit about Quiltmas. 

What’s Quiltmas you ask? It’s a fun quilt-y kickoff to the holiday season! Each day starting December 1st and running through the 12th, a new free quilt block pattern is revealed. It’s kinda like half an advent calendar, but instead of chocolate or toys, it’s a PDF quilt block pattern that’s delivered via email. And to add to the fun, each block is designed by a different designer, so there is a great mix of styles and skills (I’m looking at you, EPP!).

It may only be the second year that we’ve hosted Quiltmas, but it’s already become one of my favorite holiday traditions. From the charming festive designs of the quilt blocks, to the holly-jolly jollity that each designer brings to the project; from the joy with which the quilting community gets into the spirit of the daily block reveal, to the enthusiasm as quilters start to make and share their blocks: it’s hard to resist the feeling of merriment. And just like the Grinch, my heart grows with each share, with each block made, and with each word of good cheer.

For Quiltmas 2020 we designed 12” finished blocks, drawing inspiration from some of our favorite holiday movies. And as an extra special treat this year, Art Gallery Fabrics joined in the festivities! All of us Quiltmas Elves were so excited to work with the fabrics from the Sparkler Fusion collection: with its pinks, brick reds, navy blues, deep mint greens, and extra special dashes of bronze sparkles, it was a dreamy modern-holiday color palette to work with!

So, whether you’re looking for a new movie to add to your holiday viewing or a new quilt block to try, I think the 2020 lineup of Quiltmas is sure to inspire!

On the first day of Amanda @broadclothstudio gave to us a whimsical block, Quiltenbaum, based on A Charlie Brown Christmas:

Image courtesy of Broadcloth Studio

On the second day Julie @runningstitchquilts gave to us a playful block, Holiday Lights, based on Deck the Halls:

Image courtesy of Running Stitch Quilts

On the third day Donna @xoxsew gave to us a fun-loving block, Nakatomi, based on Die Hard:

Image courtesy of XOXSEW

On the fourth day Fran @cottonandjoy gave to us a jolly block, St. Nick, based on Miracle on 34^th Street:

Image courtesy of Cotton + Joy

On the fifth day Wendy @the.weekendquilter gave to us a merry block, Santa’s Helper, based on Elf:

Image courtesy of The Weekend Quilter

On the sixth day Laurel @porcupinesews_threads gave to us a tippy-top block, Retro Ornaments, based on Eloise at Christmastime:

Image courtesy of PorcupineSews Threads

On the seventh day Tiffany @villageboundquilts gave to us a festive block, Warm Glow, based on The Muppets Christmas Carol:

Image courtesy of Village Bound Quilts

On the eighth day Dash @smithsgeneralstudio gave to us a winsome block, Winter Warmer, based on The Santa Clause:

Image courtesy of Smith’s General

On the ninth day Ben @benmillett gave to us an enchanting block, Toy Soldiers, based on Babes in Toyland:

Image courtesy of Ben Millett

On the tenth day Shannon @shannonfraserdesigns gave to us a delicious block, Jolly Jelly, based on National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation:

Image courtesy of Shannon Fraser Designs

On the eleventh day Anna @waxandwanestudio gave to us a dreamy block, What’s This, based on Nightmare Before Christmas:

Image courtesy of Wax and Wane Studio

And on the twelfth day Amanda @broadclothstudio gave to us a lovely block, Heart In Hand, based on Serendipity:

Image courtesy of Broadcloth Studio

While all the blocks were designed as standalone patterns, they look charming together (if I do say so myself!). I made nine of the blocks this year and turned them into a sampler style quilt, which I absolutely adore. But, I think it could also be so much fun to turn the blocks into a fun table runner, a set of placemats, or as a couple throw pillows!  If you’re looking for some ideas for how to use your blocks in a larger project, I’ve got some ideas for you over on Broadcloth Studio.

Image courtesy of Broadcloth Studio

If you missed this year’s festivities, never fear! The 12 days of the Quiltmas Spectacular might be over for this year, but you can still sign up to get all the free quilt block patterns here (just make sure to sign up before the end of the year as the download links will disappear in 2021).

And then make sure to sign up for Art Gallery Fabric’s awesome giveaway: one lucky will be chosen to win a Fat Quarter bundle of Sparkler Fusion fabrics and all you have to do for a chance to win is to enter your information below and hit "subscribe"! 

The giveaway ends December 21st, 2020, and the winner will be emailed and announced right here on the blog on Tuesday, December 22nd.  And as a little bonus, if you already signed up for the Quiltmas Spectacular emails, you're automatically entered in the giveaway, so by signing up above, you'll get two entries! 

**** GIVEAWAY CLOSED ****

Congratulations Krista McAllister, you've won the bundle of Sparkler Fusion fabrics! Please check your email :)

Happy Holidays, Makers!

Last week I shared with you some of my favorite quilty projects that were not as big as a quilt but captures everything you love about patchwork in a smaller package. But this time around, I realized that I still need to make more gifts but with Christmas around the corner, I have even less time to complete projects. 

So, here’s another list of free sewing projects that are even smaller, perfect for any last-minute gift making! The biggest project being a pillow and it’s for those quilters who are already quick in putting a block together, but most of these projects are still quite small that will take no more than an hour to create. 

Make several of each, or choose one that you find is perfect to gift. No matter what project it is, you’ll have a blast sewing them! 

*Featuring Legendary fabrics by Pat Bravo

DOWNLOAD HERE

Starting with the “Stories” bag, this little patchwork bag is a dream to make! Have fun with the fabric you already have, it’s a great scrap-buster and you can hand-quilt it for a unique look. 

*Featuring Daydream by Patty Basemi

DOWNLOAD HERE

Step into the clouds with this “Memoir” pillow!  Created with a mixture of hourglass blocks and fun applique design, you can have a lot of quilty fun with this make. Gift it to any new parent for their nursery or they can add it for a pop of texture on a rocking chair or glider for a kid’s room.

*Featuring Summer Side by Dana Willard

DOWNLOAD HERE

Make a cute case to store your sunnies! This project is small enough to make for several of your loved ones and it’s also a great stocking stuffer. 

*Featuring Merry & Bright by AGF

DOWNLOAD HERE

 This is one of my favorite gifts to receive because I just enjoy all things for the kitchen! Sew it up with some bright fabric prints and gift it to someone that loves to cook too.

*Featuring Ballerina Fusion by AGF

DOWNLOAD HERE

Do you have a sewing buddy? Let them know you appreciate them during these times and make these adorable pincushions! You can make one for all your sewing friends, and it’s a special gift you know they’ll use and enjoy. 

*Featuring Knit Solids by AGF

DOWNLOAD HERE

THROWBACK to when I made these bright colored and super soft “1979 Pillows”!  As a beginner sewist, I wanted to make something easy to sew, especially since it was my first time working with our knits. This pattern is great for anyone starting to learn! Kill 2 birds with 1 stone because this pattern creates 2 pillows with the same set of strips (yay for zero-waste!) 

*Featuring Terra Kotta by AGF Studio

DOWNLOAD HERE

Last but not least, sew up these lovely patchwork facemasks! We are still going through a pandemic and many of us can’t see some of our family members, but something like this would be a great gift to send. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe with a handmade mask! 

I hope you enjoyed this short list of small projects, and as always I’d love to see them if you make them! Tag us on Instagram with the hashtag #artgalleryfabrics to share the love. I’m wishing everyone out there a safe, and happy holiday season. Until next time…

Happy Sewing!

-Jannelle 

TGIF!! 

Ya’ll it’s been a crazy week here at AGF, as we prepared for our 2021 Part 1 collection reveals, a lookbook, and some holiday projects, it’s been non-stop! Thankfully, everything we’ve been working on has been quite exciting, and today’s lookbook release is one of them. Let me introduce you to what I think is a collection that most speaks to me, Luna & Laurel! I honestly can’t express the feeling when I saw AGF Studio drawing this collection for the first time, I watched the print “Esoteric Alignment” come to life on the computer and my heart skipped a beat. These prints define how I feel, demonstrating this special connection I have to the earth, the stars, and the elements! I find a lot of inner peace when I separate myself from the chaos and focus on my surroundings, and this collection makes me feel like I’m stepping outside and taking a breath of fresh air. 

So, today I am more than happy to show you these pretty prints and all that I love about them! Its celestial details and bold florals are enriched with deep teals, mellow oranges, soft creams, and contrasting blacks that were meant to be sewn together for statement projects. Now with these prints in my hands, I couldn’t be any more excited about all the lovely projects people are about to make! So, don’t forget to share your projects and check out what others are making through the hashtag #AGFLunaAndLaurel. 

*Available in 14 quilting cotton prints

Anyone else drooling right now? Ok, just me...haha! I love this group of fabrics so much, I drove from home to the office so I could see them in person. I couldn’t resist grabbing a couple of rolls and taking pictures of them (you are seeing the final result above hehe). Its moody colors and its southwest flare make this collection extra unique. 

*Featuring prints: Stardust, Sunmoon, and Esoteric Alignment.

There is a lot of variety in this collection, so there are many different scales for all kinds of projects. You’ll see prints like “Stardust” featured on the very left, which is a perfect blender with its small scale and texture, that will also work great when paired with large prints like “Esoteric Alignment” for patchwork projects. Another fun print to play with is “Sunmoon” containing half-moons that fit perfectly into a 2-inch square- a fussy cut dream! 

*Featuring the print Laurel Daring in rayon

*Featuring the print Eye See You Night in knit

Find the best of both words in the selected substrates, having 2 available in this collection, rayon and a knit! The light and airy feel of the Luna & Laurel rayon will make sophisticated dresses and accessories like scarves or a kimono. If it’s winter where you live, then you must use the knit in the collection, it’s so soft and it will keep you warm! 

Looking for more matching blenders? Here are suggested Elements that pair flawlessly with the collection:

*Featuring PURE Solids in Terracotta Tile, Peach Sherbet, and Spruce & Decotitch Elements in Red Desert and Stellar.

More matching blenders not pictured:

PURE Solids: Caviar, Dried Carrot, Zambia Stone, Vanilla Custard, and Ocean Fog.

Prisma Elements: Jet Onyx

Decostitch Elements: Cloud

Take a look at all the wonderful projects made with this collection by checking out the lookbook below for tons of patterns that you can download with a click of a button.

Practice sewing your curves with our “Eclipse” free quilt pattern below!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Take a closer look at Luna & Laurel in this Fabric Haul video, you’ll be shown what makes these fabrics so beautiful, from the botanical to esoteric elements and even its striking color palette. Click play, relax, and enjoy some inspiring sewing content! 

Christmas is around the corner so who’s ready to start the holidays with some pretty fabrics?!  For a chance to win the entire collection of Luna & Laurel, CLICK HERE, and enter your information. The giveaway ends on Friday, December 18th, and the winner will be emailed and announced right here on the blog! 

THE WINNER IS ANNALE ODONNEL!! PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL TO REDEEM YOUR PRIZE! 

Thank you for following along and showing how much you love these collections too, whether it’s in the comments on Instagram or through a direct message- it means a lot to us! Please let me know in the comments below if you feel the same way I do about this collection release and what you would make with it. I plan on sewing up tons of home decor, seat covers, wall-art, plant holders, you name it- I want it all! And until next time…

Happy Sewing!

-Jannelle