Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

Hi Makers,

One of the most amazing things about being a part of the quilting community is that we inspire each other! Thanks to social media, we creators get to share our art with the world and open our eyes to new techniques and designs. Being a part of Art Gallery Fabrics, I understand the impact good quality fabrics have on those who cherish their quilt art! We are constantly inspired by you as much as you inspire us. 

Every day we get to see the lovely creations that you share with us using the hashtag #artgalleryfabrics, and we love to spread the love! This brings me to today, our next AGF MAKER SPOTLIGHT feature which I’m so grateful for, to have this blog and to give them the shoutout they deserve. Let me introduce you to “Stephanie” from Bookends Quiltings! We discovered her by randomly choosing her as our PURE Solids giveaway winner and when she started posting her divine quilts using our fabrics, we were blown away! Since then, she has shared quilts featuring PURE Solids and surprising us every time with how creative her color choices and modern quilt designs are made. I was thrilled she wanted to share her story with us and now you get to hear it too, so keep reading before to get to know her a little better and a preview of her amazing quilts.

*Moonlight Reflections designed by Bookends Quilting 

*Aftershock Quilt designed by Wren Collective 

*Moonlight Reflections Quilt designed by Bookends Quilting

*Left: Floyd, designed by Toad & Sew, Right: Summer Solstice, designed by Alderwood Studio

Hi, Stephanie! Congratulations on being our "AGF Maker Spotlight" feature! Can you please tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into quilting?

Thank you! I live in Seattle, WA, and am a mental health counselor for a children’s crisis program. I’ve been quilting since the summer of 2008 when my high school best friend randomly suggested, “Hey, let’s make quilts for our freshman dorms!” She had previously sewn garments and had a machine, and I loved any arts and crafts, so I said, “Okay!” That summer we taught ourselves to quilt. I fell in love with it and bought my own machine shortly after and brought it to college. I have made at least one quilt per year since I bought my machine, and in the fall of 2020 I started quilting more frequently and now I always have a project (or several!) going.

What are you inspired by? 

I absolutely adore both Amber, from Alderwood Studio, and Laura, from Vacilando Studios. They were the first designers I came across that I really connected with. I love Laura’s geometric designs and how she makes “simple” look so beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. I love Amber’s aesthetic and all of her stunning modern designs. I’m also inspired by colors in nature, whether that’s the vivid colors in a sunset, rainy days in the PNW, or the way the sun filters through the trees. 

Describe your design style in three words. 

Earthy, vibrant, adventurous.

Why sew with Art Gallery Fabrics?  

I had been wanting to try out Art Gallery’s Pure Solids when I was fortunate enough to win the giveaway for their newest solids this spring. I’d heard great things about the fabric quality and absolutely fell in love with them when they arrived. I love that they don’t fray as much as other brands, and all of the fabrics are silky soft and just wonderful to work with. I also appreciate how active AGF is online and makes the effort to connect with the people who are using their fabrics. 

How do you stay motivated with your sewing projects?

I tend to jump from project to project quickly. When I find myself in a bit of a rut, talking about a new project or getting together a fabric pull can really reignite my drive and inspire me to keep moving forward. I love getting results when I’m working on a project, whether that’s just getting my fabric cut, getting blocks pieced, or the entire top put together. Results are so easy to see that I find it encouraging to move on to the next step as pieces start coming together. I also typically have multiple projects going at once. Currently, I have at least 8-10 works in progress that either just need to be quilted or bound. I also love hand quilting, and I have a couple of small projects on the side that is nice to sit down and work on. 

Any words of advice to those new to quilting or who are interested in starting? 

Just dive in! The quilting community is so welcoming and friendly. I’ve made so many great connections and friends that I hope to meet at QuiltCon in the future! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’ve all been new at this and there are so many great blogs and tutorials out there to receive support from. It’s okay if your seam allowance isn’t great and if your seams don’t match perfectly. I still have seams that I deem “good enough” and once a project is quilted, they are difficult to spot anyway. Have fun with it and play around!

What’s next on your sewing list? 

I’m taking Alderwood Studio’s Pattern Writing Academy this summer and am in the process of writing my first quilt pattern, Moonlight Reflections, which I plan to release this fall. I’m also working on designing a quilt coat with my sister-in-law who sews garments. I actively test other designer’s patterns as well, so I typically have at least one test that I’m working on.

5 things you can’t live without. 

My family (including my two cats), a library card, running shoes, my bike, and my Juki sewing machine.

Where can other makers find your work? 

I’m @bookendsquilting on Instagram. I’m hoping to get a website and shop opened as well this fall!

Thank you so much Stephanie for allowing us to share your story and encourage makers out there dipping their toes in the quilting world or continuing in this quilting journey.

Comment below, follow her on  Instagram, and spread the love! We hope you are just as inspired as us, so go ahead and show us your makes with our fabrics too! You never know, you might be our next feature! Thank you for reading along and your constant support.

Until next time,

Happy sewing!

-Jannelle  

Welcome back!

Summer season is upon us and I'm sure everyone is excited to get started on their summer sewing list! The season is calling for fun and bright projects, and today we have something very exciting for you. If you are into quilting, you definitely have heard of Flying Geese, it's a lovely block unit that you see often in quilts and tons of patchwork projects alike! There are so many ways to create them, but here at AGF, we've discovered a whole new look. 

We like to call it the Stroked Flying Geese, a technique similar to the No Waste Flying Geese but with a twist! It's almost like every little triangle in the center is bordered, creating this awesome effect at the end.

Follow along with me as I show you a step-by-step picture tutorial on how to create the Stroked Flying Geese with summery colors from our Nature Elements and Pure Solids. 

Also, stay tuned till the very end to see a 20’’ x 20’’ pillow cover I made using this tutorial, that you can download and recreate too! 

Let's get started!

First, you will need four (4) 4 1/2” squares from our Nature Element NE-105 in "Mimosa", two (2) 4 1/2” x 2” strips from our Pure Solids PE-515 in "Olive Oil" and one (1) 10“ x 2” strip, and four (4) 3 3/8” squares from Nature Element NE-104 in "Natural".

Now, take four (4) 4 1/2” squares from NE-105, two (2) 4 1/2” x 2” strips from PE-515, and join them into two fabric strips.

Take one (1) 10” x 2” strip from PE-515 and join it in the center of the two strips.

Make a template of a 6 1/4” square, then place it on point on top of the block making sure it is perfectly centered, align it with the center strips of the block, and trim.

Take two (2) 3 3/8” x 3 3/8” squares from NE-104 and place them on the diagonal aligned to the corners. 

Pin them in place, and draw a line from point to point.

Stitch at  1/4” from the drawn line on each side. Cut on the drawn line.

Open and press.

Take two (2) 3 3/8” x 3 3/8” squares from NE-104 and place them on the diagonal aligned to the corner NE-105. 

Pin them in place, and draw a line on the diagonal of NE-104.

Stitch at  1/4” from the drawn line on each side. Cut on the drawn line. 

Open and press. You will end up with two stroked flying geese.

Repeat the same process for the other piece. Trim all four pieces.

Tada! Now you have four stroked flying geese!

At last, we arrived at the end and I'd like to introduce to you this beauty I like to call "Summer Pillow" that uses this same technique to achieve. CLICK HERE, to download the instructions and view all the pretty fabrics we used for it.

This pattern is also a great way to practice this technique that you can later apply the next time you create a patchwork project. I'm sure all your quilting friends are going to enjoy adding this special twist, so make sure if you use it, to tag us on social media using the hashtag #artgalleryfabrics! We would love to see what you made. 

As always, please let me know in the comments below if you have any questions!

Try this new technique, and have fun with this project!

-Jannelle

Welcome to the jungle!! Did anyone else hear Axl Rose’s voice in their head? Haha! What a good song to introduce you to Katarina Roccella’s latest fabric collection, BOSCAGE! This fabric collection is quite exciting and a little different from our past releases because it only comes in one colorway and LOTS of substrates. Looking at these fabrics in real life, you can see why there are so many substrates, and it’s because they are quite iconic and bold!  Your fabric-loving hearts are going to skip a beat with the 12 quilting cotton prints, 2 knits, 4 rayons, and 1 canvas print that is meant for apparel, quilts, home decor- anything, you name it! 

*Available in 12 quilting cotton prints

Every collection has a story and this one came to life by Katarina dreaming about a tropical paradise! Her mother was a ceramic pottery artist and collected many books featuring nature that she used for her work, and her mother has a book called Borneo that served as Katarina’s base inspiration for her fabric designs.

*Knit prints in Feral Essence Tan & Wandering Leopards Sea

*Rayon prints in Lush Rainforest, Feral Essence Tan, Palm Paradise, and Camouflaged Ocean

With this lookbook release, it was so refreshing to see so many garment makers show off their skills! 7 talented sewists created the most stunning dresses, and you’ll be able to find a fresh pattern for each and every knit & rayon print available. These fun textures and animal prints are timeless, making them ideal for any occasion. 

*Canvas print in Pua Sunset

You are not dreaming! There really is a Canvas print available!! I remember the first time I touched our canvas, I was instantly surprised by the softness and lightness of it. It didn't feel like your typical rough and heavy material that often comes to mind when you think of this substrate. AGF Canvas fabric is sturdy enough for structured projects yet soft enough for apparel, too. 

Complete your patchwork projects with some matching AGF Elements! 

PURE Solids: Nocturnal, Night Sea, Tile Blue, Zambia Stone, Jade Cream, Dark Citron, Coral Reef, Flamingo, and Aurora Red.

Nature Elements: Cyclamen

Floral Elements: Esmeralda

Oval Elements: Deep Bayou

AGF Denim: Cool Foliage, Adobe Clay, and Indigo Shadow. 

Download our “Hibiscus” free quilt pattern that shows off these exotic fabrics!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Flip through the pages of our “Boscage Fabric Lookbook” below that will show you a variety of sewing projects that you can recreate! This lookbook was made to open your eyes to new ways to piece together these fabrics.  

Escape to the exotic island of Borneo through painted prints of beautiful wildlife and lush jungle vegetation in Katarina Roccella’s “Boscage” fabric collection. Watch the fierce leopards and vivid parrots come to LIFE right through your screen in our “Let’s Talk Fabric” YouTube segment! 

See Boscage in action

Discover matching blenders

Take a closer look at prints & scale

Preview tropical-inspired projects

Click play and enjoy our fabrics come to life through a high-definition lens! 

Stay on the lookout for the giveaway hosted on our Instagram page! Make sure you follow us and turn on the notifications so you can get the chance to win a fat quarter bundle of these prints. Plus, you might want to stick around, we will be showing tons of projects and fabric inspiration through the week with Boscage fabrics! We’d love to see what you make too, so make sure to tag us on social media and use the hashtag #AGFBoscage. Have a great weekend and...

Happy Sewing!

-Jannelle 

My favorite season of the year is Summer so when I see bright and colorful fabric prints, I automatically get excited! Today’s Lookbook release is a special one because it’s our collection called Sunburst, that just transports you into a 1960’s mid-summer paradise. All the designs just make you want to sit by the poolside and soak up some rays like the print “Fun in the Sun Chill” which is the one featuring the ladies laying on towels, the fresh lemons, and the beach balls! I can already see so many summer projects being made that just call for these fabrics like tote bags, sunglasses covers, hats, picnic blankets- pretty much every essential you might need the next time you’re on vacation. 

Sometimes it can be hard to explain in words what we envisioned for a collection! So above you’ll find a collage capturing the mood and color palette that will get you inspired! With just a couple of words, here is what Sunburst is all about: Poolside, retro, fun, bright. I feel like if this collection would be a song it would be The Beach Boys- “Good Vibrations,” you can hear it too, right? hehe.

*Available in 16 quilting cotton prints

Imagine all the dazzling summer projects you can make with all the prints from our Sunburst collection! Almost every print comes in a different colorway, which only means more fabric combinations and more fun.

*Knit prints in Strawberry Lemonade & Fun In The Sun Warm

There are also two available knit prints so you can create tons of cute breezy apparel! If you haven’t felt our knits before, you’ll love how cozy yet breathable it is for the summertime. It is just waiting for you to cut into it so you can transform it into dresses, cover-ups, and more! 

Is a patchwork project really complete without some matching AGF Elements?! Here are some of our picks that go perfectly with Sunburst. 

PURE Solids: Fresh Water, Maldives, Tile Blue, Mediterraneo, Turmeric, Mandarin, Tigerlily, Sweet Pink, and Grapefruit. 

Squared Elements: Cyan, Cielo, and Rosewater.

AGF Denim: Endless Paradise & Rose Feather. 

Create a dazzling quilt like our “Fun ‘n Sun” free quilt pattern that shows off these cheery fabrics!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Find tons of projects in our Lookbook that will show you new ways to piece together these fabrics and inspire you to get on your sewing machine. Discover tons of summer projects, like quilts, sunglass cases, home decor, and even accessories with all the prints from our collection!

Bring in a 1960’s mid-summer paradise right into your home by going FULL SCREEN in our latest YouTube Segment “Let’s Talk Fabric,” where we show you the bright, retro prints of our Sunburst fabric collection! 

• See Sunburst in action

• Discover matching blenders

• Take a closer look at prints & scale

• Preview projects

Click play and watch our fabrics come to life through a high-definition lens! 

Get your hands on this essential summer collection and enter for a chance to win a Fat Quarter bundle of Sunburst by CLICKING HERE! It’s so simple to enter, all you need is an email that you can fill in. The giveaway ends on Wednesday, June 16, and the winner will be emailed and announced right here on the blog. 

*Please reply within 7 days to claim your prize (check your email on June 16!) If we don’t receive a reply, we will have to choose another winner as we’d like to be fair with all participants, and pass the opportunity to another contestant. Thank you! 

THE WINNER IS AMANDA WHISMAN! CONGRATULATIONS! PLEASE REPLY TO OUR EMAIL TO REDEEM YOUR PRIZE. 

If you have this collection and you want to share your creations, make sure to tag us on social media and use the hashtag #AGFSunburst, so we can share the love! I hope your summer is filled with relaxing moments and pretty fabrics! Thank you for coming along on this journey with me, and let me know what you’re looking forward to sewing with this collection in the comments below. 

Happy Sewing!

-Jannelle 

Hello, Makers!

I'd like to start this day on a good note so it sets the tone for the rest of the week! It’s been a busy month especially after finishing up Mother’s Day projects, but now that Father’s Day is around the corner, it’s time to get those sewing machines running to make them feel extra special this year with the perfect gift, and what’s more thoughtful than a handmade one? Check out some of my favorite curated projects that are ideal for this special day! From quilts to fast and easy projects like the popular bucket hats, I’m sure you will find the one that makes your quilty hearts skip a beat. 

Our "Wilderness" free quilt pattern was a smashing hit on social media, and if your dad loves the outdoors, we are sure he will love it too! Combining wanderlust vibes from our "Little Forester Fusion" fabrics and simple half-square triangles is all it takes to create this beauty. 

Featuring Little Forester Fusion by AGF Studio

DOWNLOAD FREE PATTERN

Check out our free quilt pattern called “Gea”,  with a whopping size of 96 x 116-inches! Featuring Katarina Roccella’s collection “Earthen” which is filled with varieties of textures and soft colors that would be ideal for any room. 

Featuring Earthen by Katarina Roccella

DOWNLOAD FREE PATTERN

For the next quilt feature, I want to give a special shoutout to Carolina Moore our AGF Sewcialite, who created this “Gallery Wall” quilt for Maureen Cracknell’s collection, “Enchanted Voyage”! This collection is great for any dad that loves the ocean, and this quilt gives a lot of opportunities to frame his favorite prints. 

Featuring Enchanted Voyage by Maureen Cracknell

PURCHASE THE PATTERN HERE

The last quilt that I think would be a great gift for dad is the “Bracken Quilt” made by Julia Wachs since it’s filled with exciting colors from our Decostitch Elements! An ideal make to show off gradients of color, plus this pattern is a great introduction to foundation paper piecing.

Featuring Decostitch Elements by AGF Studio

PURCHASE THE PATTERN HERE

We all have busy lives, so here are some bonus projects in case you run out of time!

If you have a dad like me, he likes to change out his wallet almost every year. This project is super easy to make and it’s the next one on my sewing list for Father’s Day! 

Featuring Enchanted Voyage by Maureen Cracknell

FREE TUTORIAL

Bucket hats are trending! So make one for your dad to keep him in style. Summer is pretty much here, so these are perfect for him to wear whenever he’s cutting the lawn, out on the beach, or even on a walk! 

Featuring Little Forester Fusion by AGF

PURCHASE THE PATTERN HERE

Every explorer needs a fanny pack! Fit all their traveling essentials, like keys, phone, wallet, and all kinds of things for their next journey. 

Featuring Enchanted Voyage by Maureen Cracknell 

PURCHASE THE PATTERN HERE

Bonus project!! You can't go wrong with gifting a tie, but let's just turn it up a notch by making it HANDMADE. Make your father smile while having a rough day at work with your handmade gift that they can look at all day. Have fun picking your favorite nautical print from Maureen Cracknell's collection, "Enchanted Voyage"!

Featuring Enchanted Voyage by Maureen Cracknell 

FREE TUTORIAL

I hope everyone has a lovely Father's Day and that you can find some time in your craft rooms to make these wonderful handmade gifts. I would love to see if you make any of these projects for them on social media, just make sure to tag us by using the hashtag #artgalleryfabrics! 

Happy Father’s Day!

-Jannelle

Welcome back to another tutorial, makers!

One of my favorite things to sew is strips of fabric because I find myself in a trance under my sewing machine, and at that point, I feel unstoppable. I'm sure when everyone is in the zone, you can relate too! Combing this love to strip piecing, I thought it would be a great idea to show all of you the Bargello Technique, which is made of strips of fabric sewn together to create the appearance of movement. I wanted to capture this technique with a small project so it is easier to digest, so what better than these awesome placemats!

This tutorial is great if you're a beginner quilter, and even if you have been quilting for years, I'm sure you'll learn something new to add under your belt. The idea of this technique is to use a variety of shades of print to create that illusion of movement.

Taking advantage that Spring is still here, I choose some fabrics that are pastel tones to represent the colors of the season. I used  AGF Pure solids "Honeydew," Floral Elements in "Blush," and prints from the Playroom collection "Teeny Confetti Candy," "Flowers All Around," and "Teeny Confetti Mint." 

Let's get started!

Fabric requirements:

Fabric A 1/2 yd

Fabric B 1/2 yd

Fabric C 1/2 yd

Fabric D 1/2 yd

Fabric E 1/2 yd

Fabric F 1/2 yd

Four (4) 3  1/2’’ x WOF strip from Fabrics A, B, C, D, E

Two (2) 20 1/2’’ x 14 1/2’’ rectangles from fabric F.

Sew fabrics A, B, C, D, E WOF strips in order 

Cut the strips at a 20 1/2’’ 

Take that 20 1/2’’ piece and sew it under the end of fabric A.

Cut seven (7) strips at a 2  1/2’’ W.

Take the first strip, which is SS1, and place it on your table. This will be your start guide.

Take the other six (6) strips and sew the beginning and end for each strip, creating a circle for each strip.

Unsew one seam from each tube to create a long strip, following the image below as your guide.

Now, join all seven (7) strips. 

Once assembled and pressed, trim the piece to a 20 1/2’’ x 14 1/2’’ rectangle as in the image below.

Use this technique to create many fun projects, such as this Making Waves Quilt, Follow the Wave placemats, and more!

I hope you this tutorial and as always please let me know if you have any questions or helpful tips you'd like to share in the comments below.

I'd love to see if you attempted this project, so make sure to tag us on social media using the hashtag #artgalleryfabrics, I would love to see your creations.

Until next time,

Happy sewing!

-Jannelle