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