Are you looking for some new blenders for your next quilty project?! The usual go-to's are often solids, but we wanted to create something different that added some texture and felt just more unique! So, this time around we decided to expand our collection of Elements by adding two new designs, “DECOSTITCH” and “ICON.” Both of these different designs can be used to sew with a wide variety of prints and colors or be used on their own as well.
For “DECOSTITCH,” we were inspired by stitching motifs and decided to fuse them together with neutral shades like cream, charcoal, mustard, and olive green. Think earthy color palettes that can help contrast, balance and keep a design grounded.
With “ICON,” we decided to highlight simplified symbols, mixing them with bright colors like cherry red, sunny yellow, sky blue, and tangerine. Think more vibrant, almost primary colors you'd find in a candy shop!
We wanted to use both of these collections together and sewed up some projects, highlighting how they can complement one another. Head over to our “Decostitch and Icon Fabric Lookbook” for more sewing inspiration with quilts, garments, accessories, pin cushions, bags, and more.
Here's our lovely "Luminance Quilt" for you to enjoy, just click the below link for the FREE pattern:
If these two collections are calling your name, here's your change to enter both of these bundles!
Congratulations Glenda Morrow! Please check your email.
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An award-winning quilter, author of a quilt book and a craft book...just a few things that make her extra special...and now she's our newest AGF Sewcialite! Please give a warm welcome to the talented, Carolina Moore!
Born in Holland and currently living in sunny San Diego, California with her husband, two sons, a dog and a cat, Carolina's been quilting for 25 years! Using her expertise and amazing precision with each make, we first noticed her back in 2012, when she became part of an AGF sewing challenge. After falling in love with her quilty passion and work, we began collaborating with Carolina on several projects for our Quilt Market booths and lookbooks. Describing her design style as "fun, bold, modern," she's obsessed with English Paper Piecing, as well as long arm quilting, and chocolate. :) We're so excited to have her as part of our AGF family and can't wait for the upcoming projects she has planned this year.
To get to know Carolina a little better, here's a fun little interview we did with her!
Congratulations on becoming an AGF Sewcialite! Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and how you eventually got to where you are today?
Thanks so much! I am crazy excited to be an AGF Sewcialite! Getting to play with gorgeous AGF fabrics every day means I’m totally living my best life! The short version of my story is that my mom grew up sewing garments. She loved sewing. When we moved here to the US, she took a quilting class and caught the quilting bug as well. She taught me to sew, and sent me to a kids’ quilting camp where I fell in love with quilting as well! I also did some garment sewing, and my mom and I made my prom dress together. After having my first son, I actually spent a couple years working in a quilt shop. It was there that I was introduced to AGF. After participating in an AGF challenge, I had the opportunity to make some projects for some award-winning Art Gallery Fabrics booths at Quilt Market, and then I started attending Houston Quilt Market and teaching classes! I love making, and try to do something creative every day.
What was the very first thing you sewed?
With a mom who did a lot of sewing, I have been sewing as long as I can remember! The first thing that I remember sewing was dresses for my dolls from my mom’s fabric scraps. I was still a beginner, so my dolls had a lot of strapless gowns since it only required a single seam.
What are some of your favorite projects to create? Favorite technique?
I love quilts. And pillows. And bags. I love small projects and simple projects because life gets so busy that if it isn’t small or simple, it gets tossed into the WIP pile, never to be seen again! Though every now and then I love taking on a really ambitious project! My favorite techniques are English Paper Piecing (my book “Learn how to English Paper Piece” just came out with Nancy’s Notions last month), and I love Free Motion Quilting.
If you were a sewing notion, what would you be and why?
What a fun question! I really struggled with this one, though! Am I the thread that keeps things together? Am I a needle because I’m always sharp? What about a seam ripper that always has your back during the tough times? After giving it a lot of thought, I think I’m probably batting. I’m always in the middle of stuff, I’m all about keeping things warm, and I am a little fluffy … though I’m trying to make healthier choices so that I can be more “low loft!”
If you had to describe your describe aesthetic in 3 words, they would be?
Fun, bold, modern.
What are some of your favorite things to do in California!?
I grew up in California’s High Desert, went to college and got married up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and now live in San Diego…so there is SO MUCH that I love to do in California! My favorite might be a new tradition that we started with my kids. Each summer, we plan a road trip from San Diego up to the Bay Area to visit family. Last year, we went to the LaBrea Tar Pits in LA, and then up to the Sequoias. The year before, we spent the night in Solvang (a cute little tourist town with a Danish look) and then up to Hearst Castle. I love teaching my kids how to plan a trip, and then we all get to enjoy the trip together!
And here in San Diego, I love the beach. We live about 20 minutes away, and when one of us is having a rough day, I like to get everyone into the car and head to the ocean. Watching the sunset over the water seems to make everything just a little bit better.
Where do you often find your inspiration?
I find that inspiration can come from anywhere! Sometimes, I’m inspired by wanting to make something for a friend. Or needing something like a purse or an apron. And there are those special times when the fabric just speaks to me and tells me what it wants me to turn it into. Those are the best.
Your favorite movie of all time is?
HA! This is a funny question because I grew up in a house without a lot of television. We had a TV, but just “rabbit ears” - no cable. And my mom really didn’t want us spending our time in front of the TV. So, I spent a lot of time reading and making. Because of that, I don’t know that I have a *favorite* movie. Movies I really enjoy are “Big Fish,” “The Count of Monte Cristo,” and “Shawshank Redemption.” As for books, I love listening to audiobooks while sewing. My favorite fiction books are the Harry Potter series and the Hunger Games series, and my favorite non-fiction is probably “Big Magic” and “The year of Yes.”
What’s on your “sewing to-do list” for this year?!
Oh my! I have so much on my sewing to-do list this year! I want to make pincushions and have already started with some. I have a couple of bags that I really want to make this year. I’m finally getting some new furniture for the living room, so I plan to make some new cushions. And I want to work on projects where I can teach beginners. I really, really love new quilters and treasure each opportunity to teach a new person how to quilt.
That’s what I have planned so far - I’m sure other projects will sneak their way in! Sometimes the inspiration just strikes and I have to put aside everything else just to create!
I remember walking into my "Sacred Geometry" class in art school and being so confused by everything our teacher was explaining for the first, few weeks. The class involved a lot of math and applying it to creating art, and well, math and I aren't the best of friends, haha! It wasn't until a few weeks when he started breaking down how artists during the Renaissance period used a special grid to create their paintings that I suddenly become super intrigued and wanted to know more and more! The special grid was called "The Golden Ratio" or also known as "The Divine Proportion" and was used by some of the greats like Leonardo Da Vinci. From that moment on, I've never look at a painting from that time period the same way and feel super grateful for learning that secret! I often use it in my own approach to design.
Fast forward to modern day where we still use grids to not only create paintings, but also use them in almost everything from using them as guides in Photoshop for graphic design, on our phones to take a that perfectly symmetrical picture, and even to design that perfect quilt block. Grids are also used in architecture, city planning (NYC is all on a grid!), and can even be found in nature. Our designer Katarina Roccella was inspired by this whole idea and decided to make it her main focus for her PhD thesis in art. After spending time researching and becoming more inspired, she decided this whole idea had to be turned into a fabrics which is now our latest collection, GRID!
For more elegant-inspired projects that include quilt, garment and home decor patterns, head over to our "Grid Fabric Lookbook!"
Here's our "Megapixel Quilt" for you to to make! Just click the below link for the FREE pattern:
Enter a chance to win this fabulous, fabric bundle by signing up to our giveaway.
- - - GRID GIVEAWAY - - -
Congratulations to our winner, Buffie Lorah! Please check your email.
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This year, we're planning BIG things here at AGF and super excited to share all of them with you, these next couple months! With that, I'd like to announce that our AGF family is getting a little bigger and I'd like to introduce you to our newest designer - Alexandra Bordallo! Currently residing with her husband and young son in Spain, Alexandra's whimsical style caught our eye, and we just knew she had to be part of our talented team.
Here's a little interview I did with her, so you can get to know her a little better and hear about her background!
1. Can you describe your creative path and what brings you to where you are today?
As a kid, I enjoyed making woven bracelets with my friends and I took painting and piano classes. When I was age 15, I bought my first sewing machine. I’m always trying to challenge myself to learn new sewing and quilting skills. I also have a knitting, crochet and embroidery obsession which also are my favorite fall and winter activities.
Being a mom has changed my perspective in every way. When my son was born, I wanted to spend all my time with him. I was working part time as a social worker and selling my sewing creations on my Etsy shop. I built my sewing brand and was sharing my creations on my Instagram account, just for fun. My love for sewing and fabrics are the reason why I started to learn how to draw and design repeating patterns. In September 2015, I took my first surface design course. I've been learning so much by following Bonnie Christine’s Skillshare classes! She’s an amazing teacher and her advice encouraged me to follow my dream. I started drawing and designing repeat patterns all the time.
I focused all my energies into only one industry and started calling myself a fabric designer. I keep learning and practicing. I often work late nights just to finish a repeating pattern or draw some new sketches for future designs. After five years of hard work with a few ups and downs, my dream finally came true and I can't wait to sew with my own fabrics soon.
2. Describe your design style.
It’s a tough question. I think my work is constantly evolving and I like to experiment with new drawing techniques and materials. My style often includes hand drawn inky lines, naïve motifs, quirky sketches inspired by nature and everyday objects.
3. How do you find inspiration and organize it?
Inspiration comes from people around us, feelings and experiences. I love being outside in nature with my family, reading books with my son, listening to music and taking photos as future inspiration. I start with an idea or object to draw as reference. When I do not know what to draw, I often draw flowers and from there everything begins to flow again. All my designs start with hand drawing in my sketchbook. When I have a bunch of sketches I am happy with, I scan them and start coloring in Adobe Illustrator, building the repeating pattern. I can spend hours recoloring a design. Color is everything!
4. When you're about to sit down and begin designing, do you have a certain ritual you have to do in order to begin your creative process?
I need to wear comfortable clothes, a pair of leggings and a big t-shirt. I have some nail polish on my desk and I often find myself painting my nails when I feel overwhelmed. Recently, I decided to draw directly with ink pen into my sketchbook to avoid my stupid perfectionism voice and just draw without thinking too much.
5. My spirit animal is....
A dragonfly!
6. Five things you can't live without....
My son, water, music, my sewing machine, and....my son :)
7. Do you have any goals lined up for 2019?
Last summer, I released my first sewing pattern, the #2in1summerbag and I’m writing new patterns to release with my first fabric collection. I also would love to learn how to sew garments for myself!
Please make sure to give Alexandra a warm welcome and stay tuned for more to come!
Even though it's technically winter, here in Florida we're used to warm sunshine this time of year! You'll often find us Floridians decorating palm tress with Christmas lights, and there's been several years where I've even gone to the beach on New Year's Day with the family.
With this in mind, we decided to stick to what we know and bring in some warmer climates with Maureen Cracknell’s latest collection, Sun Kissed! Inspired by soaking up the sunshine and glowing skin after a cool swim, this fabric line features cute smiley suns, swimming pool tiles, tropical florals and palm trees swaying in a relaxing breeze. It's like one big tropical dream.
With a color palette of ocean blues, cherry reds and citrus fused yellows, Sun Kissed is sure to create a “island escape” feel in your sewing projects. From “summer time” feeling quilts, throw pillows, rugs, beachy accessories, and effortless, resort-inspired garments for strolling along a boardwalk, you’ll definitely have some “fun in the sun” sewing with these twenty prints!
For more beachy inspired projects that include quilts, garments and home decor patterns, head over to our "Sun Kissed Fabirc Lookbook!"
Here's our lovely "Sun Spots Quilt" made by Maureen Cracknell for you to enjoy, just click the below link for the FREE pattern:
Congratulations to our winner, Sarah Zimmerman! Please check your email to claim your prize. :)
*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!
Hope you enjoy our last collection of this year and wishing you all have a happy, healthy 2019!
Have you ever spent a day exploring an artsy neighborhood?! You’d probably start your day, grabbing a cup of coffee at a cute cafe, wander in and out of art galleries, browse small shops that are filled with unique, artisanal crafts, and of course, spend some time photographing all the amazing murals you’d unexpectedly find in alleyways. In Florida, if you're looking to see some street art or explore some unique shops, galleries, plant stores and delicious cafes, our biggest art district here is "Wynwood" which is a fun place to head to! If you were here this past weekend, you got to experience the annual "Art Basel" in full action with artists arriving from all around the world, creating unique, pop-up installations and events. There's never a dull moment in the art district between the art and people watching, you'll always leave with a ton of inspiration.
Inspired by a city’s art district, AGF created its latest collection, “Art District Fusion.” This fabric line features all the sights you’d spot while strolling down quaint streets that are home to many artists and creative like-minds. From bright colors and eye-catching designs like friendly cats, decadent ice cream, and painterly textures, this fabric line is available in cotton with select prints in knits and a rayon for garment makers! Designed for all you “art lovers at heart,” Art District Fusion is perfect for creating modern and playful sewing projects like geometric-filled quilts, pillows, rugs, and accessories that make a bold, artistic statement.
Head over to our “Art District Fusion Lookbook” for more sewing ideas and projects!
Here's our lovely "Street Signs Quilt" for you to enjoy, just click the below link for the FREE pattern:
Here's my favorite blenders that can easily coordinate with "Art District Fusion!"
-- ART DISTRICT FUSION GIVEAWAY --
Our giveaway winner is Nancy Hart-Kline! Congratulations and 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!
Welcome Our Newest Elements - Decostitch + Icon