Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

Hi Makers, 

HAPPY MONDAY! I'm sure we all can use some "Monday Motivation" today! Here at AGF, we started a new way to feature  our inspiring makers' work that allows them to also win our fabrics, but THE BEST PART is that we all get to know a little more about you! We encouraged makers to post their sewing projects using our fabrics via their social media using the hashtag #AGFMakerMonday, so we could see how talented you are and the amazing work you all do! Once we decide on the winner for the month, the maker receives a feature here on our AGF Blog AND of course...they win A 20-PIECE FQ BUNDLE of our fabric, based on their personal preference.

With that, I'm excited to introduce our first AGF MAKER MONDAY FEATURE to you, "Tracy Martin." She's an incredible quilter based out of San Diego, California who specializes in creating personalized, modern baby quilts! Let's get to know Tracy a little a better and hear her sewing story! 

Fabric Featured: Meadow Collection by Leah Duncan 

  Fabric Featured: "Foraged Garland Peony" from Gathered Fabrics by Bonnie Christine

  Fabric Featured: Loved to Pieces Collection by Mister Domestic 

Fabric Featured: Bijoux Collection by Bari J. 

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

Hi there, thank you for having me here today! I’m Tracy the one-woman show that is "TracyBug Creative."  I'm a wife and a mom of three school-age children. Prior to having children, social work occupied my time.  Long before that, when I was 13 my Great-Aunt Mildred came for an Easter visit. She was working on a hand-quilting project. I must have asked her a million questions. A retired schoolteacher she asked if I would like to learn to quilt. My heart jumped at the idea!

We made tentative plans for me to visit her that coming summer. A few weeks later, a carefully packed shoe box arrived. Inside she had tucked away a quilt kit with tiny notes pinned on various parts to sew and pages of handwritten instructions to get started. I was hooked! That summer I visited her. My uncle made me a small frame, and Aunt Mildred sat by my side showing me the way. I’ve worked on that project little bits at a time ever since. When my youngest was due I got a sewing machine for my birthday. The first quilt I finished was a baby quilt for her. As I wanted to learn new things, I searched the internet for resources, followed bloggers, watched videos, and took online classes while my babies slept.

What are you inspired by?

Color and shape bring beauty and meaning to the world.  Interesting patterns, bright and bold colors and soft muted tones always draw me in. Likewise, I’m inspired by stories. The people and the journey behind designs and quilts add a dimension without which a quilt is really just a thing.

Describe your design style in three words.  

Bright, Fun, Modern.

When did you start creating personalized, modern quilts for kids? How many have you made?

In 2011, I added the personalized modern quilts to my shop. I have made approximately 400 of them.

How do you stay motivated with your sewing projects?

Looking at new fabric lines, following designers on their journey, and hearing my customer stories all excite me. I especially love how AGF designers share their process and inspiration. My customers each specifically choose their quilt fabrics.  This allows me to connect with them and learn a bit about their story. They share things such as how the parents wanted this baby for so long, maybe the close friendship they have with the mother, or how this is their first grandchild. These quilts are not just a textile but become part of a baby’s story.  Participating in that is an honor. As I sew, I whisper prayers for the baby and the home it is going to. Human connection keeps us all going.

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

We were all "new" once.  No one started sewing and produced his or her best work from the get-go. Keep practicing and you will get there! Also, while you are at it, use the beautiful fabric. It will inspire you, cover mistakes, and you will smile more while you do it. Be gentle with how you speak to yourself in the process.  If you are new, be encouraging, kind, and compassionate with yourself like you would a five-year-old learning to read. Lastly, don’t be afraid to learn the rules and then break as many as you would like to develop your own style and creative voice.

5 things you can't live without.

 1.My Juki sewing machine (she’s my third arm!)

2. My seam ripper ;)

3. A fresh cup of iced coffee

4. A photo of my family

5. Of course beautiful, beautiful fabric.

Where can other makers' find your work? 

You can find me telling quilt stories and sharing creative ramblings on Instagram @tracybugcreative

My Etsy shop is www.tracybugcreative.etsy.com  and my blog is tracybugcreative.com

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Since Tracy LOVES "warm colors," we curated this 20-piece bundle for her as her prize! :)

 
Thanks so much Tracy and to all you makers who have been posting away! It's incredibly inspiring to see what you all make and how you add your personal stories and styles to your projects. 

We'll be picking a winner and announcing them via the blog next month. 

In the meantime, keep posting and sharing your beautiful handmade things with us using the hashtag #AGFMakerMonday for a chance to win.

Good luck and keep creating!

- Sophia 

Hey there, everyone! 

As the season of love is upon us, we have put together a list of things you can easily make\do for that special someone. Even though, these projects have a Valentine's theme, they can be done all year 'round. (Warning some selfish-sewing might be involved!) So, lets get started with projects that will make this love filled holiday extra special (We have something for everybody!). Since, a little selfish sewing never hurt anybody, here are a couple of ideas on what to wear on that special night. Feel free to flip thru our lookbooks to find inspiration.

(Find these patterns in our lookbooks. Click here to make the Flee and Flourish dress, here for the Paperie top and Skirt, and here for the "date night dress") 

Here are a few adorable Valentine’s Day treats you can make if you are attending or hosting a Valentine's day party. (Anything chocolate-covered gets bonus points.) 

 And you can also turn your favorite fruit, snacks, and candy into big smiles with these creative Valentines, that are perfect for classmates and\or co-workers. 

  If you are anything like us, you take pride in wrapping your presents in a unique way. It's definitely, a great way to showcase your creativity and your passion for crafts, so Here are some cute ways of making your gifts look extra special.

And of course, no present is complete without a personalized valentine's card. This is why, we decided to make these free printable, inspired by our latest collections Heart Melodies and Chalk and Paint. 

We hoped to have inspired you to create something beautiful! 

XO

G

Hi my sweet friends! It's finally time to tell everybody the big news I have been holding for so looooong! 

We have both been teasing you all week, but maybe you didn't notice. You may say..."both?" Are you excited, because I think you will...

So, to find out, press play on the video below...

Love, Pat

Hi my awesome friends! Pat here. I just wanted to stick in here between posts to tell you about some lists I was making on my 50's + few days... 

Turning 50-ties unleashed a storm of emotions inside me. The other day I was excited and a little numbed by all the gifts, + congratulations, + Walter singing happy birthday every 15 minutes over my ear at the office! 

Now that I have a little more time to think back on it, came out to the surface of my consciousness a list: deep memories (some that made me happy again and others not so). Add some revelations (that as always bring that stir inside) about things that you believed in for so many years and then you realize.... well, you know that right?. And how about new aspirations? It turned out to be a big list...

On the other side, A BIG LIST OF THANKS that exceeded all of the ALL lists: to God, for helping me to walk my way in life and let me show it to others; for giving me everything (and more than that, He gives it to me Every Day); for letting me know so many wonderful people along this way...

There were many messages written for my 50th bday post... All I can say is WOW, THANKS TO YOU TOO!!! I am a true believer that gratitude is an attitude, and we always have to try to exercise it a bit more. It's inserted into that circle that people call planting and harvesting or....  give and you shall be given back. You were so sweet to be here on my big day! Having you, celebrating with me, made me so happy! All your love, support and friendship is very appriciated! I want to wish you all the best for 2012, all your hearts desire :) LOVE, PEACE and cheers to you my kindred spirits!

Love, Pat

Hello everyone!

My name is Kat and I am one of the graphic designers working here at Art Gallery Fabrics. It's been practically a year that I've had the pleasure of working with such an amazing team and let me just say that I am completely blessed. When I started working, I had no idea what I was getting into other than the usual design stuff… quickly I was blown away! The world of quilting and fashion has fascinated me beyond belief… Most of the time I'm speechless (as some of the girls may be able to tell you) LOL All in all, I am completely and utterly in love!

But enough about my romances… Let me tell you how I make my bread and butter… 

My first project when I began working was making the Boho Dress (yes, lots of pressure)! Not even one week into work and I was practically in charge of making Art Gallery's first ever instructional DVD pattern! (yes, add some stress) After that, I became as what they call a "video genius" or "video maestro" (my preference) LOL, but regardless I am responsible for most of the video editing that you see coming from AGF {**spoiler: hold on to your sewing needles cause we're gonna be making more!)…

Behind the scenes of the Modernology photoshoot! 

My first photographic debut!

Ah! C'est moi! LOL Here I am working in Houston for Fall Quilt Market :)

I know I'm not in this one, but I was there in spirit (or on the other side of the camera ;)... that's mah job!)

Yes, I know there's not many pictures of me cause I'm usually behind the camera… These photos are the girls' attempts to catch me on camera.. I joke with them that if they manage to film me, I'll end up editing myself out anyways :) LOL

I definitely can't wait to show you all what we have in store for you! It's gonna be a lot of work on my part, but I know its worth it in the end!

Until next time, 

Kat

Hey there! This is Fab. I've been working for the past year or so as the merchandising director for Art Gallery Fabrics. Some of you are prolly like "merchandising director sounds really fancy and cool and all but... what is it exactly??" hahaha. And that's okay, I must confess sometimes I don't even know what it is since there's SO much that has to do with it.

But let's not bore you with annoying details about my job (hey, I only get one chance to make a first impression and I don't wanna be the "annoying rambling one", though I do tend to ramble a lot and there you go, I'm rambling already). 

Long story short, I'm in charge of the whole image thing. You know, styling, photoshoots, visual displays, showroom designs, you name it. Basically whatever makes our fabrics look good, hahaha, though it's not a huge challenge since they're already gorgeous ;) 

Sometimes even a lil' woodwork is necessary... (don't try it at home kids!)

Sometimes workin' under the Miami sun... (tougher than you think!) 

Sometimes even a little modeling! Hey, gotta do what you gotta do! 

Thing is, we just came back from Market a coupla days ago and it was awesome! It's actually my 4th show (my 2nd Houston!) and I figure I am now in a position to elaborate and share my insights and opinions about it. Cause when I first started I had NO CLUE what I was getting into, counting on the fact that I'm a fashion merchandising graduate and only thought of a quilt as a "thingie to cover yourself in the winter with" hahaha. 

But now, after 4 shows, I really have discovered this whole amazing sort of underground world that is the quilting and sewing industry. And I LOVE it and it's not scary anymore (well... sample spree may still give me the chills lol) and I'm getting the hang of it...

Plus I do believe there is a strong connection between my fashion background and the quilting industry; the way you mix colors, the way you make a print "work" with another, has to do a lot with fashion too. 

So stay tuned cause I'm gonna be spilling all the Market scoop with pictures and videos and cool stuff! Real soon!

Nice meeting you all, we'll talk soon ;)

xo,

Fab.