Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

At the age of five, I began learning classical piano. Every week, I'd have a piano lesson with my piano teacher and learned to play songs from all "the greats" like Mozart, Bach, Chopin....but my absolute favorite composer's songs to play was "Ludwig van Beethoven." His songs were moody and felt like they just had soul (no offense to the other talented composers), I just connected to his music the most, and his "Moonlight Sonata" became my favorite song to play on the piano..still is today! One of the main reasons I love it so much is that sonata's usually have three movements that contain different speeds: "Fast, Slow, Fast." However, Beethoven mixes up his song "Moonlight Sonata" by making it go: "Slow, Slow, Fast." He liked to experiment with composing music, and serves as a great reminder for learning traditional methods, revamping them, and then applying your own personal style to them. Very inspiring! :)

Beethoven's work also resonated with our designer, Amy Sinibaldi. Striking a new chord with her latest collection "Sonata," these fabrics were inspired by the classical music of one of the most influential musicians during the 18th century. Composed of romantic prints, these fabrics include symphony instruments, harmonious florals like edelweiss, and ornate windows that overlook the wondrous city of Vienna, these designs definitely take you on a musical journey. With a soft color palette of soft pinks and tranquil blues, this collection is great for fussy cutting to make music-inspired projects like whimsical quilts, home decor, wall art, and garments. 

To see more of Amy's collection and quilty projects we've put together with easy-to-follow instructions for you, check out our "Sonata Fabric Lookbook!"

Here's the "Moonlight Sonata" that's filled with TONS of movement for you to enjoy, just click the below link for the FREE pattern:

Download Quilt Pattern

Here's my top picks for blenders from our AGF Pure Elements that I feel go really well with Sonata's designs and colors: 

If you haven't gone yet, you MUST go to Hawaii at least once in your lifetime! There's so much beautiful scenery to take in there! The sunsets, the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, the amazing food like fresh pineapple..it's truly a gorgeous and magical place. My favorite part of visiting Hawaii was going horse back riding where "Jurassic Park" was filmed, I felt like at any moment a dinosaur was going to pop out of the huge trees there. It was completely surreal and breathtaking. 

Say “Aloha” to Mister Domestic’s new fabric collection, “Aura!” Inspired by an island adventure with his daughter "Helena" to Hawaii, exotic botanicals, playful sea turtles and dolphins come to life in “Aura.” Using hues like brick reds and golden mustards, this color palette is filled with a warmth that radiates from Hawaiian sunrises and sunsets.  Aura is perfect for your quilting or sewing needs, available in two knits and a rayon for garments. This collection can be used to create tropical-inspired quilts, pillows, table runners, wall hangings, garments, and travel bags. I would definitely love to make some retro-inspired Hawaiian mens' shirts with these fabrics and a travel, duffel bag! 

Head over to our “Aura Fabric Lookbook” to discover sewing projects and ideas!

Here's the mesmerizing "Ambience Quilt" for you to enjoy, just click the below link for the FREE pattern:

Download Quilt Pattern

Here's my top picks for blenders that can easily coordinate with gorgeous, tropical prints of "Aura!"

Wait, wait there's more! You guessed it! Enter a chance to win this fabulous, fabric bundle by signing up to our giveaway:

Congratulations to our winner, Deanna Wall! 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!

Hi Makers,

Do any of you LOVE going to see plays or performances?!

It's such a fun event! Getting all dressed up in a nice outfit, entering the theater and taking a seat, waiting for those red curtains to lift up and for the show to begin! From the introduction of the characters to hearing their stories be told through action or songs, the lightning, the set design, the costumes, and overall mood is just incredible, especially from a production point of view! Theater reminds us to be in the present and to be fully immersed in what's happening at that very moment. The acting, the singing, the music being played by a live orchestra..it all comes together and creates an beautiful experience that cannot be replicated. 

Oscar Wilde once said "I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being."

I think he was right! :)

Inspired by the days of performing in theater, our designer Bari J. shines the spotlight on romantic and bold prints that take center stage in her latest fabric collection, "Virtuosa." With a distinct color palette filled with jewel-tones, there’s no doubt that these fabrics fuse together harmony, opulence, and of course...drama! This collection is so great for anyone who loves painterly florals that can make gorgeous quilts, garments, throw pillows, and accessories.

For more opulent-inspired projects that include quilt, garment and home decor patterns, head over to our "Virtuosa Fabric Lookbook! "

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Here's our lovely "Upstage Quilt Pattern" for you to enjoy, just click the below link for the FREE pattern:

Download Quilt Pattern

I've also included these blenders for you (in case you need some ideas) that can easily coordinate with the dramatic "Virtuosa." 

Enter a chance to win a bundle of "Virtuosa" by signing up to our giveaway:

 To enter, please fill the form below. Giveaway ends October 26, 2018.  Good luck! 

----- VIRTUOSA GIVEAWAY -----

Congratulations Roxanne Smith! You're our winner! Please check your email! Thanks to everyone else for participating! :)

*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!

Hi Makers, 

With the holidays right around the corner, I know all of us are prepping or have already begun sewing gifts for our family, friends, colleagues and teachers. I think that as a maker, we're always trying to create gifts that are so personalized to the person we're giving it to, so if you haven't started sewing your gifts yet, don't worry! We just released TWO NEW FUSIONS that cater to two different themes that can turn into so many great gifts! 

If you're new to AGF, our "Fusion Collections" are bite-size collections featuring best-selling prints from our internationally-known designers such as Pat Bravo, Maureen Cracknell, April Rhodes, Bonnie Christine, Katarina Roccella and Sharon Holland. With these two collections, you’ll find two different themes that provide you with countless sewing ideas and are no doubt, two collections that are a must-have for your fabric stash. Now, let’s take a closer look on how you can sew with these fabrics!

RAINFOREST FUSION

With botanical designs high on the trend radar for “jungalow inspired”  interiors and fashion, our “Rainforest Fusion” is perfect for creating a “tropical paradise” in your sewing room! Filled with vibrant, lush prints, this collection highlights tropical florals, palm fronds as well as tribal patterns that also act as great blenders. Grounded in bright and warm colors, this collection can be widely used in quilts, outdoor home decor, resort-inspired garments, as well as in accessories and wall art. I would love to make curtains and TONS of throw pillows with this collection! 

 Download Our FREE "Vertical Garden" Quilt Pattern:

TRINKETS FUSION

Channeling “vintage meets modern” and recalling old memories of sifting through a grandmother’s treasure chest,  our “Trinkets Fusion” offers countless ideas for sewing with nostalgic prints that are inspired by pressed flowers, vintage knitting, and hand pressed wallpaper. Deeply rooted in warm hues of rust and gold, this festive collection is a great option for your holiday, sewing projects! From various florals that range in scale to textured designs that make unique blenders, these fabrics can be sewn into romantic, bohemian quilts, throw pillows, rugs, tapestries and special occasion garments! I would love to have a dress made out of "Trinkets" fabrics for Thanksgiving - preferably one that's loose, so I can eat all those delicious Thanksgiving side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing and creamed spinach! :)

 Download Our FREE "Free Spirit" Quilt Pattern:

For more sewing projects we've put together using these two collections, head to our "Rainforest and Trinkets Fabric Lookbook!"

In case you're OBSESSED with both of these collections and need them NOW, enter our giveaway for a chance to win BOTH! 

 To enter, please fill the form below. Giveaway ends Friday, October, 12th, 2018. Good luck!  

Our winner is Jo Isaac! Please check your email! Thanks to everyone else who participated!

*Once you have entered the giveaway it's Winner will be announced on Monday, 10/15! :)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!

Hey Makers,

Have you heard about the EPIC EPP sew along? Who doesn’t love a good sew along? It’s a excellent way to brush up on a certain sewing skill and get to know people who share the same passions as you. It’s a great way to connect with people from all over and to share your knowledge and experience with others. If you haven’t heard about The Farmer's Wife 1920's Sampler Quilt  Sew Along or you are still on the fence about joining don’t worry it’s not to late.

All you EPP lovers, I highly encourage you to pop over to Paperpieces.com and get your hands on The Farmer’s Wife pattern pieces! I am so impressed with the high quality paper templates they provide and how well they put together this 111 block quilt pattern. Check out this great blog post all about the creation of this lovely pattern.  (Super duper interesting and helpful!)

While you are there you will need to pick up The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt Book by Laurie Aaron Hird which will carefully take you through how to create each block in the quilt. Here is also a great blog post on how to stay organized and start preparing your blocks.

Now that you have your book and pattern all you need to do know is gather the fabric. The picture below shows a jaw dropping version of the Farmer’s Wife quilt all done up in 12 Fat Quarter Color Master Boxes from AGF. If colorful quilts are your jam AGF Color Master Boxes may be the perfect choice! You can check out all the awesome colors here.  You can purchase your AGF Color Master Boxes here! 

The Farmer’s Wife Sew Along started August 24th and is scheduled to run until October 2019. During this time you can sew all 111 blocks or as many as you would like. Every week Angie from GnomeAngel will be posting a blog post of her block with tips and tricks to but together each block. Also make sure to follow our AGF Designer Mathew (a.k.a Mister Domestic) as he will be sewing along using the gorgeous colors from our AGF Color Master Boxes.

Take a look at some of the blocks Mathew has made so far. Nine blocks down and it’s already starting to take shape! I am so excited to keep following his journey til the end! This quilt is going to be magnificent!

Blocks above  made by Mister Domestic using the AGF Color Master Boxes! 

Talented Maker and AGF Fan Sarai has joined the sew along too! Her blocks are out of this world, so head over to her Instagram to see more! She is also sewing with the amazing selection of colors from the AGF Color Master Boxes!

Sew Alongs are meant to be fun and a learning experience. So if you want to work at your own pace or work ahead it is totally fine! The most important thing is that you put yourself out there and try! Whether you get your quilt done in a year or five years, it’s all about the journey and you are in amazing company with all the quilters that have joined already. Get ready to meet new people and learn something new. 

Blocks above  made by Sarai using the AGF Color Master Boxes! 

Here are some more jaw dropping blocks made by Jessica Finn from Paperpieces! These pictures are so inspiring and I can't wait to keep tabs on her to see more amazing blocks in the months to come. Make sure to follow @paperpiecesepp to get a peek at her amazing blocks. 

So by know those that were on the fence to join should be all fired up to start stitching! I also forgot to mention there will be amazing Giveaways for the completion of every block you make! Even more of an incentive to start this wonderful EPP  journey! I can’t wait to see all your beautiful blocks on social media! 

Need help or want to stay connected with the group of people in the sew along? Join  The Farmer's Wife 1920's Sampler Quilt Sew-Along Facebook Group!

 Follow these hashtags to see all the  lovely blocks from all the makers joining the sew along!

#FW1920AGF

#FW1920EPPSAL

#AGFColorMaster

To get the complete kit head to Paperpieces.Com! 

Happy Sewing, 

Meli

Hi Makers! 

Besides being all about fabric, are you also an "art lover?!" I'm definitely one! From an early age, my parents introduced me to many art museums near and far around the world where I had the incredible opportunity to see so many types of art. It was during this time I was introduced to the "Rococo Period." This art movement consisted of highly ornate and a extravagant style of architecture, art and music that flourished in Europe in the 18th century. I fell in-love with all of it! 

As I grew older and went to art school, I took an art history class and re-discovered my love for this time period and wrote many essays and created several, fashion projects around the motif. One of my favorite films "Marie Antoinette" directed by Sofia Coppola also captures the absolutely gorgeous art movement. (Watch it if you haven't! Amazing cinematography and costume design) Fast forward to present day, I'm super excited to announce our latest fabric collection, Decadence is inspired by the Rococo era! :)

Inspired by the Rococo art movement, our AGF designer Katarina Roccella’s created her latest fabric line, “Decadence.” These twenty prints feature gorgeous peacocks, opulent florals, stylish geometrics, and romantic, painterly textures that embody that light-hearted, Rococo spirit. Grounded in pink and teal, Decadence offers an inviting color palette utilizing charcoal and ivory backgrounds with metallic specks, making these twenty prints provide countless ideas for sewing projects. With the upcoming holidays in mind, Decadence is a great go-to collection to create luxurious quilts, stylish garments and home decor for you and your loved ones!

 For more elegant-inspired projects that include quilt, garment and home decor patterns, head over to our "Decadence" lookbook! 

Here's our mesmerizing "Tartaneuse Quilt" for you to enjoy, just click the below link for the FREE pattern:

Download Quilt Pattern

I've also included these blenders for you (in case you need some ideas) that can easily coordinate with the lux-inspired prints of "Decadence."

Enter a chance to win a "20-piece Decadence fabric bundle" by signing up to our giveaway:

 ---  DECADENCE COLLECTION GIVEAWAY ---

 To enter, please fill the form below. Giveaway ends Friday, September, 21st, 2018 - 

Our winner is Christina Grant! Congratulations and please check your email! Thanks to everyone who participated!

*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!