Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

Hi Makers!

If you have been following AGF for a while, you would know that we don't often focus on contrasting colors of black, red, and white in our collections. Well, we decided to do things a little different this time and this time, and bring them to center stage in our latest collection! Inspired by what you’d discover while traveling the trading route that connected The East to The West, AGF created its latest collection, “Silkroad Fusion.” This fabric line celebrates the emerging trend of Asian influences in textiles with designs from ancient techniques of brushwork that’s modernized with geometrics and florals, creating a unique, exotic mix for your sewing.

We decided to do a new take on color combinations and use full bodied hues of scarlet red and charcoal black mixed with pops of white. Silkroad Fusion is ideal for creating elegant and impactful sewing projects. Available in cotton with select prints in knits and a rayon, these designs can be used to sew bold quilts, pillows, table runners, wall hangings, Japanese-style garments like kimonos, and statement accessories.

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

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

Download Quilt Pattern

In case you need some ideas for blender to use for Silkroad Fusion, here's my picks from our AGF Elements: 

-- SILKROAD GIVEAWAY -- 

Enter a chance to win this fabulous, fabric bundle by signing up to our giveaway:

Congratulations, Nancy Page!  You're our WINNER to our giveaway! 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!

Is there a certain children's book that you absolutely loved as a kid?!

When I was a little girl, my mother or grandmother would lay in bed next to me with a book, and would read to me before I fell asleep, each night. As they read to me, I would let my imagination come to life, pretending that I was making friends with animals or mystical creatures in the story, and going on adventures to far off lands! Depending on the character in the book, my grandmother would change the tone of her voice as she read aloud, which made it even more entertaining and silly. Some of my favorite books were "Where the Wild Things Are," "Goodnight Moon" and the nursery rhyme, "Wynken, Blynken and Nod." I still have all of these children's' books, and take them out from time to time when I'm feeling nostalgic! :)

With that super nostalgic, imaginative feeling in mind, I'm SUPER EXCITED to introduce you all to what we've been working on at AGF Studio. Our latest collection "LITTLE CLEMENTINE!" Inspired by stories coming to life, this story for our collection is  about "Little Clementine," a little girl with a big imagination who enjoys reading books and befriending forest creatures like bears and rabbits. Adorned with enchanted forests, cute houses, ditsy florals and novelty prints like "cardigans" and "cozy scarves," these fabrics are filled with soft, autumnal tones that make these fabrics, extra cozy! This collection honestly is one of my favorites! I love the story, the soft colors and the cute characters in it! I can picture so many different ways to use these darling fabrics with fussy cutting, baby quilts, kids' garments, accessories, a super cute lunchbox, book covers, wall decor, a mobile above a crib, and lamp shades that you'd find in a nursery!

 For more whimsy-inspired projects, head on over to our "Little Clementine Lookbook!"

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

Download Quilt Pattern

Here's some blender suggestions for your quilty projects that go with the "Little Clementine!"

------Little Clementine Giveaway------

Enter a chance to win this darling, fabric bundle by signing up to our giveaway! To enter, please fill the form below.  Congratulations Pat Devore! You're our WINNER! 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!

Happy Fall, Ya'll!

Hope you're as excited as I am with this new season that's finally here!

Hands down, fall is my favorite time of year, even though we're here in Florida where we don't really have seasons..minus hurricane season! I still like to pretend the leaves change color and force myself to wear "cozy layers" despite the humidity. There's something so festive about this time of year that's super exciting! It's that time when you get to gather with your family and friends, eat a ton of pumpkin-flavored foods, continue traditions with holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving and just enjoy being together. I think my favorite fall tradition is getting together with my gal pals at one of our homes, paint real pumpkins while watching the movie "Hocus Pocus" and eating way too much candy corn! :) 

Inspired by that fall feeling, our designer Maureen Cracknell translated that true spirit of this season into her latest collection, "Autumn Vibes." This whimsical collection’s color palette features earthy shades of cinnamon, honey, pumpkin, mustard, and eggplant which are all my absolute favorite colors! Filled with vibrant blooms, whimsical foxes, playful squirrels and folkloric designs, these twenty prints are a great go-to for your autumn-inspired sewing projects! From quilts, garments, pillows, accessories, and novelties, you’ll have endless ideas for upcoming holiday gifts. After all, ‘tis the season for giving!

Browse through our "Autumn Vibes Fabric Lookbook” to discover more seasonal, sewing projects complete with instructions we’ve put together, just for you! 

Here's our lovely "Autumn Winds" for you to enjoy, just click the below link for the FREE pattern:

Download Quilt Pattern

Here's some blenders for you (in case you need some ideas) that can easily coordinate with the autumnal-inspired prints of "Autumn Vibes."

Enter a chance to win this gorgeous, "Autumn Vibes" fabric bundle by signing up to our giveaway:

 To enter, please fill the form below. Giveaway ends Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018. Good luck! 

CONGRATULATIONS, GLENDA HOLLANDER! Please check your email. :) Thank you to everyone else 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!

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 

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!

 Hello Makers, 

What is your go to quilting technique? EPP, scrappy quilts, foundation paper piecing, quilt-as-you- go?  There are so many ways to create a single quilt and whatever way you choose why not incorporate a bit of fussy cutting to add a dose of extra cuteness to your handmade creations. When I first started working at Art Gallery Fabrics about  4  and a half years ago, I was introduced to all things quilty! One of the first quilting terms I learned was the word "Fussy Cutting", which I thought at the time was a pretty silly name. When you think about it fussy cutting is exactly as it sounds, being fussy about the things you cut from your fabric. Later, I learned fabric designers actually design fabrics based around this silly name called Fussy Cutting. It's safe to say this fun technique has become apart of many of my quilting and  sewing projects.  Below are a few on my favorite prints and projects showcasing the Fussy Cutting technique! Enjoy scrolling through the post and make sure to comment below with your favorite AGF prints that you have used in your fussy cutting projects! 

 Nightfall Fabrics 

 Click here for Free Pattern! Prints made by Maureen Cracknell.

The "Foxfire" free quilt pattern made it's debut in the Nightfall Fabrics lookbook where it featured this super cute owl and bunny print! These adorable prints made it's way into the middle of each quilt block which is my favorite way to incorporate fussy cutting into my quilts. This quilt bl0ck design does a great job framing your fussy cut prints while adding half square triangles to each corner of your block. When all your blocks are sewn together it adds a nice secondary block of Half Square Triangles. (Can you see what I am talking about? ) Pretty cool, right!?  

Loved to Pieces Fabrics

 Projects made with Loved to Pieces Fabric

Now let's talk about my newest favorite print to fussy cut from Loved to Pieces Fabrics! The "Anthonem  Serene"print exhibits an array of  distinctive florals all lined up in alphabetical order.  How sweet is this? Mister Domestic made this super sweet pillow below showcasing this cute postage stamp floral print.  

Also an extra bonus is this print comes in another colorway! Most often times your favorite AGF print will come in two different colorways which I love but sometimes it ends up being hard to choose which print to use, which I don't tend to mind! :)  

I also wanted to show you the "Alabama Quilt Block" using the same florals! Make sure to head to our Youtube for the full tutorial! You will have a blast cutting out all the little flowers, I know I sure did. :)

Charleston Fabrics 

 Prints from Charleston Fabrics 

My two favorite prints from Charleston Fabrics by Amy Sinibaldi has to be the " The Row" which celebrates the beautiful architecture and scenery of the historical town of Charleston.  My other fave is the cute stencil pineapple print called "Ananas Powder" , there is just something so inviting about pineapple fabrics and decor which is probably why the pineapple is a symbol for welcome, friendship, and hospitality.

I can't get over all the hard work and patience it takes to get through a EPP project like the one above! Jodi from @talesofcloth is a EPP master! If your new to EPP I suggest you head to her profile and if your feeling inspired pick up the Pirouette Quilt with lots of fussying cutting options!  

Lambkin Fabrics

Prints from Lambkin Fabrics by Bonnie Christine

For those of you who have children or are obsessed with sewing things for your niece and nephews like me you are going to love the next two collections! Lambkin Fabrics (pic above) consists of two beautiful color palettes which cater  to sewing for girls and boys. First let's talk about how charming the "Sir Wooly" print is, he is perfect to fussy cut and apply to your kids clothing or incorporate into your quilt blocks for a cute baby quilt. 

I also am crazy about the numbers and symbols print called "Arista Oats"! I have a two year old nephew and I can't wait to make him something with this print maybe spelling out his name or using the numbers in this print and making him something so I can teach him to count! 

The next print called "Little Entomologist" displays a collection of insects you would find in your garden! I am not necessary a fan of the real thing but on fabric these cute critters  are fun to cut out from the fabric!  

Campsite Fabrics

Prints from Campsite Fabrics

I am not the most avid camper but I do remember going on a few camping trips with my Girl Scout Troop back in my childhood. There is something so special about being outdoors, breathing in fresh air and being one with nature. Campsite Fabrics brings back this special memory for me is such a cute way. My two favorite projects has to be these cute patches and table cloth! You can find these super cute fussy cutting projects in the Campsite Lookbook.  

Tallinn Fabrics 

Last but not least, I wanted to talk about the Tiger print from Tallinn Fabrics by our talented designer Jessica Swift! This print comes in two different colorways and has so many great elements to fussy cut. These denim pants made with our smooth denim fabrics can be found in the Tallinn Lookbook! What a super cute way to embellish your denim! This project definitely got my wheels turning and inspired me to take my fussy cutting to the next level! 

Well I hope you enjoyed hearing about the  prints and projects in this blog post. If you have any other fussy cutting inspired projects you would like to share with me I would be so excited to see! 

 Happy Fussy Cutting, 

Meli