Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

Hi Quilters, 

Welcome to Week 4 of the Summer Jubilee Sew Along!

Don’t have your kit yet? No problem — get yours here,  and jump into the fun!

You've done all the heavy lifting.  You've made all the units and are ready to begin assembling the Rosette Blocks.  Hip hip hooray!

From here on out, it's just sewing.  That's the best part, am I right?

The only thing you really need to watch for now is making sure you don't flip around any pieces.

Keep reading, I have a couple of easy, quick tips to help with this.

First, I like to make an entire block first to use as a guide for my other blocks. Once I've assembled the whole block, I snap a quick photo with my phone.  For some reason, I find that I'm much better able to identify any turned around pieces when I see a block in a phone.  I've heard the same from many of my quilting friends.

Once I have confirmed that everything is in the right place, I hang it up over my sewing machine and use it as a guide for organizing all the pieces in my block.

Next, I like to use a tray to lay out all my pieces in the right order and with the right orientation.  I still use my first block as a guide as I go, but it makes the process go faster than if I were grabbing from piles.

If you hadn't used the coloring page on page 11 of the pattern, now would be a good time to go ahead and color that in.  This will help you be sure the blocks turn out exactly as you had in mind.

I hope you enjoy this week.  I find this to be one of the most satisfying weeks.  You have worked so hard, and now you will begin to see some real progress.

Please share pics of your blocks on the Facebook page or on Instagram.  Be sure to use hashtag #SummerJubileeSAL and tag me @midlife_quilter so I don't miss it.  If you have a private page, those tags don't work, but you can always send me pics in messages.  Seeing your work come to life is such a joy for me!

***Now to this week's prize!***

This week's prize is a 22" x 60" wool pressing mat by Novodon.  I received one of these mats earlier this year, and it has been a game changer.  You can put it on a table, and it makes pressing tops so much easier.

To enter the giveaway:

Sign up to the Summer Jubilee Sew Along: Click Here
If you're on Instagram - Follow me @midlife_quilter & @artgalleryfabrics
If you're on Facebook - Follow me Midlife Quilter & Art Gallery Fabrics

Leave the comment: "Summer Jubilee Sewalong" right here in the comment section of the blog.

I'll be drawing a winner first thing on Monday, May 26th. Entries close at midnight, May 25th.

Come join our public Facebook group! It’s the perfect place to share your fabric pulls, introduce yourself, and ask any questions along the way. Click below to join.

Join the Facebook Group

Don't forget there is still time to order a kit!  You can shop here.

See you again, 

Victoria Newmyer & Art Gallery Fabrics

Hi Quilters,

Welcome to Week 3 of the Summer Jubilee Sew Along!

By now, you have made your Starburst blocks, and now we are ready to dive into the Rosette Blocks!

Chain piecing will be your friend this week as we make all the little units that will become the Rosette blocks.

These blocks may feel complicated, but they consist of blocks you are probably already really familiar with:  half square triangles (HSTs) and Flying Geese (FGs).

The HSTs are made 8 at a time, and the FGs are made 4 at a time so you can create the units faster.

This video tutorial by Art Gallery Fabrics is one of the best I've seen on explaining how to make 8 at a time HSTs.  Give it a watch here if you need a refresher or are new to making HSTs with this method.

All the HSTs in this pattern are oversized so you can trim them down to get an accurate HST.  There are many ways to trim HSTs, and I encourage you to share your favorite method for trimming in our Facebook group.

I personally like to press all my HSTs open, then use a square ruler to trim them to the right size.  However, use whichever method you prefer and settle in because there are quite a few to trim.  The extra time will be worth it when all your HSTs are neat and perfect.

There are two types of FGs in this pattern:  a two-color FG and a three-color FG.

The pattern has diagrams to walk you through how to make each, but I have included a video tutorial here on making the three-color FGs, as that is a unique method you may not have tried yet.

Watch the tutorial here.

Don't worry about assembling the Rosette blocks yet.  This week is all about making the units, and next week, we will start the fun of putting our Rosette blocks together.

If you just joined, check out the Week 2 blog post here!

***Now to this week's prize!***

This week's prize is a beautiful tailor's clapper from Modern American Vintage!  I met the owner, Chris, at Quilt Market this year, and he is the nicest man. His whole family helps with his business, and his work is top notch.  He donated this lovely tailor's clapper with a stars & stripes motif for our sew along.  What a great guy!

To enter the giveaway:

Sign up to the Summer Jubilee Sew Along: Click Here
If you're on Instagram - Follow me @midlife_quilter & @artgalleryfabrics
If you're on Facebook - Follow me Midlife Quilter & Art Gallery Fabrics

Leave the comment: "Summer Jubilee Sewalong" right here in the comment section of the blog.

I'll be drawing a winner first thing on Monday, May 19th. Entries close at midnight, May 18th.

And don't forget to join the public Facebook group. It will be a great place to show your fabric pulls, introduce yourself, and ask any questions that may pop up.  Click the link below to join.

Join the Facebook Group

Don't forget there is still time to order a kit!  You can shop here.

See you soon, 

Victoria Newmyer & Art Gallery Fabrics

Hi Quilters,

Welcome to Week 2 of the Summer Jubilee Sew Along!

If you are just joining or haven't chosen fabrics yet, kits are still available HERE.  Grab one while they last!

This week we are cutting our fabrics and will begin assembling the units to make our Starburst blocks.

I love to start with a fresh blade and usually begin with cutting the background first since this usually has the most cuts (and honestly, it keeps me motivated to keep cutting since the prints are the most fun to cut, right?

There are fabric labels provided for you on page 9 of the pattern to keep your cuts organized.  I highly recommend using these labels.  It will make assembling your blocks later so much easier!  I like to use large paperclips or binder clips to keep my pieces together.

Once everything is cut, you can begin sewing your half rectangle triangles and your snowball blocks.

If you are new to making half rectangle triangles (HRTs), I've included a video link below to help guide you through that process.

Watch the Video Tutorial

There are two important things to keep in mind when making HRTs.

1.  You need to be sure to orient the pieces the right way to make the units have the color on the correct side of the block.
2. Make sure to trim them so you have a 1/4" seam allowance.  That's what will get you the sharp points in your Starburst blocks.

The snowball blocks are easy peasy, and the diagrams in the pattern will guide you through those simple blocks.

As always, you can contact me at [email protected] or drop your questions in the Facebook group.

If you just joined, check out the Week 1 blog post here!

***Now to this week's prize!***

This week's sponsor is Omnigrid.  I've been using Omnigrid rulers since I first began quilting.  They have a permanent place on my cutting table.

Omnigrid is providing a 1/4" ruler set and a rotating mat.  This prize will make some of the future sewing so much easier! 

-
To enter the giveaway:

Sign up for the Summer Jubilee Sew Along: Click Here! 

If you're on Instagram - Follow me @midlife_quilter & @artgalleryfabrics

If you're on Facebook - Follow me Midlife Quilter & Art Gallery Fabrics

Comment "Summer Sewalong" in the comments below to be entered.  The winner will be drawn on Monday, May 12th.  Entries close at midnight on May 11th.

Don't forget there is still time to order a kit!  You can shop here.

We can't wait to see you next week!

Victoria Newmyer & Art Gallery Fabrics

It's that time of the year again! Dust off your broomsticks and polish your cauldrons, Halloween is just around the corner! Get into the spooky spirit with a quick and easy last-minute witch hat garland project with your little ones. These adorable hats are fun to make with fabric scraps or our Fabric Wonders: 10” Square Packs, and they’re perfect for decorating your Halloween festivities!

We’ve whipped up some spooky magic with our 'Spooky ‘n Witchy' premium quilting cotton collection for these adorable little witch hats! Watch our quick how-to-video and download the Little Witch Hats Garland Template for a simple yet enchanting project. It's easier than brewing a potion! 

*Featuring fabrics: Spooky ‘n Witchy by AGF Studio 

Here’s what you'll need:

• Little Witch Hats Garland Template (download here).
• Fabric Scraps or Fabric Wonders: 10” Square Packs of your favorite Art Gallery Fabrics. 
• Thread
• Scissors
• Regular Batting 
• Ribbon or twine
• Glue Dots or Glue Gun

Here's how to make each little hat:⁠

• Step 1: Print the template and cut out the witch hat shapes.
• Step 2: Begin by quilting a 5" square from your chosen fabrics and batting.
• Step 3: Trace templates A and B onto the quilted 5" squares.⁠
• Step 4: Sew template A together to create the cone.⁠
• Step 5: Pin the cone and the brim right sides together around the circumference and sew them together. Make two of these using different colors from the collection.⁠
• Step 6: Take two hats with the right sides together, sew them around the brim, and leave a space to turn it inside out. Once it's right side out, sew the opening by hand and top stitch around the brim at about 1/8" of an inch.⁠
• Step 7: Repeat steps 1-6 to create as many witch hats as you need for your garland.

⁠

Voila! Just like magic, your reversible little witch hat is done! Now, gather them up to create your Garland Decoration.

**We recommend using regular batting; it's easy to work with, and given the hat's size, extra firmness isn't necessary.⁠

⁠**You can use a dot of glue (glue gun) on the tip of the hat and glue it to a string of twine. ⁠

There you have it! A spooky and stylish witch hat garland to hang in your home.

As you dive into this frightfully fun project, be sure to check out our Halloween-inspired collections! We have an array of fabric project lookbooks filled with festive ideas to spark your creativity. From spooky home decor to whimsical costumes and enchanting accessories, there’s something for everyone. If you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, you'll find plenty of inspiration to make this Halloween truly spooktacular!

Spooky ‘N Witchy Lookbook 

Eerie Lookbook

Whether you’re making a spooky statement or adding a dash of whimsy to your décor, this Halloween garland is sure to cast a spell. Don’t forget to share your creations with us—we can't wait to see the magical things you conjure up this season! 

Happy crafting!

-Your friends from Art Gallery Fabrics 

To paraphrase Ebenezer Scrooge, "We will honor Quiltmas in our hearts and try to keep it all the year!" In fact, we'll keep in for several years, because this year marks the Fifth Year of the Quiltmas Spectacular! In case you haven't heard of the Quiltmas Spectacular, let me tell you! Twelve quilt pattern designers were busy in the Quiltmas Elf Workshop designing 12 quilt block patterns to celebrate the wonderful, wintery season! Every day, December 1 through 12, the Quiltmas Elves unwrapped one free quilt block pattern and shared it with everyone.

To celebrate the fifth year of the festive fun, the elves calculated yardage for you to make all the quilts into one coordinated quilt top (more on how to get that info in a bit!). We kicked off this year with an extra special giveaway from Art Gallery Fabrics. The giveaway included enough yardage of PURE Solids to make the all the blocks, plus 4 bonus FQs from the Wintertale holiday line by Katarina Roccella. 

We used the same solids and fabric collection to make all the Quiltmas blocks - in fact, we've used Art Gallery fabrics for several years of Quiltmas! Take a look through the Instagram hashtag #quiltmasspectacular to see all the past years' designs and how we've used Art Gallery Fabrics's holly-jolly holiday fabrics throughout the years.

To keep Quiltmas in our hearts for the rest of the year, let's revisit all the 2023 Quiltmas blocks!

On the first day of Quiltmas, Elf Heather of Gladhand Sews brought us the North Pole block.

On the second day of Quiltmas, Elf Holly of Holly Clarke Design brought us the Deck the Halls block.

On the third day of Quiltmas, Elf Ben of Ben Millett brought us the Snowpal Kit block.

On the fourth day of Quiltmas, Elf Astrid of Apples and Beavers brought us the Little Robin block.

On the fifth day of Quiltmas, Elf Lynett of Lyns Avenue brought us the Country Glow block.

On the sixth day of Quiltmas, Elf Satomi of Satomi Quilts brought us the White Snow Globe block.

On the seventh day of Quiltmas, Elf Amanda of Broadcloth Studio brought us the Snow Quartz block.

On the eighth day of Quiltmas, Elf Andrea of 3rd Story Workshop brought us the Twinkly Lights block.

On the ninth day of Quiltmas, Elf Shannon of Shannon Fraser Designs brought us the Christmas Crackers block.

On the tenth day of Quiltmas, Elf Laurel of Porcupine Sews Threads brought us the Wreath Around the Block block.

On the eleventh day of Quiltmas, Elf Emily of Peach and Honey Studio brought us the Holiday Ribbon block.

On the twelfth day of Quiltmas, Elf Erin of Mija Handmade (that's me!) brought you the Charlie's Tree block.

If you haven't signed up for Quiltmas, you can still jump the sleigh! Sign up for the Quiltmas Spectacular, and you'll immediately get access to all the block patterns, as well as the yardage information. Make sure you download the patterns before December 31st - that's when we close the Quiltmas workshop and pack up the patterns.

Whether you've made all the Quiltmas blocks, one or none, we hope these blocks bring you all the season's cheer, and you remember Quiltmas all through the year!

Attention all quilting and sewing enthusiasts! Get ready to be captivated by the extraordinary talent of our Sewcialites. They recently took over our Instagram, sharing personal stories and their knowledge, skills, and insider tricks. And that's not all! Be prepared to be endlessly inspired by their latest projects. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner on your creative journey, our Sewcialites have something for everyone that can take your quilting game to the next level. And Who are our Sewcialites, you may wonder? They are a group of 10 of the best creative and passionate quilting and sewing enthusiasts, all joining together to spread their love for AGF within the community. Keep reading to find out more about them!

Not only are they sharing their knowledge & experiences with quilters, but they have also personally hand-picked a bundle of fabrics that resonate with their distinctive aesthetic, thoughtfully selected from our renowned collections, AGF Elements & PURE Solids. In addition to their incredible bundles, they have designed a captivating FREE Pattern that beautifully showcases them, turning your journey into their world into a wonderful and immersive experience. 

So, gather your tools, ignite your imagination, and get ready to be captivated by the artistry of these incredible Sewcialites!

Wendy Chow of  The Weekend Quilter

Get inspired by our first Sewcialite, Wendy Chow, a.k.a. The Weekend Quilter. Hailing from the energetic streets of New York City, Wendy is the creator of the captivating ‘Summer Streets’ Sewcialite Bundle, showcasing her bold geometrical design aesthetic. She designed a FREE Pattern, the ‘Mercer Street Quilt', to complement her curated bundle that is beginner and fat-quarter friendly and focuses on quick-corner units, a piecing method in quilting. Discover ongoing inspiration by following Wendy’s Instagram.

Ashelyn Downs of Urban Dwell Studios

Meet Ashelyn Downs, the creative force behind Urban Dwell Studio! Her quilting journey blends sewing expertise, pattern designing, and design background, resulting in a collection of beginner-friendly quilt patterns that beautifully reflect their creators' styles and spaces. Inspired by 20th-century architecture, 90's grunge, street art, travel, and pop culture, Ashelyn's work showcases minimalist color palettes and artistic concepts, igniting a passion for quilting in the next generation of creators. Don't miss her ‘Boulevard’ Bundle and the perfectly complementing FREE Quilt Pattern, ‘Right Turn Only’. Explore more of her creations by following Ashelyn's Instagram!

Taylor Krz of Toad and Sew

Discover the artistry of our Sewcialite, Taylor Krz, also known as Toad and Sew! Based in Seattle, WA, Taylor's modern quilt patterns beautifully capture the essence of PNW landscapes with a nostalgic color palette of vibrant tones. Taylor curates the ‘Nostalgia’ Bundle, evoking memories of the 60s tableware, 70s band posters, 80s scrunchies and leggings, and even 90s TV shows. To complement her bundle, she designed a stunning FREE Quilt Pattern, "Courthouse Steps Zine." allowing the vibrant colors to mix magically. Find creative inspiration by following Taylor's Instagram. 

Christina Lee of Sweet Potato Quilts

Say hello to the incredible Sewcialite Christina Lee, also known as Sweet Potato Quilts! Prepare to be amazed by her inspiring quilting journey, and guess what? She's a talented musician too. Her curated bundle, ‘Joyful Jaunt’, transports you to moments of childhood wonder and curiosity. The complementary FREE Quilt Pattern, ‘Bora’, was specially designed for this bundle. This Baby-Size Quilt is beginner-friendly, making it both easy and fast to create. Follow Christina's Instagram Page to discover more of her beautiful creations!

Abby Luchsinger of Abby Maed

Get ready to be inspired by Abby Luchsinger, our Sewcialite and third-generation quilter, affectionately known as Abby Maed. Her love for sewing was passed down by her grandmother since childhood. Her middle name, Mae, is a sweet tribute to her quilting heritage. Abby's curated bundle, ‘Roseglow’, captures the magic of golden hour throughout the seasons. Don't miss her FREE Quilt Pattern, ‘Soft Focus’, designed to complement the bundle, making it fat-quarter-friendly. Discover more about her inspiring work by following Abby's Instagram. 

Victoria Newmyer of Midlife Quilter

Prepare to fall in love with Sewcialite Victoria Newmyer, the talent behind Midlife Quilter! Her passion for quilting bloomed when she gifted herself a sewing machine on her 40th birthday. Victoria is the creative force behind the heartwarming Beloved Bundle, encouraging you to embrace and cherish the love you feel. Don't miss her FREE pattern, ‘Bejeweled Table Runner’, perfectly designed to showcase her curated bundle. It's a scrappy-friendly project that comes together in no time. Explore more about her on our website and stay inspired by following Victoria's Instagram.

Vickeidy Plybon of Sewspicous

Get ready to explore a world of vibrant colors with Sewcialite Vickeidy Plybon, the creator and visionary behind Sewspicious! As a high school Spanish teacher and fourth-generation sewist, she has a passion for both teaching and sewing. Vickeidy's ‘Alegría’ bundle is a burst of colors inspired by her joyful memories of the Dominican Republic, her birthplace. Check out her FREE Quilt Pattern, 'Rosalia,' which beautifully brings the colors of her bundle to life. Explore more about Vickeidy on our website and stay inspired by following Vickeidy's Instagram.

Brooke Shankland of Eudaimonia Studio

Discover our talented Sewcialite Brooke Shankland, the creative force behind Eudaimonia Studio. Passionate about philosophy and modern quilting, she curated the stunning 'Thrive' Bundle, representing the full spectrum of beauty in nature and human experience. With a diverse range of colors, geometry, and scale fabrics, it's a celebration of our world's eclectic totality. Don't forget to check out her FREE Quilt Pattern, 'Resilience,' which beautifully showcases the fabrics. Follow Brooke’s Instagram for inspiring work, and explore more on our website.

Kelsey Swatske of White Rose Designs

Enter the world of inspiration with Sewcialite Kelsey Swatske, also known as White Rose Designs, a passionate sewer for over 15+ years with an unwavering love for floral fabrics. Delve into her creative realm through her curated Secret Garden Bundle, which combines vintage pastel florals with cool sage greens. Plus, you'll get the perfectly complementing FREE Quilt Pattern ‘Secret Garden’, stunningly showcasing the fabrics' beauty. Discover more about Kelsey on our website and find ongoing inspiration by following Kelsey's Instagram Page.

Christina West of Kindred Quilt Co.

Discover the artistic brilliance of Christina West, the heart and soul of Kindred Quilt Co, a company known for its exceptional quilting and pattern design. As a full-time quilter and pattern designer, she resides in the vibrant DFW area with her husband, son, cat, and dog. Experience her curated bundle 'Wildflower Hill', capturing the spirit of spring's renewal in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Don't miss her FREE Quilt Pattern, 'Wild Season,' a stunning showcase of her bundle. Learn more about Christina on our website and stay inspired by following Christina's Instagram.

We hope you enjoyed meeting our ten Sewcialites. Through every stitch they shared, these talented individuals have taught us that patience, passion, and dedication are key ingredients for creating extraordinary wonders. Embrace these virtues, unlock the magic in your hands, and let their inspiring journey fuel your creativity. There are no limits to what you can achieve!  

Stay connected by following our hashtag #AGFSewcialite, and visit the Sewcialites Section on our website to learn more about them. 

Until we meet again, keep creating - 

Juana