Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

Decorating spaces is one of my favorite things to do, so my love for creating things though sewing helps me to bring these spaces to life. Today I wanted to share a great way to decorate a wall, crib, or floor in a nursery by making a Reverse Applique Unicorn Quilt! One of the girls in our production team introduced me to this technique a few years back and I have made a few pillows which came out pretty cute. I wanted to create something a bit larger so I thought a baby quilt would be a perfect project to tackle. To add this tutorial to your to-sew list head to the WeAllSew blog for the full step by step instructions. 

It seemed super fitting to use Maureen Cracknell's fabric collection called Mystical Land to create this quilt. I love all the lovely shades of blues and purples. Fo the background of my quilt I used one of our new Pure Solids called Cotton Candy and it is just the sweetest pink which helped to showcase my striped unicorn so perfectly! 

Are you a fan of making baby quilts! Let me know in the comments how many baby quilts you have made so far? :) 

Happy Sewing, 

Meli

You know the feeling when pure happiness hits you, you are fully in the moment and you wish you could hold on to that memory in time forever? These small impressions in our life are what makes life so exciting which is why I created the “Impressions” Quilt Block, with its giant fussy cut center meant to frame your most precious fabrics. Of course, I chose the “Wandering With Doe” print from Bonnie Christine’s latest collection called “ The Open Road”. 

Choose from a fox, bunny, bear or deer! This delicate, tonal print is so gorgeous I can’t stop looking at it! 

I usually store all my blocks I make for the AGF Quilt Block Collection in my desk drawer hoping one day to pull them out to make a sampler quilt but my workmate Sophia fell totally in love with this block and asked if she could have it, so how can I say no to that!  :) She wants to frame it in a glass frame just like how you would display pressed flowers. I think that is such a fun idea and am happy to know when she looks at it she will think of me! 

Enjoy the step by step video tutorial below. Let me know what fabric you plan to use for the center of your block! Also, don't forget to take a peek at our Fabric LookBook filled with more great projects using The Open Road Fabrics. 

Happy Sewing, 

Meli 

Have you ever been on a road trip that just inspired you so much? There's something just so exciting about packing up, jumping behind the steering wheel and heading out on an unforgettable adventure. Windows down, music up...observing all the sounds, sights, smells..as you drive through quiet forests, open fields, majestic mountains, serene deserts...welcoming spontaneity and the unexpected. Trips like this often bring new perspectives and creative ideas, and this is exactly what happened to our designer, Bonnie Christine! 

Bonnie recently went on an 8,000-mile road trip across the country with her family in a vintage Airstream named "Miss Marjorie"! With each state that she visited, she collected wildflowers from the roadside and also took tons of photos of wildlife and nature. Once she arrived home, she decided to use everything she had seen on her trip and turn it into her latest collection, "The Open Road"! 

"The most challenging print is also my favorite…the animals print called “Walking with Bear” (and Doe). It’s one of the most detailed and intricate prints I’ve ever created and although it was challenging, I loved every minute of it. These are all animals we had sightings of during our travels, and I love how it represents the wildlife of our beautiful country."

The Open Road is a sweet collection for children as well as those young at heart. With these 16 prints that are filled with wildflowers and cute animals, there’s plenty of options for you to create nature-inspired quilts, throw pillows, travel accessories, and romantic boho garments!

This collection also comes in two colorways! Bonnie created both of these groups of colors by pulling inspiration found in photographs she took during her trip. The "Under The Sun" colorway has earthy tones of blush pink, sienna and sage. The "Under The Trees" colorway has sunny hues with pops of navy and kelly green. 

To learn more about Bonnie's inspiration, the story behind the fabrics and projects you can create with this collection, head to our "The Open Road Fabric Lookbook!" 

Here's the lovely "Marjorie's Quilt" that features a map of the United States...just click the below link for the FREE pattern:

Download Quilt Pattern

- - The Open Road Giveaway - - 

Here's your chance to win a bundle of these gorgeous fabrics! To enter, just sign up to our giveaway - details below. 

Congratulations to our winner, Josina Dunkel! 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!

Christmas in July? Yes, please! Who else is crazy about the winter season? I have to tell ya I am definitely not a fan of the cold and the weather can be quite miserable at times but there is something that always fascinates me about this time of year. I love the music, getting together with family and friends and all the traditions that come along with the season.

I also enjoy making handmade gifts, holiday ornaments and festive decor to decorate my home. Which is why I have never been more excited to talk about AGF’s new Collective Collection called Merry and Bright!

Since our prints are so versatile and can often be grouped together to create a certain mood or theme for sewing projects, we decided to start creating new groups called “Collective!” For this first group, we were really inspired by winter and cozy feels, so we curated whimsy prints from various collections and designers.

I love the winter whites, greens, reds and blues! I chose the perfect block to make with this collection called the “Christmas Star” block! Who likes jumbo blocks! This block measures out to be 16” squared and can be perfect to turn into a holiday pillow or an easy to put together quilt top.

Have fun watching the video tutorial below!

Wanna see all the prints offered in Merry and Bright? I made a fun fabric haul video for a up-close look. I would love for you to watch this video below and comment with your favorite holiday tradition! I love reading all your comments! :) Check out our Fabric LookBook here! 

Happy Sewing,

Meli

Let's talk AGF canvas! Okay first off, have you ever sewn with our canvas?! 

I remember the first time I touched our canvas, I was instantly surprised by the softness and lightness of it. It didn't feel like your typical rough and heavy material that often comes to mind when you think of this substrate! 

Our canvas fabric comes in a wide selection of colors and designs, and is ideal for upholstery, home decor, garments and much more! Did you know AGF canvas fabric is sturdy enough for structured projects yet soft enough for apparel?! From classic florals to modern geometrics, and typography prints, there are tons of different prints to choose so you can create a wide range of unique projects. Unlike most competitors, our canvas is lightweight and unexpectedly soft! With a cotton blend that adds some wrinkle resistance to the fabric, our canvas is a great option for outer garments like blazers, jackets or even a pair of cute overalls. Its also OEKO-TEX certified, so it's free from harmful chemicals! 

Here are some quick tips about sewing with our canvas (just in case you need a refresher)!

Because we want you to feel MORE COMFORTABLE and CONFIDENT with sewing using this substrate, we put together a "Canvas Fabric Lookbook" for you that has TONS of inspiring ideas! :) 

- CANVAS GIVEAWAY -

Enter a chance to win 2 yards of 2 prints of our canvas by signing up to our giveaway! See details below.

Congratulations to our winner Patti McG! 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!

What’s your style? Are you a more is more kinda person or do you prefer modern, simple designs? Or maybe somewhere in between? I think my style falls somewhere in-between. I like simple designs mixed with gorgeous busy prints like the prints found in Bari J’s new fabric collection called Bloomsbury!

Are you a fan of Barj’s signature painterly florals? I seriously can’t get enough! Her prints come to life brushstroke after brushstroke to give us the most stunning fabrics to sew with! Today I want to share the next block I made for the #AGFQuiltBlockCollection called the “Prized Possession” block! With a mix of AGF PURE SOLIDS and yummy floral prints, this block is a jaw dropper! I love how feminine, elegant and sophisticated Bari’s prints make you feel!

To sew up this block I used the eight at a time and four at a time method to make my Half Square Triangles and I also used the corner square triangle method to create the other units in this block. All in all, it was a pretty quick make and it’s fussy cut center brings it to another level. I can’t wait to play around more with the “Day Chatter” print because these birds are just way too gorgeous!

To make the “ Prized Possession” block make sure to watch the video below!

Happy Sewing,

Meli