Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

***ASTRODELIC CHALLENGE CLOSED***

Calling all quilting enthusiasts! Have you ever wanted to showcase your quilting skills while diving into a fun and creative challenge? Our Astrodelic Quilt Challenge is here to offer you just that! 

The Astrodelic Challenge isn't just about making beautiful quilts; it's also about the excitement of competition and the joy of creativity. Our most popular beginner-friendly pattern uses the strip piecing technique, making it easy to create blocks as a canvas for your imagination. It's perfect for a relaxing weekend project or anytime you want to add your personal style to each stitch and seam. You'll have the chance to experiment with the colors, textures, and motifs that Art Gallery Fabrics offers.

This exciting event invites quilters from all corners of the U.S. to participate by using our most popular Free Quilt Pattern, creating unique and mesmerizing quilts that capture the essence of the stars. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting, this challenge is the perfect opportunity to push your boundaries, showcase your talent, and connect with a vibrant community of fellow quilters.

To get you inspired, check out the photos below! We’re obsessed with how our fabrics from Abode by Maureen Cracknell and Sunrise Sunset by Jessica Swift collections look in our beloved Astrodelic quilt.

Astrodelic Quilt featuring Abode by Maureen Cracknell

Astrodelic Quilt featuring Sunrise Sunset by Jessica Swift

Let these vibrant fabrics, complemented with our dazzling Sparkle Elements blender collection and finished off with our game-changing 2.5 edition binding, ignite your imagination! 

Another Astrodelic inspiration! We've created a PURE Solids version in cool blues with a lava rock background (click here for the instructions). This shows the endless possibilities of our Astrodelic Quilt. It's fun and easy to make and a real showstopper. We can't wait to see yours!

Astrodelic Quilt in PURE Solids by AGF Studio

At the heart of the Astrodelic Challenge, We're giving away a Mystery box full of fabrics & other goodies to 5 lucky winners!

After all entries are submitted, AGF will select the most outstanding quilts to be showcased. Winners will receive a mystery box packed with goodies and beautiful, high-quality FABRICS that any quilter would love!

The winners will be officially contacted by email. Please reply within 7 days to claim your prize. If we don’t receive a reply, we will have to choose another winner as we’d like to be fair with all participants and pass the opportunity to another contestant. Thank you!

This challenge offers more than just a prize; it provides an opportunity to gain recognition within the quilting community and celebrate the creativity and dedication of our ever-growing quilting community. 

Show us your Finished Astrodelic Quilt with Art Gallery Fabrics to Participate!

***ASTRODELIC CHALLENGE CLOSED ***

A huge congratulations to the five winners of our challenge:
@daisitoegel
@aokseworiginals
@quiltlookingatme
@rosewoodthread
@quilting_stitch_by_stitch

The fine print:

Rules

1. This challenge is exclusive to Instagram entries only.
2. For this challenge participants must use Art Gallery Fabrics.
3. Astrodelic Challenge starts on 10/03/2024 and ends on 11/04/2024 at 3 pm EST. 
4. Entries after this date will not be accepted for participation.
5. Make sure your Instagram account is set to public, not private, so we can see your beautiful quilts using the #AGFAstrodelicChallenge hashtag. 
6. Entries MUST use #AGFAstrodelicChallenge to be considered! We will announce 5 lucky winners on 11/05/24 at 3 pm EST.

How To Enter

1. Use the Free Astrodelic Pattern provided in this blog post (see below).
2. Follow us on Instagram. 
3. Like our quilt challenge release post.
4. Tag us @ArtGalleryFabrics in your quilt photos & Use the hashtag #AGFAstrodelicChallenge.

Prizes:

1. We can't reveal too much since it’s a mystery box, but let's just say it’s packed with goodies and plenty of FABRICS!

Below are links for the Astrodelic Quilt Pattern to get you started: 

Astrodelic Pattern featuring Abode Collection.
Astrodelic Pattern featuring Sunrise Sunset Collection.

Ready to join the fun? Get ready to meet fellow quilting enthusiasts, share your progress along the way, and maybe even win big! We're excited to see your one-of-a-kind Astrodelic quilts. So, grab your favorite Art Gallery Fabrics, let your imagination soar, and get ready to blast off! 

Happy Sewing!

-Your friends from Art Gallery Fabrics 

With a new season upon us, what better way to honor the season than by expanding our ever-growing range of colors of one of our beloved blender collections: “Decostitch Elements” with 8 NEW beautiful earthy hues! You need to add these colors to your AGF Blenders stash to complete your projects, infusing that decorative stitch feel with our innovative crafty element.

We know you're eager to get started using these gorgeous new fabrics! (Keep reading to be inspired!) We'll be sharing some FREE patterns that showcase the versatility of Decostitch Elements. We're putting the creative power in your hands!

*Featuring NEW fabric colors: Peppercorn, Cinnamon Sugar, Driftwood, Sea Glass, Fudge Brownie, River Bed, Windswept, and Rain Cloud from

Decostitch Elements by AGF Studio

1st Project: FREE Fairy Garden Quilt Pattern

In addition to our new prints, we have also designed and revamped a few of our patterns using the new colors. First up, we have our “Fairy Garden” FREE Quilt Pattern a modern twist to the log cabin block using 4 of our new Decostitch colors: River Bed, Rain Cloud, Driftwood, and Sea Glass to create this soft yet striking statement piece that is perfect for any quilter.

To elevate our quilt even further we used our 2.5 Edition Binding: Woodlands Bound and our 108 Edition Wide Back: Magnetic, which adds that perfect personalized finishing touch.

To view the PDF pattern for this quilt, click here.

2nd Project: FREE Thistle Block Pattern 

Up next, want a simple yet stunning quilt block pattern? Look no further! Our "Thistle Quilt Block" uses the beginner-friendly "No Waste Flying Geese" and "Four at a Time Half Square Triangle (HST)" methods. The Decostitch fabrics featured are River Bed, Fudge Brownie, Cloud, Peppercorn, and Windswept. Piece these beauties together and you'll have a gorgeous block in no time ready to transform into a cozy quilt, a fluffy pillow, a stylish tote bag and so much more! 

To view the PDF pattern for this quilt block, click here.

3rd Project: DIY Laptop Cases FREE Pattern 

Handmade accessories are trending, so why not craft your own DIY stylish laptop cases? We've got two fantastic options for you: one featuring the stunning cathedral window technique for an extra touch of elegance, and another without. After all, why settle for one when you can have two? Both showcase the fabulous Decostitch fabric in Peppercorn! 

To view the PDF pattern for this Laptop Cases, click here.

4th Project: FREE Unwind and Chill Table Runner Pattern 

Lastly, create a tranquil atmosphere with our FREE "Unwind and Chill" table runner pattern! This beginner-friendly block based design uses our stunning new Decostitch colors: Driftwood, Fudge Brownie, Rain Cloud, Airy, Peppercorn, Sea Glass, and Windswept. The secret to its mesmerizing look? The pattern features two easy techniques: Four at a Time Half Square Triangles (HST) and Four at a Time Flying Geese. 

To view the PDF pattern for this table runner, click here.

We aim to spread joy through fabrics and provide you with top quality. We're excited to put the creative power in your hands with these new Decostitch Elements colors and free patterns. We can't wait to see what you create! Let us know in the comments which pattern you’re excited about! Don't forget to share your projects with us on social media using #AGFDecostitchElements so I can share the love! 

Happy Sewing! 

Until next time, 

-Juana

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 

Welcome back to the AGF Blog! Today, we dive into the art of fabric pairing in the world of textiles, where colors and textures come alive, and possibilities are endless. Discover how different fabrics complement one another, especially when blending various collections. This has become a wellspring of inspiration for sewists and quilters everywhere. 

Join me as we explore our Checkered Elements Blenders, which offer the perfect texture and pop of color. They are a classic yet trendy blender that can be used in countless ways! To inspire your creativity, I'd like to share three different ways you can incorporate this blender to cater to your style. Whether you prefer a modern, low-volume aesthetic or a more traditional look, our Houndstooth and Tweed prints are sure to bring your projects together.⁠

Here we Go!

1. Modern: Embracing the Contemporary Aesthetic

Let's begin with the modern style. We envision geometric patterns, shapes, and straight lines when we think of modernism. Sleek curves and a bold color palette are also key elements. I have chosen eight exquisite Art Gallery Fabrics that perfectly embody the modern look. Each fabric has been meticulously selected to inspire your creativity and elevate your projects to new heights. Before starting any project, it’s important to pinpoint our color scheme. I’ve incorporated teal, black, and a touch of gold, adding vibrancy and sophistication. 

Next are your main prints, Visions Woodblock and Tinted Blooms from our  Luna & Laurel collection; these larger-scaled prints bring boldness. To complement these fabrics, we have included our Checkered Elements Blenders, which are the ideal companions, creating a striking contrast and adding texture that captures the eye. 

Lastly, our PURE Solids bring balance and harmony to our group of fabrics. This curated assortment is now ready for creating unique quilts, fashion-forward garments, or edgy accessories. Let your imagination run wild as you infuse your projects with a modern flair that is bound to turn heads.

2. Low Volume: Subtle Elegance 

Low volume fabrics have gained immense popularity, particularly amongst the modern quilt movement. This style can be described as basically in subtle white, cream, neutral, or pale-colored print fabrics, often with a delicate self-colored pattern or subtle design, and they are selected to offset the much brighter color palettes. If you appreciate refined, soft, and tonal aesthetics, the low volume style is for you! I have chosen eight beautiful Art Gallery Fabrics that perfectly embody the low-volume look. I went with a warm color scheme in this fabric pull and added my main small-scaled prints: Brushed Fibers from our collection Soften the Volume, Castle Keys from the Willow Collection, and Sashiko Mending Tan from our All is Well Collection. You could use low volume prints where the effect of using a solid fabric is desired, particularly in modern quilts. 

Next are our blenders, this is where they shine! Featured blenders are Checkered Elements & Oval Elements. These blenders add sophistication and texture that magically blends together without overpowering each other.

Finally, I’ve added a touch of our PURE Solids, and Voilà! Your Low Volume Fabric selection is ready for creating dreamy quilts, soft and flowing garments, or refined home decor.

3. Traditional: Embracing Classic Charm 

The Traditional style stands the test of time, remaining beautiful year after year, making them timeless. If you're drawn to the timeless charm of traditional designs, I have curated a special fabric assortment just for you. The color scheme I've chosen embraces nostalgic hues of red and blue with a touch of gold.

Next, I wanted to go with classic florals and some geometrics for our main prints to stay with the nostalgia theme - Fabrics are Botanist’s Essay Two & French Sampler Two from Garden of Opulence. Let’s add some Checkered Elements, Oval Elements, and Floral Elements blenders to add texture and redefine this group. This fabric pull is perfect for traditional quilt projects, apparel, or crafting unique accessories. These blenders will beautifully tie your projects together.

We hope these three different approaches to using our Checkered Elements Blenders have sparked your inspiration and ignited a desire to experiment with fabric pairing. Let us know your favorite by leaving a comment below! 

To view the full collection, click here: Checkered Elements 

Let’s make the most of your fabric pulls! Unleash your creativity with these FREE Projects from our Checkered Elements Lookbook:

Flora Blocks

Checkered Pillows 

Our AGF Blog is your go-to resource for all things fabric-related, so stay tuned for more exciting tips, tutorials, and inspiration. Stay connected by following us on Instagram! Get the inside scoop on our latest AGF News and interact with fellow makers. 

Happy sewing and quilting!

Until next time, 

-Juana

Greetings to all fabric enthusiasts and aficionados! My name is Juana, and I'm thrilled to introduce myself as the newest member of the amazing AGF Team. As a fellow lover of all things fabric, I'm delighted to be a part of this wonderful community.

Having the opportunity to work with talented and kind individuals has been amazing. Access to a diverse selection of prints from the AGF warehouse will spark inspiration for a fresh selection of fabrics for your next project.
AGF has given me insight into the process of creating a collection from start to finish. Through “Auditioning Fabrics,” I’ve learned valuable tips and tricks about how fabrics can complement each other, especially when it comes to mixing various collections. When making a fabric pull, it’s important to consider color palettes, scale, blenders, and solids to achieve a perfect balance in sewing projects. I’m thrilled to introduce our new collection of Blenders, ‘Checkered Elements’ and demonstrate how to incorporate them into your fabric pull. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to create something beautiful the next time you dive into your fabric stash.

Let's Get Started!

1. Start with one collection of prints. 

Begin by selecting one print collection to guide your next steps. For this fabric pull, we will use prints from Hazelwood, featuring beautiful trendy greens and terracotta colors that complement any project. From the collection, I've chosen three prints that balance in scale.

*Featuring fabrics: Wild Flora Sunlight, Hidden Land Moss, Underwood Sprouts Pale from Hazelwood by AGF Studio

2. Select your blenders, in this case, it’s Checkered Elements. 

Next comes our favorite fabric category, BLENDERS, featuring our latest collection, Checkered Elements. These classic yet modern designs will blend effortlessly into your next sewing project. The Houndstooth and Tweed Editions come in various colors and add a textured look. When selecting the "blending" fabrics, I chose neutral and golden tones to complement the main prints. I looked for these common tones and then chose the blenders that best matched those hues.

*Featuring Fabrics: Tweed Vanilla, Tweed Saffron, Houndstooth Solar from Checkered Elements by AGF Studio

3. Add Solids to Give a Pop of Color and Balance. 

Our Pure Solids collection is the perfect way to add a pop of color and balance to your sewing projects. Adding solids can make your project more visually appealing by breaking up patterns and prints. By using a solid color that complements the main prints, you can create a balanced and cohesive look in your creation. Our solids collection offers a wide variety of hues to choose from, ensuring that you will find the perfect color to enhance your project. 

*Featuring Fabrics: Pure Solids

4. You have prepared a selection of fabrics for your next project. 

Now that you have assembled a fabric collection, it is time to let your creative juices flow and start creating something unique. You can use these steps to assemble a group of fabrics to create something beautiful and unique that will stand out from the crowd. Whether you are making a beautiful quilt, apparel, home decor items, or something else entirely, you can use these steps to make sure that your project is one of a kind. Let your creativity guide you as you take your project to the next level!

That is all I have for you today! I hope that these tips will be of great help to you as you search for fabrics to bring your creations to life. These can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your finished product, so it's important to choose them wisely. 

Let us know what you would create with this stunning fabric pull by leaving a comment below!

Until next time,

Happy sewing! 

-Juana