Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

With Love from AGF

Hey there, everyone! 

As the season of love is upon us, we have put together a list of things you can easily make\do for that special someone. Even though, these projects have a Valentine's theme, they can be done all year 'round. (Warning some selfish-sewing might be involved!) So, lets get started with projects that will make this love filled holiday extra special (We have something for everybody!). Since, a little selfish sewing never hurt anybody, here are a couple of ideas on what to wear on that special night. Feel free to flip thru our lookbooks to find inspiration.

(Find these patterns in our lookbooks. Click here to make the Flee and Flourish dress, here for the Paperie top and Skirt, and here for the "date night dress") 

Here are a few adorable Valentine’s Day treats you can make if you are attending or hosting a Valentine's day party. (Anything chocolate-covered gets bonus points.) 

  

 

 And you can also turn your favorite fruit, snacks, and candy into big smiles with these creative Valentines, that are perfect for classmates and\or co-workers. 

  If you are anything like us, you take pride in wrapping your presents in a unique way. It's definitely, a great way to showcase your creativity and your passion for crafts, so Here are some cute ways of making your gifts look extra special.

And of course, no present is complete without a personalized valentine's card. This is why, we decided to make these free printable, inspired by our latest collections Heart Melodies and Chalk and Paint. 

We hoped to have inspired you to create something beautiful! 

XO

G

The beans are finally spilled!

Hi my sweet friends! It's finally time to tell everybody the big news I have been holding for so looooong! 

We have both been teasing you all week, but maybe you didn't notice. You may say..."both?" Are you excited, because I think you will...

So, to find out, press play on the video below...

Love, Pat

 

The Big List of Thanks

Hi my awesome friends! Pat here. I just wanted to stick in here between posts to tell you about some lists I was making on my 50's + few days... 

Turning 50-ties unleashed a storm of emotions inside me. The other day I was excited and a little numbed by all the gifts, + congratulations, + Walter singing happy birthday every 15 minutes over my ear at the office! 

Now that I have a little more time to think back on it, came out to the surface of my consciousness a list: deep memories (some that made me happy again and others not so). Add some revelations (that as always bring that stir inside) about things that you believed in for so many years and then you realize.... well, you know that right?. And how about new aspirations? It turned out to be a big list...

On the other side, A BIG LIST OF THANKS that exceeded all of the ALL lists: to God, for helping me to walk my way in life and let me show it to others; for giving me everything (and more than that, He gives it to me Every Day); for letting me know so many wonderful people along this way...

There were many messages written for my 50th bday post... All I can say is WOW, THANKS TO YOU TOO!!! I am a true believer that gratitude is an attitude, and we always have to try to exercise it a bit more. It's inserted into that circle that people call planting and harvesting or....  give and you shall be given back. You were so sweet to be here on my big day! Having you, celebrating with me, made me so happy! All your love, support and friendship is very appriciated! I want to wish you all the best for 2012, all your hearts desire :) LOVE, PEACE and cheers to you my kindred spirits!

Love, Pat

The AGF Team Talks: Meet KAT.

Hello everyone!

My name is Kat and I am one of the graphic designers working here at Art Gallery Fabrics. It's been practically a year that I've had the pleasure of working with such an amazing team and let me just say that I am completely blessed. When I started working, I had no idea what I was getting into other than the usual design stuff… quickly I was blown away! The world of quilting and fashion has fascinated me beyond belief… Most of the time I'm speechless (as some of the girls may be able to tell you) LOL All in all, I am completely and utterly in love!

 

But enough about my romances… Let me tell you how I make my bread and butter… 

 

My first project when I began working was making the Boho Dress (yes, lots of pressure)! Not even one week into work and I was practically in charge of making Art Gallery's first ever instructional DVD pattern! (yes, add some stress) After that, I became as what they call a "video genius" or "video maestro" (my preference) LOL, but regardless I am responsible for most of the video editing that you see coming from AGF {**spoiler: hold on to your sewing needles cause we're gonna be making more!)…

Behind the scenes of the Modernology photoshoot! 

My first photographic debut!

Ah! C'est moi! LOL Here I am working in Houston for Fall Quilt Market :)

I know I'm not in this one, but I was there in spirit (or on the other side of the camera ;)... that's mah job!)

Yes, I know there's not many pictures of me cause I'm usually behind the camera… These photos are the girls' attempts to catch me on camera.. I joke with them that if they manage to film me, I'll end up editing myself out anyways :) LOL

I definitely can't wait to show you all what we have in store for you! It's gonna be a lot of work on my part, but I know its worth it in the end!

 

Until next time, 

Kat

 

The AGF Team Talks: Meet FAB.

Hey there! This is Fab. I've been working for the past year or so as the merchandising director for Art Gallery Fabrics. Some of you are prolly like "merchandising director sounds really fancy and cool and all but... what is it exactly??" hahaha. And that's okay, I must confess sometimes I don't even know what it is since there's SO much that has to do with it.

But let's not bore you with annoying details about my job (hey, I only get one chance to make a first impression and I don't wanna be the "annoying rambling one", though I do tend to ramble a lot and there you go, I'm rambling already). 

Long story short, I'm in charge of the whole image thing. You know, styling, photoshoots, visual displays, showroom designs, you name it. Basically whatever makes our fabrics look good, hahaha, though it's not a huge challenge since they're already gorgeous ;) 

Sometimes even a lil' woodwork is necessary... (don't try it at home kids!)

Sometimes workin' under the Miami sun... (tougher than you think!) 

Sometimes even a little modeling! Hey, gotta do what you gotta do! 

Thing is, we just came back from Market a coupla days ago and it was awesome! It's actually my 4th show (my 2nd Houston!) and I figure I am now in a position to elaborate and share my insights and opinions about it. Cause when I first started I had NO CLUE what I was getting into, counting on the fact that I'm a fashion merchandising graduate and only thought of a quilt as a "thingie to cover yourself in the winter with" hahaha. 

But now, after 4 shows, I really have discovered this whole amazing sort of underground world that is the quilting and sewing industry. And I LOVE it and it's not scary anymore (well... sample spree may still give me the chills lol) and I'm getting the hang of it...

Plus I do believe there is a strong connection between my fashion background and the quilting industry; the way you mix colors, the way you make a print "work" with another, has to do a lot with fashion too. 

So stay tuned cause I'm gonna be spilling all the Market scoop with pictures and videos and cool stuff! Real soon!

Nice meeting you all, we'll talk soon ;)

xo,

Fab. 

It's showtime! (+ GIVEAWAY ALERT!)

Hey!

I'm incredibly excited about Quilt Market this weekend. Of course I'm sort of hyperventilating right now and can't even put food in my stomach but I'll be alright, haha! I'll be alright once I'm there and the booths and my showroom are all set up with no major complications... fingers crossed on that one, haha. 

But oh well it's time for Fall Market again and I can't wait to show everything I've been up to and everything Art Gallery Fabrics has to show! Wish I could leave you with a little sneak peek. Maybe I will... check back later ;)

Alright so for those who'll be there, come stop by booths #2345,2347 and 2244 and say hi!

I also have my showroom at booths #2344 and 2346 and I wanna see you all there!

And for those of you who unfortunately aren't coming, I'll post all the scoop when I get back so you won't miss out on anything...

Even though I'm not sure if I should reveal my newest collection (the one I'm presenting in Houston), I WILL give you a little somethin' somethin'! This is the ad we did for the Guide... what do you think?

Hope you like it! And look forward to seeing you and hugging you and get my picture taken with you hahah! See you there!

Love,

Pat. 

OH! and before I go, I must ask: do you like the fabrics in the quilt? Hope you do cause you can actually WIN SOME! Just go to the True Up blog, where the lovely Kim is hosting a giveaway with my Modernology collection... hurry up! and good luck!

 

 

 

Help me to help Project Linus!

A few days ago I put this picture on my Facebook page wall and I asked my fans what should I do with all these scraps. OMG! What soulful ideas you gave me! You filled my heart with love and emotion! God bless you! Most of them were related with charity, and some were the usual give away wishes (that I don't discard but will make later). 

I am very excited for the love thinking about all the charitable projects that could be made with these fabrics ... And I asked: Would you help me to sew quilts and donate them to charity? How about I send you the fabric and each one of us make one (me included)? Any ideas of who should we help? My son had cancer years ago and I'd love to help my local hospital, but I want to read your suggestions... All of you that are interested are welcome to participate, so drop me an email. After finishing, you can share some pictures here on my wall! So let me know your ideas!

The response was amazing. My inbox got many addresses! But... you know what? I need many more addresses!! That's why I'm writing this post. I need your collaboration!! 

The other question was who would be in more need of receiving them? The majority of responses were: Children!! 

Some ladies wrote Project LINUS. I knew them, but I was reading more carefully about this organization and I think we should help all these children that are in need. This "mission of love" is so precious and has touched the bottom of my heart even more.

So please help me and let's each one of us make a quilt! I think a throw size would be perfect, and the designs can be as simple or as complex as you want. Kids will love them all!! I'll be in contact with Stephanie who is the coordinator of the Miami Chapter, to arrange the delivery. Any advice from you on how to make this project better will be grately appreciated. 

Share, share, share! Tell your all your sewing quilting about it, post it in your FB wall, blog it!!! ALL YOUR HANDS ARE WELCOME :) Send me your US mailing addresses by email (at pat@patbravo.com) and I will start sending you fabric!

My heart is filled with much joy and my soul with much love... Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the emails you already sent me wanting to help. Hope to have many more!!

 

All my love, Pat

Back to the East Coast.

Wow. That's basically the word that sums up my trip to Los Angeles. From the crowded downtown streets, to the gorgeous shopping district in Santa Monica with its flawlessly dressed people, everything was just Wow. And please do not get me started on the weather. Yeah, I know the Miami weather is not really something to complain about, but California weather is PER-FECT! Can you imagine a life without hair frizz? 

Aaaaanywho, the first day we got there we didn't have to do anything show-related so me and the girls went out shopping in Santa Monica... well, not a lot of actual shopping was done, more like "window shopping" but oh well. Still fabulous! 

Ok this store was amazing. Period.

Brandy Melville is the name of this super cute store. Think california surfer girl meets Anthropologie. Gorgeous!

Then it was time to get down to business.

At l.a textile they make this thing called the "trend forum", which consists of inspirational visuals from the fall 2012 trends; fabrics, notions, pictures and pure awesomeness. They do this so designers can immediately understand what the upcoming trends are, and what kind of fabrics they should use... and guess what?? I spotted quite a lot of my fabrics in the pack! Biggest honor ever.

Can you recognize some Bazaar Style, Hyperreal Garden and Bespoken? And the tribal print from Bohemian Soul? Woohoo!

 I love me some shoes.

How do you like our brochure?? 

The girls made this gorgeous caftan dress using our new voile! Wish you could touch the picture and feel the softness lol. 

We made these cool dreamboards to create different moods;and also made one board for each of the Fall 2012 trends. There were a headache to make but totally worth it!

Just a girl with really cool hair haha.

And me in one of my favorite tops which my husband totally hates, haha! What side are you on? 

L.A I'll miss you! hope to be back there soon... like, very soon. 

Whoa those were a lot of pics! Alright you guys have an amazing weekend, I'll be back on Monday with new fabric goodness yum!

Love,

Pat. 

Going crazy for LA Fashion!

For the past couple of weeks I have been extremely busy having 22 hour workdays. Yes, no sleep and a lot of stress, but at the end I know it will all pay off. My amazing team and I are going to the LA Textile Show this weekend for the first time! We are extremely excited and super stressed, all at the same time! We will be located at Penthouse A-Wing & B-Wing, Booth #2001. I would love to show you all my new collections designed for fashion! If you are planning to go to LA textile, don't be shy! Come by and say hi!

In case you did not know I'm introducing a new substrate, VOILE! Yes, we are moving into fashion! I am super excited! Moving into a different industry is one of the biggest steps I have ever made in my career. Every step you make in life means change and challenge, but I love challenges and the passion that drives me makes that everything work out for the best.

And yes... don't worry, these fabrics will be available for the quilting industry too, so I'll be showing them at Quilt Market...

Now you have an idea at how hectic my life is right now. Between my new fabrics collections, new quilting patterns, new kits with the new fabrics, the LA textile Show, Quilt Market in Texas, photo-shoots and much more, I'm surprised I don't have fumes coming out of my ears! Someone once asked me, "How do you do it all?" My answer.. "I simply Love what I do"!

Since this is our first time going to LA Textile, I thought it would be a great idea to give you all a sneak peek at what we're going to be showing...

Hmmm... I wonder what can that be?!?!

What's going on here?!? ... I don't know :)

Here's Vicky having a blast. She was the best team player. I have to say she was strong enough to brave the Miami heat.

 

 
Vicky came out amazing in this image. It was pretty hard to decide what picture was the best. I think we found a new super model.

I hope you enjoyed my little sneak peek at what we will be showing at LA. I promise to bring back lots of great pictures of fabrics and fabrics galore! If you decide to come, keep in mind that LA Fashion will be October 10-12 at the California Market Center. See you there :)

 

Love,

Pat

My son's 22nd Birthday...

Not to brag about my son, but what can I say... he is the best. There are no words to express HOW MUCH I love him. Alex turned 22 last night and I still feel like he is a baby! Well... I guess all moms must think the same way of their children :)

Years have passed since Alex came into my world only to brighten it up. Having my kid has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. Most moms say you start feeling unconditional and true love when you have your kid, and it is completely true!

Last night our family celebrated his B-day at our local Italian restaurant. Watching him order his dinner made me remember when he was little boy. I clearly remember when I had to feed him and make decisions for him. Now years has passed and he has changed into a successful independent individual that makes only good decisions.

My husband and I have raised him well, teaching him honesty, respect and values. Not without arguments and sometimes fights, but knowing that in a family lots of love and understanding make the most opposite positions come together. I know it has worked out so far. He is the sweetest “boy” there is in the world. We have passed obstacles in life and this helped him to be a stronger person. I know God has listened to my prayers all these years!

Alex: you only brought joy and love into my life :) I love you my “Little boy”

 

Love,

Pat