Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

How to Choose Fabrics for your Sewing Projects

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

2022 Quiltmas Spectacular Roundup

To borrow a phrase from Miracle on 34^th Street, “Quiltmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.” Even though we’ve already shared all the blocks from the 2022 Quiltmas Spectacular, we’re celebrating Quiltmas all month long.

Haven’t heard of Quiltmas? Twelve pattern designers come together to create 12 free quilt blocks celebrating the holiday season! Every day between December 1^st and 12^th, the Quiltmas elves delivered a new, free block pattern. Stitch up every block for a holiday celebration quilt or choose your favorite to turn into pillows or wall hangings. All you need is some fabric from your stash and some Quiltmas cheer!

This is the fourth year of the Quiltmas Spectacular, and the third year that the Elves have partnered with Art Gallery Fabrics – and it’s definitely our favorite holiday tradition! See this year’s jubilation and past years' fun by looking through the hashtag #quiltmasspectacular! I loved designing a block to celebrate all things wintery and cheerful! And I love seeing the magic that each Quiltmas Elf stitches up. Nothing brings a bigger smile to my face than seeing each Elf’s holiday designs come to life. This year was the most cheerful, most colorful year since we got to work with the most charming solids from the PURE Solids collection from Art Gallery Fabrics. Picked to coordinate with the Christmas In The City holiday line, these colors are sweeter than sugar plums and brighter than my twinkle lights!

To stay in the Quiltmas frame of mind, let’s ring our jingle bells in appreciation for the 2022 Quiltmas Team!

On the first day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Christine from Tessellate Textiles brought us a festive block, Paper Packages.

On the second day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Ben from Ben Millett brought us a jolly block, Fire Glow.

On the third day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Tiffany from Village Bound Quilts brought us a joyful block, Classic Cardinal.

On the fourth day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Fran from Cotton and Joy brought us a merry block, Merry Mantle.

On the fifth day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Lynett from Lyns Avenue brought us a magical block, Starmental.

On the sixth day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Jemima from Tied With a Ribbon brought us a dashing block, Snowflake.

On the seventh day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Shannon from Shannon Fraser Designs brought us a delightful block, Refracted Star.

On the eighth day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Julie from Running Stitch Quilts brought us a sparkling block, Winter Garden.

On the ninth day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Claire from Made Just Sew brought us a wintry block, Seeking Santa.

On the tenth day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Amanda from Broadcloth Studio brought us a playful block, Ski Season.

On the eleventh day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Laurel from Porcupine Sews Thread brought us a cheerful block, StarBurst.

On the twelfth day of Quiltmas, Quilt Elf Erin from Mija Handmade brought us a whimsical block, Jubilation Station.

If you’ve made one or all of the blocks, or if this is your first peek at the Quiltmas Spectacular, we hope these blocks bring you all the Quiltmas joy! If you didn’t sign up for the Quiltmas Spectacular, there’s still time! You can get all the 12 inch blocks delivered to your inbox, for FREE! Just sign up here. Make sure you sign up and download the patterns before December 31^st! That’s when we close the Quiltmas workshop for the year and take down the patterns. The 2022 Quiltmas Workshop is closed. Thanks for joining us everyone!

**GIVEAWAY CLOSED** Please reply within 7 days to claim your prize (check your email by December 28!) 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!
THE WINNER IS EMILY YADON! PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL TO REDEEM YOUR PRIZE!

We’re not done with Quiltmas yet! CLICK HERE for a chance to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of PURE Solids in 14 cheery colors: London Red, Flamingo, Cherry Lipgloss, Festival Fuchsia, Sweet Pink, Quartz Pink, Crystal Pink, White Linen, Raw Gold, Turmeric, Icy Mint, Mirage Blue, Secret Lagoon, and Zambia Stone. The giveaway ends on December 20th and the winner will be emailed by AGF and announced here on the blog. If you’ve already signed up for Quiltmas, you’re automatically entered in the giveaway. You can sign up again at the link above for a second chance to win!

By signing up for the Quiltmas Spectacular, you agree to subscribe to the Art Gallery Fabrics newsletter as well as the newsletters of the Quiltmas Elves. We promise not to spam you, sell your email or do anything Scrooge-like. And of course, you can unsubscribe at any time.

Quilterpreneurs at AGF & Sampler Quilt Blocks

Good times are always better when they’re shared, and we have sew much to share with you all today! And as an added bonus we have 12 marvelous quilt blocks to share, designed by the very gifted Quilterpreneurs!

Who are the Quilterpreneurs?  They are 12 talented designers and creatives led by their inspiring leader Elizabeth Chappell of Quilter’s Candy. Elizabeth is an author, a fabric designer for AGF, a quilt pattern designer, as well as the host of the popular podcast Craft to Career. When Elizabeth saw the enormous talent and enthusiasm in the students from her Quilt Pattern Writing Course she wanted to create an opportunity for them to gather together. And what better place than here at our home, Art Gallery Fabrics, in beautiful sunny Florida! She decided to gather these artistic and enthusiastic students together to make connections, share ideas and “discover the magic” of their favorite fabric company at our headquarters.

The Quilterpreneurs of AGF are:

Elizabeth Chappell @quilters_candy

Belle Brunner @seams_sew_me

Erin Grogan @LoveSewModern

Maude MacDonald @theretroquilter

Shereece Spain @sewhookedontreasures

Kiley Ferons @kileysquiltroom and @modishquilter

Sandy Saengsuk @Thaicharmllc

Becca Plymale @sunflowerseams and @becca.plymale.creative

Jennie @cloverandviolet

Mary Davis @marygoroundquilts

Julia Wachs @juliawachs.designs

Jen Levin @jenlevin

We had an amazing visit with these accomplished designers and enjoyed spending time with these extremely talented makers. It was a true collaboration where they learned about everything AGF and we got a glimpse into each of their creative businesses. The Quilterpreneurs got a tour of our offices and Warehouse space, participated in some fun Lives and Giveaways on Instagram, and got some behind the scenes tips on styling and photographing their blocks and quilts. Plus they all received a fun AGF Gift bag full of goodies! We all learned something new during this incredible visit and feel like they’re a part of our AGF family!

In addition, each Quilterpreneur created an exclusive block just for this event that can be combined to create a gorgeous quilt. They choose prints from Elizabeth’s soon to be released collection, Gayle Loraine, as well as beautiful coordinating blenders and fresh PURE Solids. Then it was on to cutting and sewing up their individually designed blocks in our AGF sewing studio.  It was so interesting seeing all these creative and innovative blocks come together! Each one is unique but they all coordinate to make a lovely quilt designed just for you. 

Each designer’s free pattern is linked in this post. You’ll be able to work at your own pace and create each fresh block that will combine into an awe-inspiring quilt. 

 

So let’s get started on showing off these fresh and fun quilt blocks. Each of these blocks was designed exclusively for the Quilterpreneurs at AGF Event and we’re so excited to be able to share all of these beautiful FREE patterns with you!  First up, we have the Quilterpreneurs’ amazing leader, Elizabeth Chappell of Quilter’s Candy, and her Log Cabin Block:

 Log Cabin Quilt Block

click to download

  Elizabeth Chappell @quilters_candy

This blooming Log cabin block sampler offers a bold display of Elizabeth’s first fabric collection with Art Gallery Fabrics, Gayle Loraine. This collection is on its way- so stay tuned for the official release! The use of these complimentary pastel florals and bold graphic prints is a fresh take on simple design.  

 

Breezeway Quilt Block

click to download

Mary Davis @marygoroundquilts 

Next up is the Breezeway Quilt Block by Mary of Mary Go Round Quilts. Beautiful triangles rotate and spin in this modern block.

Ribbon & Lace Quilt Block

click to download

Becca Plymale @becca.plymale.creative

Soft dreamy pastels set the stage for the Ribbon and Lace Quilt Block by Becca of Becca Plymale Creative. This beautiful geometric design in subtle colors is sure to inspire!

Double Sawtooth Star Quilt Block

click to download

Belle Brunner @seams_sew_me

Then we have this boldly traditional Double Sawtooth Star Block created by Belle of Seams Sew Me. This star within a star in vibrant navy accented by soft botanicals is a showstopper!

Lilly Bloom Quilt Block

click to download

Erin Grogan @lovesewmodern

Lilly’s are in full bloom in the Lilly Bloom Quilt Block designed by Erin at Love Sew Modern. This large graphic seems to block bursts into life in this fun design.

Scenic Route Quilt Block 

click to download

Jen Levin @jenlevin

Intricate piecing in romantic florals are sure to please in the Scenic Route Quilt Block by Jen Levin. Take your time creating this beautiful design and wow your friends!

Luminous Quilt Block

click to download

Jennie Pickett @cloverandviolet

Perfect piecing is the star of this show with the Luminous Quilt Block by Jennie at Clover and Violet. HST’s and Flying Geese add a dash of style to this lovely block.

Nightshade Quilt Block

click to download

 Julia Wachs @juliawachs.designs

Geometric prints and ditsy botanicals make the Nightshade Quilt Block by Julia Wachs look fresh and modern. This fun design with its rotated log cabin center makes it sew creative!

Introvert Quilt Block

click to download

Kiley Ferons @kileysquiltroom

The Introvert Quilt Block by Kiley of Kiley’s Quilt Room is a tranquil beauty. We love the circular motif with simple strip piecing- so clever!

Drunkard’s Star Quilt Block

click to download

Maude MacDonald @theretroquilter

Add a dash of style with a simple bold graphic with the Drunkard’s Star Quilt Block by Mary of The Retro Quilter. This modern take on a star design is whimsical and fun.

Barn Star Quilt Block

click to download

Sandy Saengsuk @thaicharmllc

The stars have aligned with this perfectly pieced Barn Star Block by Sandy at Thai Charm. Her 4 at a time HST method and easy to sew designs create this charming classic motif. 

 

 In Check Quilt Block

click to download

Shereece Nicole @sewhookedontreasures

And last, but never least we have a cleverly modern design, the In Check Quilt Block by Shereece of Sew Hooked on Treasures. Get inspired by this simple graphic design in enchanting florals.

It was so exciting seeing all these very different blocks come together! They’re all very different designs and styles, but in these lovely botanical prints in soft pastels and cool blues, creams and blushing pinks they all look beautiful together.

And don't miss the Podcast: Quilterpreneurs at Art Gallery Fabrics on Elizabeth's Podcast, Craft to Career. 

Click to listen to the podcast.

 

We have sew many amazing creations in store for you! Stay tuned as we get ready to combine these blocks together to complete The Quilterpreneurs at AGF Block Sampler Quilt …. coming Soon!