Art Gallery Fabrics - The Creative Blog

6 Reasons We're Excited About Improv

In 2021 Shannon used Art Gallery Fabrics PURE Solids in Light Citron, Lemonade, Dark Citron, Raspberry Rose, and Plum Preserve for her #30DaysofImprovQAL quilt. Image courtesy of Shannon Fraser Designs.

Hi there, Shannon of Shannon Fraser Designs and Amanda of Broadcloth Studio here! We’re back taking over the Art Gallery Fabrics blog and we’re super excited to be talking to you all about improv quilting.

Why are we so excited, you ask? Because we’re just about to kick off our second annual 30 Days of Improv QAL! We had such a wonderful time last August: it was beyond thrilling to see all the different improv blocks and quilted wall hangings pop up on Instagram during last year’s quilt along and we can’t wait to see what emerges this year.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about the quilt along (or if you need a refresher), here’s a quick recap: during the month of August, you’ll be making one block Monday-Friday to make a total of twenty-ish 5” blocks (because we all need a couple days a week to catch up or just chill out). Starting July 31st, we’ll be sending out weekly emails every Sunday, highlighting the shape of the week and providing daily prompts to explore the shape without a pattern. If you’re curious to see what this looks like in fabric-form, make sure to check out the hashtag #30DaysofImprovQAL to see all the makes from last year!

In 2021 Amanda used Art Gallery Fabrics PURE Solids in Vanilla Custard, Garden Fern, Tigerlily, Turmeric, and Apricot Crepe for her #30DaysofImprovQAL quilt. Image courtesy of Broadcloth Studio.

Before we dive into our fabric bins and start slicing and dicing, we thought we’d share what we’re most excited about for this year’s QAL. So, without further ado, and in reverse alphabetical order, here we go:

Shannon @shannonfraserdesigns says, “I’m so excited that Amanda and I have teamed up again to bring you another summer of improv quilting fun! As we gear up to host again, here are 3 things I’m most looking forward to in this year’s improv quilting challenge:

1. 1. Color & Fabric Play: Shocking, right?! Getting to play with a new color palette always gets me fired up! And since the first step in any improv project is picking your fabrics and colors, I think this is the perfect opportunity to have fun,  try something new and set the tone for your quilt journey. I’ve been itching to cut into these colorful beauties.
   2. Switching up my tool of choice: last year I used a combo of both my rotary cutter and tailor’s shears, with a little heavier reliance on my rotary cutter. This year, I’m thinking about exploring my improv solely with my tailor's shears. I’m curious to see what effect that will have on the shapes I create.
   3. Encouraging the play: I love sharing my enthusiasm for improv quilting and encouraging you to let loose and just play. I know how scary it can be to quilt without a pattern, which is why we love leading you through this improv challenge. Seeing you have a quilty a-ha moment is just the best!”

This year, Shannon is using Art Gallery Fabrics PURE Solids in Blueberry Zest, Field of Lavender, Sweet Macadamia, Peach Sherbet, and Apricot Crepe for her #30DaysofImprovQAL quilt. Image courtesy of Shannon Fraser Designs.

Amanda @broadclothstudio adds, “ditto to everything that Shannon said! The 30 Days of Improv QAL was a highlight of my 2021 and I’m thrilled that we’re bringing it back this year. I love that while there are so many unknowns about this month-long adventure, what I do know is that I’m going to have a blast! I’m specifically looking forward to:

1. 1. Learning to love Orange: This year I’ve had an unofficial goal to try to work with purple and orange, colors that I don’t naturally gravitate towards. For the first half of the year, I challenged myself to work with purple (and umpteen purple projects later, I’m now reaching for it first). So it seemed like the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with orange. What I love about the #30DaysOfImprovQAL is that I know I’ll be spending a whole month playing with these colors, getting to know them better, discovering what I love about them! 
   2. Making Waves: We’ve changed up a couple of the weekly shapes this year and I can’t wait for Week 4’s Waves! Last year we tackled quarter circle curves and I had so much fun with them that I continued to explore playing with them for months afterwards. While I’ve dipped my toes into the water of waves (pun intended) before, I haven’t spent any serious time immersing myself so I’m looking forward to getting to explore them for a whole week.
   3. Connecting with YOU: I always love getting to hang out with quilters, so I shouldn’t have been so surprised that one of my favorite parts of last year’s QAL was trading tips with each other, cheering each other on, and being inspired by you, the fabulous community of QAL-ers! I’m always amazed by your creativity and can’t wait to see what you bring to the table this year.” 

This year, Amanda is using Art Gallery Fabrics PURE Solids in Sherbet, Dried Carrot, Tigerlily, Light Grey, and Night Sea for her #30DaysofImprovQAL quilt. Image courtesy of Broadcloth Studio.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up now for our weekly emails that will guide you throughout the month of August here.

You definitely don’t want to miss out, especially because we’ve got an extra special giveaway to jumpstart this improv journey: by signing up before July 24, 2022, you’ll be entered to win a fabric bundle from our friends at Art Gallery Fabrics so go ahead and sign up now! If you sign up after July 24th, never fear: we’ve got a ton of other fun giveaways planned throughout the month of August!

And, as an extra special bonus, we’re going to be sitting down with the legendary Pat Bravo, fabric designer and co-owner of Art Gallery Fabrics, for a LIVE Zoom chat on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 1PM EDT (once you sign up for the QAL emails, you’ll get a link to the Zoom). We’ll be talking all about picking fabric, swapping tips and tricks, and diving into our own sources of inspiration for our improv sewing projects!

 

xo,

Amanda and Shannon

New Decostitch and Floral Elements Colors

Hello makers and fabric lovers!

With a new season upon us, what better way to honor the bright colors of spring with new shades of a couple of our most popular blenders: Floral and Decostitch Elements! These six new colors of each are perfect to add to your stash of AGF blenders since they make up a few missing shades between some, and they work well with others. 

If you’re unsure what blenders are and how to use them, check out this previous blog post that gives you great ideas on how to use these non-directional fabrics. 

Introducing our new Floral Elements in Sweet Peach, Victorian Brick, Antique Rose, Chalk, Washed Denim, and Storm Winds.

Introducing our new Decostitch Elements in Topiary, Airy, Timber Wolf, Desert Rose, Abyss, and Rosebud. 

In addition to our new prints, we have also revamped a few of our patterns using the new colors. First up, we have our checkered bucket hat using a variety of different Florals and Decostitch to create this soft statement piece that is perfect to add to your wardrobe. For this hat we used our Florals in Washed Denim, Storm Winds, Antique Rose, Sweet Peach, Victorian Brick, and Chalk, and our Decostitch in Abyss, Timber Wolf, Airy, Rosebud, and Desert Rose. 

To view the video tutorial for this hat, click here. 

We also have a PDF version of this hat pattern that we created with flannel if you would like to download that as well. You can find that here. 

For strip set 1, we used Floral Victorian Brick for fabric A, Decostitch Rosebud for fabric B, Floral Antique Rose for fabric C, Floral Sweet Peach for Fabric D, and Decostitch Timber Wolf for fabric E. For strip set 2, we used Floral Storm Winds for fabric F, Floral Chalk for fabric G, Floral Washed Denim for fabric H, Decostitch Airy for fabric I, and Decostitch Abyss for fabric J. We used Decostitch Desert Rose for fabric K, which is the lining. 

Next up I have another statement piece for your wardrobe, this Artsy Tote that we made using a combination of new and timeless Decostitch colors in Cloud, Caffe Latte, Blue Minerale, Indigo Sky, Skyline Blue, Granite, Timber Wolf, and Abyss, in addition to our linen blend in Soft Sand. This tote has a combination of rectangles, squares, and half and quarter circles to form a trendy catch-all that can be taken anywhere you go; the beach, farmers market, the coffee shop…anywhere! 

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

Last up are two new combinations of our Florals to make our favored Alegria computer cover. The first one includes Antique Rose, Sweet Peach, and Victorian Brick and the second one includes Washed Denim, Storm Winds, and Chalk. We used high loft batting to make this computer case perfect to protect what’s inside while also adding velcro to keep the flap closed. 

To view the PDF pattern for this laptop cover, click here. 

The excitement to sew with these fabrics was growing and I was so happy when I finally got to cut into these beauties. With spring upon us and summer coming quickly, I know that I will get a ton of use out of the bucket hat and tote bag, and I can’t wait to show these projects off to friends and family. 

I want to see what you make with our new Florals and Decostitch! Share your photos on social media and use the #ArtGalleryFabrics so I can share the love! 

 

Happy sewing everyone! 

Escape to a Sightseeing Venture With Capri Fabrics by Katarina Roccella!

One of my favorite things about sewing is getting lost at the sound of my sewing machine! Sewing away, chain piecing, cutting fabric, and next thing you know many hours have passed, and I was able to escape to my happy place. That is the greatest part about this community, that we can all share this passion, and how we can relate to how happy it makes us! A lot of this joy starts with just choosing what fabrics speak to me, and as of recently, all I’ve been daydreaming about is going on a sunny vacation to the beach. Luckily for me, Katarina Roccella just released the perfect collection that will take me to my dream vacation, and it’s called CAPRI! 

Prepare for a sightseeing venture through the stunning island of Capri with Katarina Roccella’s latest collection. Where this collection features her signature style of painted florals, coastal tones, and zesty summery prints that will fulfill your wanderlust desires.

Katarina Roccella is also an incredible pattern designer and the number of details and artistry in her collections is one to appreciate! If you ever hand her prints in your hands, you’ll find yourself staring for a long time as your eyes graze at all the beautiful details hidden within every inch. All her artwork is her very own paintings that she used watercolor and inks to put together, and somehow transform into fabric magic! 

*Featuring “Capri Toile” and “Limoni Righe” prints  

Luckily for us fabric lovers, we have 16 quilting cotton prints and 2 substrates to play with. With its sunny colors and Mediterranean vibes present in this collection, I can already imagine the beach quilts, summery cover-ups, and dresses that will be created with these fabrics! 

Embrace the summery colors with matching AGF Elements (blender fabrics) that coordinate with Capri fabrics! 

Nature Elements: Veiled Rose.

PURE Solids: Mediterraneo, Maldives, Ocean Waves, Tender Green, Honeydew, Canary, Quartz Pink, Cinnamon, Sweet Macadamia, White Linen, Jade Cream, and Mirage Blue.

Floral Elements: Sand, Bubblegum, Sunset, Ballerina, Custard, and Icy Blue. 

 

Let these prints shine with our 60" × 60" free quilt pattern called “Land & Sea”! 

DOWNLOAD PATTERN

 

Pack up and let’s set out on an unforgettable sewing journey to Capri! Flip through the pages of our “Capri Fabric Lookbook” where you’ll discover mesmerizing quilts, eclectic pillows, and summer-inspired silhouettes made with the available substrates. 

 

What better way to transport you to your dream vacation to Italy than a quick and easy phone pouch tutorial that can hold your necessities while viewing the stunning sights? Watch our latest Sew Easy project below! 

 

Katarina is not only an artist, but she also is a quilter and I highly recommend checking out her Instagram page because it’s always filled with tons of projects made by her and the process of how her prints come to life! You can also check out the hashtag #AGFCapri for more projects, and we encourage you to share your own too! We love seeing them and sharing the love.

Happy Sewing!

—Jannelle 

 

 

 

Latest AGF Collections Giveaway: Duality Fusion + Nectarine Fusion + Shine On

Can you believe it’s March already? It’s a new month, which means we have exciting new things coming your way. Welcome to our new event, where we give you the chance to win ALL the latest AGF collections released in the month!

 

For the month of February, we are giving away the entire collection of SHINE ON by Sharon Holland, DUALITY FUSION, and NECTARINE FUSION by AGF— that’s over 35+ fat quarters! All you have to do to enter is CLICK HERE, enter your info, and that’s it! 

The winner is Anna Tatistcheff!! Congrats, please check your email to redeem your prize! 

 

The giveaway is OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be emailed and announced on the AGF Blog on March 8th, 2022. Good luck! 🍀⁠

 

Please reply within 7 days to claim your prize (check your email by March 8!) 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! 

Disclaimer: For giveaways, we will never send you a direct message, link, or ask you for your personal or credit card information.💌⁠

 

Until next time! 

—Jannelle

Let’s Glow, Grow, and SHINE ON with Sharon Holland’s Latest Collection!

As makers, we are always trying to evolve our craft, it’s what makes being a creator so great! As the years go by, I’ve considered myself quite lucky to be part of this evolution, in the way that my personal taste has changed and witnessing those around me also switch up their styles. The first person that comes to mind with great change is our dear designer, Sharon Holland! Ever since I joined the AGF family, collection after collection release I would always be amazed at what she brought to the table when it came to designs. 

I love to see these romantic elements and hand-drawn designs in her collections, but her color palettes are always a pleasant surprise, and her latest collection Shine On is just that! Sharon created this collection last winter while dreaming of spring unfolding into winter, where nature’s promise and renewal remind us to keep glowing and growing. Spring is beginning to unfold from winter and the transitional colors of the season are present in this collection with the airy freshness of golden yellow, blushing peach, sepia, and milky white efflorescence.

This collection has 16 quilting cotton prints that are perfectly balanced with blenders, medium-sized prints, and large-scale designs that are ideal to piece together in your patchwork projects! In Sharon’s special interview, she described this collection to be her alter ego, a younger version of herself on a road trip.  

Hurrah, 4 prints are available in different substrates! There is something for everyone here, from the deep peacock color rayon print in “Intrinsic Deep” to the soft white and peachy knit print in “Paisley Bloom.”  Let’s not ignore the TWO flannel prints available in “Artifact Terra” and “Woolen Blanket Rust” that would make the coziest jackets or the softest pillows ever! 

The more, the merrier with these matching AGF Elements (blender fabrics) that coordinate with Shine On fabrics! 

Decostitch Elements: Pink Powder & Subtle Sage.

PURE Solids: Turmeric, Honey, Peach Sherbet, Fresh Sage, Georgia Peach, Vintage Walnut, Blossomed, and Ocean Fog.

Floral Elements: Sunflower

 

Recreate this 96’’ by 108’’ free quilt pattern beauty called “Wind Bells”! 

DOWNLOAD PATTERN

 

With Shine On’s prints and substrates, we put together tons of unique projects like stunning quilts, table runners, accessories, apparel, you name it— you’ll surely discover your next sewing project by checking out our “Shine On Fabric Lookbook” below!

I’m sure we have all heard of, seen, and probably even made a mug rug recently. They’re perfect gifts for everyone, and they are one of the quicker and easier projects to make in an afternoon. Check out our latest Sew Easy video on our YouTube channel to see how we used Sharon Holland’s new collection “Shine On” to make an appliqué mug rug!

 

Sharon, as you all know is a talented designer, but she is also a very talented quilter! I highly recommend checking out her Instagram page because it’s always filled with tons of projects made by her and other makers that are truly inspiring. You can also check out the hashtag #AGFShineOn for more projects, and we encourage you to share your own too! We love seeing them and sharing the love.

Happy Sewing!

—Jannelle 

Life Is Just Peachy With Nectarine Fusion Fabrics

We’ve been longing for low-volume! If you’ve been following AGF for a long time, you may have seen a couple of collection releases of low-volume fabrics but revolutionized. Before I get into the evolution of these fabrics, let me just dabble into what “low-volume” fabrics are, which may be a term you haven’t heard if you are new to the quilting world. These fabrics are subtle prints that read like one from afar, they are usually white, cream, or neutral color palette, but of course, here at AGF we like to push the limits!

 Bringing us to the beginning of the revolution with Ballerina Fusion, a collection with delicate blush tones, and with that success then brought Serenity Fusion filled with soft blues, followed with Vert Fusion where we introduced soothing aloe tones, and finally with today’s exciting release Nectarine Fusion! 

Color is extremely important to us, and we knew that pushing the limits of these fabrics will transform the low-volume movement! This time around, we were feeling peachy and infused these minimal prints with a sweet, crisp, apricot color palette that is soft on the eyes. 

This collection comes with 10 quilting cotton prints that are unique within themselves but when used together in your patchwork projects, no print stands out more than the other, making the collection work like magic as they complement each other. 

One of the many benefits of these fabrics is that they are focused on one color only, making your life easier as a maker to not worry about what other colors to incorporate or focusing on where to place each print for maximum contrast. 

Although this collection is only available in quilting cotton, don't let these fabrics limit all you garment makers out there because it's still just as soft and lightweight! You can definitely make some sweet dresses and even darling accessories.

Add on to the textures this collection has to offer with matching AGF Elements (blender fabrics) that coordinate with Nectarine Fusion fabrics! 

Decostitch Elements: Cafe Latte 

PURE Solids: Peach Sherbet, Sandstone, Sweet Macadamia, Georgia Peach, and Creme de la Creme.

Oval Elements: Peaches ’n Cream & French Vanilla.

Floral Elements: Sand, Tangerine, Natural, and Sunset.

 

Walk through the fields of apricot trees with our  “Sweet Orchard” free quilt pattern! 

DOWNLOAD PATTERN

 

 Flip through the pages of our “Nectarine Fusion Fabric Lookbook” below where you’ll discover projects like dreamy quilts, calming pillows, quilty accessories, and more! 

 

How many times have you needed a pin and realized they are all the way over by your sewing machine, far from where you are standing? Check out our latest Sew Easy video on our YouTube channel, where we show how to create this amazing DIY project wrist pincushion, the perfect little sewing project that will always have your pins handy. 

 

I can’t wait to see what makers have in-store with all the different kinds of projects that they will be making with this collection! If you get a hold of these lovely prints, please share them with us on social media by posting under the hashtag #AGFNectarineFusion. Let me know in the comments below what’s been your favorite “low volume” fusion or comment below what color you’d like to see next! 

Happy Sewing!

—Jannelle