Kismet Look Book

Kismet Look Book

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Every aspect of fabric design is exciting but some parts more so than others. I needed to learn to be patient along with how to pull together a beautiful collection. Concept to production can take upwards of a year sometimes so much thought and planning goes into predicting trends and colors that will work for the season the collection finally lands in a shop owners hands at your local fabric store or favorite online shop. All that hard work and waiting pays off when Art Gallery Fabrics releases a new fabric line and collection Look Book!

The Art Gallery Fabrics Kismet Look Book is a virtual publication you can view right on your computer or device—for free. Click HERE to view.

I’ve been secret sewing projects for the Kismet Look Book along with other talented makers. Each contributor makes and photographs their projects and Art Gallery Fabrics puts it altogether into a beautiful virtual publication.

For this blog post I’ll only be showing the four projects I made for the Kismet Look Book plus a quilt made from my Vista quilt pattern. You’ll most definitely want to take some time and pour over the Look Book pages to see all the other amazing contributions by your favorite online makers—this post is just a teaser!

Trapeze Quilt

Trapeze quilt by Sharon Holland

Trapeze quilt by Sharon Holland

The first and biggest of my project makes is a full-size Trapeze quilt in Kismet and Pure Solids. When I first designed this quilt earlier this fall I had designed it with Kismet in mind but the fabrics had not arrived yet for me to make a sample so I made the beautiful Sky version in blues for the pattern launch last month. Purchase the Trapeze Sky Quilt Kit at Lady Belle Fabrics.

Find the Trapeze quilt pattern HERE in my Shop.

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I had Brooke Becker of Lady Belle Fabrics quilt this for me and we selected my favorite panto called, Abstract Butterflies. The batting is Hobbs Heirloom 100% Cotton batting inside for a traditional drape and feel. This quilt pattern is one of my favorite makes this year and the Kismet version has now been put in use on my bed.

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With Kismet fabrics selling out so fast in shops we made it real easy for you to shop this look! Lady Belle Fabrics has the Trapeze Kismet Quilt Kit available in her shop. Don’t delay on getting your hands on one of these kits!

Also, now through Thanksgiving weekend US customers will get free shipping on their orders! Plus, Brooke will have SALES running all weekend so this is the time to stock up on all your favorite fabrics!

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Charming One

Charming One quilt by Sharon Holland

Charming One quilt by Sharon Holland

With every fabric collection I like to have at least one free pattern to add to my Free Projects page. We are sent fabric strike offs from the mill before we get the final rolls of fabric. Strike offs are small pieces of fabric that Art Gallery Fabrics evaluates for color and quality before giving final approval on a collection. The designers are sent these pieces so we can get an early glimpse of the prints and hopefully create something to get ahead of the mad dash of sewing right before the Look Book releases.

I had a handful of scraps that I didn’t want to waste and decided to create a very simple, yet fun scrappy One-Patch quilt. In all my years of sewing I’m not even sure I’ve done a One-Patch quilt before!

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To extend the little I had left of prints I included many shade of coordinating Pure Solids, AGF Decostitch Blenders, and AGF Smooth Denim. There were only four squares of the Mudcloth Berries print from Kismet so I decided to make them a feature in the center of the quilt.

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To make it a little more special I put everything on the diagonal and kept the quilting very, very simple and stitched in the ditch. If you’re an absolute beginner at quilting or just want to use up some scraps—this is a fun and rewarding quilt to make!

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I used Hobbs Heirloom 100% Cotton batting inside this quilt as well and love the traditional feel of it. Sometimes the simple quilts are the best and sure show off the prints beautifully! I made the pattern layer cake friendly that you can get 4 squares per 10” precut. Download the free pattern HERE.

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Pillow Shams

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Not only do I love making things but I also love photographing them! Once all my Kismet projects were completed I had a couple days of photography, To set up the lovely Charming One quilt bed scene I wanted pillows with Kismet fabric so why not make my own pillow shams! I used the wonderful YouTube tutorial video by Craft Gemini to learn how to make these easy and picture-perfect shams. These are going to go right into use now as well and pillows and pillowcases are the perfect way to freshen up any room.

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Meet the Testers

Three of my pattern testers made their own Charming One quilts. I love how each makers personality shines through from their scrap basket fabric pulls. Be sure to visit these talent makers via the highlighted links.

Charming One quilt make by Kathleen Armstrong

Charming One quilt make by Kathleen Armstrong

I’m crazy over this honey and mint Charming One quilt make by Kathleen Armstrong of Creative Stitches by Kathleen. Kathleen used a variety of Art Gallery Fabric prints and blenders from several AGF designers but I spy many Bonnie Christine prints as well as some I’ve designed for AGF. The crinkly quilting makes this an instant classic! Read more about Kathleen and her passion for sewing on her BLOG and @creativestitchesbyK feed on Instagram.

Charming One quilt make by Joyce Ulm

Charming One quilt make by Joyce Ulm

Even though Halloween has come and gone, Joyce Ulm of @evamaecustomquilts, Etsy shop, and on her Facebook blog HERE is still loving the Art Gallery Fabrics Sweet and Spooky collection and I don’t blame her one bit! Just look at how amazing these prints and AGF blender are in a simple One-Patch design like this quilt—stunning and so much fun! I’m excited to see how Joyce ends up quilting this one and if you are too, be sure to follower her on any of the above social platforms via the links.

Charming One quilt make by Lindsey Fuessley

Charming One quilt make by Lindsey Fuessley

I’d love to see the rest of Lindsey Fuessley’s scrap basket if these were just some of the fabrics she pulled from it to make this gorgeous Charming One top. Some of my favorite colors and you can’t go wrong mixing prints between Art Gallery Fabrics collections. Lindsey is a relatively new quilter and wanted to quilt this 57-1/2’’ square quilt herself. I suggested she do the stitch in the ditch like I did if she wasn’t feeling all that confident. I’ll be watching her feed to see how (and what) she decides to do. Follow Lindsey on her Instagram account @lindseymakes to see more of her work.

Folded Star Hot Pad

The free Folded Star Hot Pad pattern on my FREE PROJECTS page has been newly updated so if you’ve downloaded it before, you may want to try the new and improved version!

Folded Star Hot Pad by Sharon Holland

Folded Star Hot Pad by Sharon Holland

The pattern change was purely out of necessity. Remember me talking about limited fabrics to work with in making projects ahead of time? Well, I didn’t have enough materials to make the original square hot pad version so I ended up clipping the corners for this new octagon shape. Necessity is the mother of all invention and I’m very pleased I had to improvise!

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The three dimensional stars are made by folding squares of fabric and taking them in place. The finished piece is a tactile experience but also makes the coolest hot pad for hot dishes and a great gift idea!

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The possibilities are endless for fabric arrangements. I extended my available Kismet prints by adding rounds of AGF Pure Solids which also popped the graphic star shape even more.

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Dresden Pouf

Because the prints in Kismet have a worldly, traveled look I wanted to make something extra fun for home decor and found this Dresden Pouf pattern by Amy Barickman for Indygo Junction.

Dresden Pouf by Indygo Junction

Dresden Pouf by Indygo Junction

This large pouf was a very fast and fun make and the instructions easy to follow. The pattern also comes with instructions to make a Dresden pillow and already on my to-make list.

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I ended up only using prints for the top of the pouf to save on the prints I had but again, love the results because all the attention is right where I want it—on the pretty prints! For the sides of the pouf I used AGF Smooth Denim. For the Dresden center circle and bottom I used AGF Textured Denim just to add more of that global feel. A few lines of chunky hand stitching also gives the pouf some additional details and character.

Vista Quilt

Nuria Elkins of Fabric Stork made a Kismet version of my Vista quilt for the Kismet Look Book and I’m over the moon in love with what she created!

Vista quilt make by Fabric Stork

Vista quilt make by Fabric Stork

Nuria is an Etsy fabric shop owner and one of the sweetest persons you’ll meet. I love working with her and collaborated on quilt kits and giveaways from her shop in the past. When we started talking about her doing Vista in Kismet for the Look Book we both were on the same page for the type of boho vibe we wanted to see this quilt pictured in—I think she nailed it!

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Right now, Nuria is waiting for a shipment of Kismet fabrics to arrive before she can put together the Vista quilt kits in Kismet and Pure Solids like you see here. You’ll want to stalk her shop to know when the kits are ready because they’re certain to sell out fast. Once listed, you’ll find kits here: Vista quilt kit from Fabric Stork but until then check out the rest of her shop for all your favorite prints and designer fabrics!

Find the Vista quilt pattern in my SHOP.

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I’ve started an online shop stock list for shops carrying Kismet on the FABRICS page. Please note the inventory for shops change daily and can sell out fast. If you’re a shop that carries Art Gallery Fabric Kitsmet and don’t see your name listed, please email me your link and I’ll gladly update my list.

Once again I’ve written an epic blog post. There’s so much to share at each posting to catch up to what happens in the life of a textile designer. I’m sure there’s plenty I’ve forgotten to write! If you’re not already following me on Instagram and want more of what I’ve been sharing on this post—be sure to follow me @sharonhollanddesigns as I post daily over there and fill in the gaps between (epic) blog posts.

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****REMINDER to Mackenzi and Angela Miller to reply to emails you were sent about winning Rambler PDF patterns from the last giveaway. Check your inbox or spam folder for an email from contact@sharonhollanddesigns.com and hit reply to claim your pattern.****

Wishing everyone a healthy and joyful holiday season

Happy sewing,

Sharon

I am an Amazon Associate site and earn from qualifying purchases on the products I’ve linked below. The helpful products selected are the same or similar to materials used to make the project(s) in this blog post or related items I think you may enjoy.

Phoenix Quilt Pattern Release

Phoenix Quilt Pattern Release

Phoenix Quilt by Sharon Holland

Phoenix Quilt by Sharon Holland

Has it really been two months since my last post!? Time really does fly when you’re having fun (and keeping busy)!

I hope this post finds you well. I’ve been staying home and trying to get the most out of what’s left of this dismal year. I’ve had a sudden burst of energy and from now until the end of December I’ve plenty of posts and projects planned to share with you! And, be sure to read down to the end for a special announcement you won’t want to miss!

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August is the first month in the next four that I’ll be releasing a new quilt pattern! That’s not the special announcement but very exciting all by itself non the less. This first quilt is called Phoenix, not for the state but because the idea for this quilt came from me playing around with the left over half-square triangle (HST) trimmings from my Sweet Home quilts I made earlier this year. (That’s a hint to the special announcement.)

The Phoenix quilt was born from scraps! Well, really more like one block was born from scraps. I needed a whole lot more HSTs to make the Phoenix quilt.

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This summer-inspired palette is a mix from several different Art Gallery Fabrics collections: Spirited, Decostitch, Marrakesh Fusion, Pure Solids, and Gossamer for the binding. But you don’t have to source out all these fabrics on your own if you’re wanting to make one just like the pattern sample because Brooke Becker at Lady Belle Fabric has made up Phoenix quilt kits with all the pretties you see in the photo above. Don’t delay—these kits go fast! Here’s a link to the Phoenix Quilt Kit. You’ll also need the quilt pattern and you can find that on my SHOP page.

Bundle photo courtesy of Lady Belle Fabric

Bundle photo courtesy of Lady Belle Fabric

Lady Belle Fabric is your one-stop online shop for fabrics and long arm quilt service. I have sent several of my quilts to Brooke and she has one of mine she just finished up yesterday. You’re going to love the service!

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The entire Phoenix quilt is made from half-square triangles. You’ve probably heard me sing the praises of Bloc_Loc Rulers before and I’m still singing! If you’ve never tried them or feel it’s finally time to invest in a quilting tool that’ll make your life and quilts better, this may be the time—especially if you’re planning on sewing this quilt—there’s a lottttttt of HSTs! If you can only by one HST ruler, by the largest one because you can always trim smaller sizes with a large ruler.

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I did a very simple and quilt machine quilting on the diagonal for this quilt. For my batting I used Hobbs Heirloom Bleached 100% Cotton because my background is Art Gallery Fabrics Snow and I didn’t want any color showing through from an unbleached batting.

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Over the years I’ve been approached by makers wanting to know if I ever use pattern testers. I’ve never done so in the past but thought that this year might be a great chance to use testers and help promote new rising quilt makers.

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So, during July I started work with my testers. I have 17 in all right now which is plenty so the search for testers is closed for this year. Since I have four quilt patterns coming out over the next few months this was as good a time as any to get some help from pattern testers and I’ve split up the testers into groups by quilts. Today I’d like to introduce you to six of my testers who have made and tested the Phoenix quilt.

Meet the Testers

Phoenix quilt make by Brittany Tunison

Phoenix quilt make by Brittany Tunison

Brittany Tunison created a Phoenix quilt in a soft, farmhouse color palette and used a mix of Art Gallery Fabric prints from a variety of AGF fabric designers. I love her Farmhouse style and sweet fabric selection. See more of Brittany’s work on Instagram @brittanytunison and on her Etsy shop at White Plains Quilts.

Phoenix quilt make by Christine Trotta

Phoenix quilt make by Christine Trotta

This lovely Phoenix quilt top was made by Christine Trotta of Serendipity In Love Creations. Christine used Bari J.’s new 365 Fifth Avenue AGF fabric line and it couldn’t have been any more perfect a collection to juxtapose a feminine twist to the geometrics of this quilt design. Let’s all pause a moment to take in this beautiful garden setting for this quilt—it’s gorgeous! For more fabric fun, check out Christine’s shop on Etsy.

Phoenix quilt make by Kathleen Armstrong

Phoenix quilt make by Kathleen Armstrong

Kathleen Armstrong is a prolific quilter. Just check out her Instagram account @creativestitchesbyk and you’ll see exactly what I mean! You can learn more about Kathleen from her website Creative Stitches Quilts where she also takes custom orders. Kathleen used prints from my AGF Everlasting collection for her Phoenix quilt and I love how she mixed up the fabrics in the blocks for a unique twist on the pattern.

Phoenix quilt make by Marija Vujcic

Phoenix quilt make by Marija Vujcic

My long-time followers may remember my friend Marija Vujcic from my blog tours. Marija is the Queen of Bold Colors and her AGF Pure Solids fabric pull for the Phoenix quilt is pure Marija-magic! I love how she pulled colors from my AGF Bountiful Tartan Field print (the backing) for the color inspiration for the blocks. You’ll definitely want to follow her on Instagram @mvquilts and on her blog Mara Quilt Designs where she has quilting, tutorials, and lots of sewing inspiration to share.

Phoenix quilt make by Mary Grove

Phoenix quilt make by Mary Grove

You’ll find Mary Gove on Instagram as @thecurlyquilter and be equally blown away by her beautiful quilt makes like I was when I first viewed her page. This new comer to quilting has a natural eye and Quilty talent plus I’m very envious of her Wyoming landscape for photography! Mary chose Art Gallery Fabric blender prints and solids form several different AGF collections to create the perfect summer-vibe palette.

Phoenix quilt make by Victoria Newmyer

Phoenix quilt make by Victoria Newmyer

Victoria Newmyer is also brand new to Instagram. In fact she just started her account @midlife_quilter the beginning of this year but don’t let that fool you, this girl has talent! Check out her Etsy shop at Brass Tacks Sewing. I can really connect with Victoria’s aesthetics and if you know anything about me by now, you know my love for this palette she used for her Phoenix quilt. Although her fabric selection is a mix of many AGF designer collections her backing fabric (the trees print) and some of the block prints are from my AGF Tapestry collection.

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Be sure to stop by my pattern SHOP and get the Phoenix quilt PDF so you can start your quilt today! I can’t wait to see what you create with the Phoenix quilt pattern! If you’re posting to Instagram be sure to tag me @sharonhollanddesigns and use the hashtag #phoenixquilt so I don’t miss your posts!

Quilt Along

As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog post I had a special announcement to make…drum roll…Maureen Cracknell (Instagram @maureencracknell ) and I will be hosting a Sweet Home Quilt Along! We’re also going to be joined by a special new quilting friend, Jennifer Jones of Penelope Handmade! Find her on IG at @penelopehandmade. It’s sure to be loads of fun!

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The Sweet Home Quilt Along begins September 9, 2020 and will run for six weeks. If you haven’t already bought the Sweet Home quilt pattern yet you can find it in my pattern SHOP and started gathering your materials. All three of us hosts will be making new Sweet Home quilts from Art Gallery Fabric collections and I can’t wait to show you my fabric pull.

The QAL is going to be so much fun and there’ll be plenty of giveaways and tutorials during the event. Stay tuned for more QAL news—hope to see you there!

Sweet Home quilt by Sharon Holland

Sweet Home quilt by Sharon Holland

I am an Amazon Associate site and earn from qualifying purchases on the products I’ve linked below. The helpful products selected are the same or similar to materials used to make the project(s) in this blog post or related items I think you may enjoy.




Everlasting Blog Tour - Week 3 Recap + Giveaway

Everlasting Blog Tour - Week 3 Recap + Giveaway

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I wish this blog tour was really everlasting because I’ve loved seeing all the magnificent sewing projects by the blog tour makers! Hasn’t it been incredible!!???!!!

Art Gallery Fabrics released my Everlasting fabric in May and the classic palette of navy, red, turquoise, and blush has stolen my heart in this collection created about love, marriage, and family.

I invited the industries finest to make beautiful things with Everlasting fabrics and blog about their projects. The results have been astonishing and over the past three weeks each day has felt like Christmas morning. I want to give a huge round of applause and my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the following fabulous ladies:

EVERLASTING BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, July 12 - Sharon Holland

Monday, July 15 - Marija Vujcic

Tuesday, July 16 - Carolina Moore

Wednesday, July 17 - Dana Willard

Thursday, July 18 - Lisa Ruble

Friday, July 19 - Dritz Sewing

Monday, July 22 - Eleri Kerian

Tuesday, July 23 - Marisa Wilhelmi

Wednesday, July 24 - Sharon McConnell

Thursday, July 25 - Modernly Morgan

Friday, July 26 - Alexis Wright

Monday, July 29 - Priscilla Geissler

Tuesday, July 30 - Maureen Cracknell

Wednesday, July 31 - Elina Temmes

Take a look at the Everlasting Blog Tour Week 1 Recap, here and the Everlasting Blog Tour Week 2 Recap, here. To find this collection online, find shop stock lists on my FABRICS page.

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Week 3 Recap

Day 11 began our week with Priscilla Geissler of Cotton Stitch Collective. Priscilla doesn’t have a blog but can be found on Instagram and on Etsy. Her ability to transform fabric into useful and beautiful objects is a true talent. I’m still swooning over her Melinda Handbag she made in the Everlasting Bouquet Muse print and cork. The bag pattern is by Sotak Handmade and with left over fabric, Priscilla made a Slimline Wallet by @cpeicheff. Priscillas craft(woman)ship is outstanding—find out more about her work on Instagram and Etsy!

Everlasting projects by Cotton Stitch Collective

Everlasting projects by Cotton Stitch Collective

Day 12 belonged to my good friend and Art Gallery Fabrics designer-sister, Maureen Cracknell. You know how much I love Maureen and adore her Quilt As You Go, scrappy style of patchwork. Maureen has an amazing eye for mixing prints and getting the perfect boho-chic look. Maureen used all the prints from my Everlasting collection and lined the bag with AGF canvas from her Sun Kissed collection—I love how our collections play so nicely together!

Everlasting Project by Maureen Cracknell

Everlasting Project by Maureen Cracknell

Day 13 and the final day of the Everlasting Blog Tour stopped at Elina Temmes from Finland. Elina can be found on Instagram and she’s a prolific and masterful sewist. When I say prolific, I mean it! Elina made three quilts (all hand quilted) and three pillows for this tour and each one of them are a masterpiece. My four-image recap collage could not possibly show you all the incredible photos of her projects so go to her IG account and see everything for yourself—you’ll be blown away!!!

Everlasting projects by Elina Temmes

Everlasting projects by Elina Temmes

Have you been inspired to sew with Everlasting fabrics? —I sure have been!! Between this stunning display of creative projects from the blog tour and the Art Gallery Fabrics Everlasting Look Book you could be sewing with Everlasting fabrics for years just to make everything found in these resources!

Now it’s your turn to make something with my Art Gallery Fabrics Everlasting prints and when you do, be sure to tag me @sharonhollanddesigns on Instagram and use the hashtag #agfeverlasting —so I don’t miss your post.

Week 3 Giveaway

This week’s giveaway and final prize for following along on the tour is a chance to win a 10-piece fat quarter bundle of Everlasting prints from our sponsor the Fat Quarter Shop!

Everlasting fabrics photo courtesy of Fat Quarter Shop

Everlasting fabrics photo courtesy of Fat Quarter Shop

THIS WEEK'S GIVEAWAY SPONSOR IS: THE FAT QUARTER SHOP

The Fat Quarter Shop was founded in 2003 by Kimberly Jolly. An avid quilter, Kimberly began her shop as a side business while still working a corporate position, cutting, packing and shipping right out of her house during evenings and weekends. From the very beginning, she was committed to delivering top-notch service for every single order and customer. As the Fat Quarter Shop's reputation grew, Kimberly decided to make it a full-time operation. Her husband Kevin joined her not long after, and with his help, lots of hard work, and a tireless commitment, the store began to grow. Over the past few years a few more people have joined the staff! As a team, they continue to branch out with the best fabrics, exclusive kits, quilt clubs, BOMs, and more. And they will always be driven by the passion that Kimberly founded the store upon, which is always giving you the best products and service!

SHOP  *  PINTEREST  *  TWITTER  *  BLOG  *  FACEBOOK  *  YOUTUBE 

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Giveaway now closed. Congratulations to Sarah Suter!

* Note * This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or anonymous commenter, please remember to include your email address in your comment--you can't win if I can't get a hold of you!

1. Simply leave a comment here under this post! (First comment entry).

2. Follow Fat Quarter Shop on at least one of their social platforms -see links above. Just let me know that you did by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment - second entry). 

3. My followers get a third entry! If you follow via subscribing to my posts, through Bloglovin (or other service), or on Instagram, just let me know by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment - third entry). Note: I'm no longer on Facebook.

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Spread the word about the Everlasting Blog Tour on YOUR instagram, facebook, tweet, pin, blog post, etc... (separate comment - fourth entry). 

That’s four possible entries! Enter now through Monday, August 5. The winner will be picked at random around 4 pm Eastern. I’ll post the name of the winner on this blog post once they've been notified and responded to my email.

Don’t forget you have a second chance to win this same prize by reposting any of the the Everlasting Blog Tour makers projects on Instagram. Simply tag the project’s maker with their IG account, #ArtGalleryFabrics, and use the #EverlastingBlogTour hashtag on a public Instagram account and you’ll automatically be entered into the IG giveaway drawing for this tour! Enter as many times as you’d like by reposting blog tour images—just be sure to give tour makers proper credit and tag them in your repost.

Happy sewing,

Sharon