Hello 2018

Hello 2018

Bobbin quilt from Utility-Style Quilts for Everyday Living by Sharon Holland

To be honest, I've done way more work on my computer this year than sewing. I've started at least 6 different projects and all are in a varying states of completion. That's not normally how I like to work. I prefer to start one project, fully immerse myself in it, and finish it before moving on to the next. But for some reason, it's working well this year to be jumping back and forth between projects and I don't feel overwhelmed or feel I'm loosing time switching gears. The nice thing is they will all be finished around the same time and then is will rain stuff to post about!

Until then, here's some fun things happening in the sewing and quilting world you may want to check out!

Utility-Style Quilts for Everyday Living by Sharon Holland as seen in Curated Quilts magazine.

It was so exciting to see my new book featured in issue 2 of the fabulous Curated Quilts magazine. The write up for my book was so nice--thank you Curated Quilts!

The second issue of Curated Quilts is all about Log Cabin blocks. It's a fascinating issue and packed with incredible inspiration. Utility-Style Quilts for Everyday Living (affiliate Amazon link) has three quilt projects inspired by Log Cabin blocks because I've always been drawn to the graphic, timeless appeal of that type of quilt. 

I want to thank all the quilter's out there you have already bought my book and who are posting their makes on Instagram. I cannot tell you how exciting it is to see the stunning quilts you're all making. We've been using the hashtag #UtilityStyleQuiltsforEverydayLiving and you can use that hashtag to view all the makes in one place. Did you know that IG now has the feature where you can follow hashtags?! It's one of their better "improvements" and by following a hashtag it will now show up in your feed just as if it were an individual you were following. It's a great way to stay connected to what's going on out there. 

20 Best Tote Bags by Dritz

It's a great day when your favorite notions company teams up with your favorite fabric company! Dritz and Art Gallery Fabrics have collaborated on a tote bag tutorial showing off the amazing assortment of Dritz bag hardware and the beautiful AGF canvas.

Photo courtesy of Dritz

Photo courtesy of Dritz

Okay, I'm pretty obsessed with all the bags. Just look at the cool details on the two totes above using my Arborescent Seasons canvas and Bari j's Magnolia Study Fresh print.

Photo courtesy of Dritz. Arborescent canvas by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics.

Photo courtesy of Dritz. Sand Bar canvas by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics.

Photo courtesy of Dritz

That was just a look at three of the bags. Be sure to visit Dritz to view all the other fun ways to dress up your totes AND...

Image courtesy of Dritz

If you'd like a chance to win all this Dritz hardware and eight 1/2 yard cuts of Art Gallery Fabrics canvas...visit Dritz on Instagram for all the details on how to enter into the drawing. Drawing runs from 9 am EST on Tuesday, January 30th until 9 am Wednesday, January 31st so don't delay!

A Time to Sew

September's here and a reminder that we only have four months left in 2016! Why not get a jump on some of your holiday and gift giving sewing with free patterns and a chance to win free fabric!?!

Did you know that Art Gallery Fabrics has dozens of free quilt and sewing patterns available on their site?!!? 

Find free AGF quilt patterns here from all the beautiful Art Gallery Fabrics fabric lines.

Find free AGF sewing patterns here.

Find free AGF tips and tutorials here.

Harbor Bag free pattern by AGF using Coastline fabrics

Transire free quilt pattern by AGF

Make and Mend sewing kit free pattern by AGF using Maker fabrics

Falling free pattern by Sharon Holland for AGF using Sketchbook fabrics

Ancient Lands pillows free pattern by AGF using Wanderer fabrics

This is just a tiny sampling of the fun patterns you'll find on the Art Gallery Fabrics web site. 

Now, to help you out with your sewing projects, my generous sponsor, the Fat Quarter Shop has a beautiful stash builder bundle to giveaway this month. The Ivory Color Fun bundle is made up of favorite AGF cream, ivory, and white prints that are essential staples in any stash. Two of my favorite Gossamer prints are part of this bundle!

TO ENTER:

Giveaway for the Ivory Color Fun bundle begins today, Tuesday, September 6th, 2016 and will end on Tuesday, September 13th, 2016 at 4 p.m. EDT. 

• Leave a comment on this blog post anytime between 9/6/16 and 4 p.m. EDT on 9/13/16 to be entered into drawing

The winner will be randomly drawn and notified via email so be sure to completely fill out the comment box entry form with a valid email address. The winner of the bundle will also be announced with a congratulatory reply to their comment entry after 4 p.m. EDT 9/13/16. If the winning name does not reply to email or comment reply within 24 hours I will select an alternate name. 

Summer Discoveries

Fourth of July means summer's now in full swing. If you're like me you still want to be sewing projects but not a lot of big commitment ones. After all, you still want to be outdoors, weed the vegetable garden, and have some summertime fun. Here's a few ways I've been keeping creatively active and still have time to get away and play outside. 

1. Garage Sales

I honestly don't stop at garage sales as much as I used to. I was an addict in the old days but as you amass a bunch of stuff, you no longer want to have a bunch of stuff. But...I've been clearing out my basement and house and with my kids now grown and starting their own homes, that helps me clear things out rather quickly. So, I may have stopped at a few sales the last couple of week. 

Garage sales can be a great resource if you're redecorating. They're phenomenal at saving money if you have kids (clothing, toys, etc.), and also offers an interesting array of crafty materials and inspiration. 

I found these goodies for a steal with photography in mind for the trunk and chair. The mug was total impulse because I love funky coffee cups. I'm always on the hunt for fabric and totally scored with this 6 yards of vintage blue fabric. 

Sometimes you see stuff at sales and you wonder, where the heck will I put that. Well, if you love it and it's a good price ($10 vintage drafting table), then buy it! You'll figure out where it goes later and not be kicking yourself for leaving it behind. I'm glad I bought this table. It now is set up in my basement art studio and I love it!

2. Painting

A great way to stay creatively active in the summer and maybe even do so outdoors at the same time is painting. Watercolor, acrylic, or oils, painting is low-commitment on your time and fun to do. It's also great to get the kids involved although they will lose interest before you do. Some of you may know that I used to paint. I mainly painted in oils and loved landscapes and landscapes with barns. It's been way too long since I've picked up my brushes and they have been calling. You can see some of my past art work on my new Instagram feed sharonhollandart. Follow along as I post new stuff.

Blue Shade by Sharon Holland 20'' x 20'' oil on canvas

Blue Shade is my second canvas upon my returning to painting and it turned out pretty good. The first attempt was definitely a warm up exercise. It's amazing how much you forget! I have a long way to go but now that my studio is in order I can pop down to my basement when I have a little free time or need a break from my normal workflow and work on a new piece. It feels good to be back.

3. Discover New Books

Visit your local library or browse a bookstore. Finding new books is a great way to invigorate your creativity. I just purchased a super exciting craft and hobbies book called Wise Craft by Blair Stocker for "turning thrift store finds, fabric scraps, and natural objects into stuff you love". Yeah, that's what I'm talking about! Not only is Blair the sweetest person, she's an amazing talent and highly creative designer. I cannot get enough of her quilts and sewing projects. Go see more about Blair at Wise Craft Handmade.

The projects in Blair's book Wise Craft are arranged in four sections, one for each season. With 60 amazing projects of varying involvement, you could fill your (and your kids) summer with endless crafting pleasure.

4. Go Online

Summer is definitely a time to slow down a bit and enjoy life. But, it may also be a good time to work ahead on projects for gifts or the holidays ahead (way ahead, I know, but those holidays have a way of sneaking up on us when life gets busy). Why not start some of those projects early? 

I like to start Pinterest boards for all my projects. I'm currently wrapping up a fabric collection for fall Market and before I even drew one line, I had a Pinterest board started with mood board inspirations. Maybe start (secret) boards for all the ones on your gift list. That way when you come across something you think so and so would like, pin it and when you need to buy or make for them you have all your thoughts in one place. 

Going online is also a great source for sewing projects. Of course, you already know that, you're reading this blog post! My friend and Art Gallery Fabrics 'sister' Maureen Cracknell has a wonderful blog that you absolutely must visit. She is currently posting projects that are great for everyone to love like this small, quick summer projects the Herringbone Backpack. Maureen also teaches a Craftsy class about Quilt As You Go which is great if you've hesitated about getting into quilting because of the finishing part. 

Herringbone Backpack by Maureen Cracknell

5. Win

FAT QUARTER BUNDLE GIVEAWAY!

What better way to liven up your fabric stash for summer sewing then with new fabric! The fabulous Bari J., another dear friend and AGF sister has designed a stunning new fabric line called Joie de Vivre which means a cheerful enjoyment of life. Read below on how to enter this months fabric giveaway.

This blog is sponsored by the Fat Quarter Shop and we've teaming up to bring you a chance to win an Art Gallery Fabrics fat quarter bundle giveaway every month! Yes, a bundle of fabulous AGF fabrics every month. 

TO ENTER:

Giveaway for the Hivernal Cloud Joie de Vivre bundle begins today, Monday, July 4th, 2016 and will end on Monday, July 11th, 2016 at 4 p.m. EDT. 

• Leave a comment on this blog post anytime between 7/4/16 and 4 p.m. EDT on 7/11/16 to be entered into drawing

The winner will be randomly drawn and notified via email so be sure to completely fill out the comment box entry form with a valid email address. If I cannot reach the winner within 24 hours I will select an alternate winner. Check back on your comment after 4 p.m. EDT 7/11/16 to see if you are a winner!

Pre-Show Post

This week will just be a quicky post to show you some Tapestry fabrics Quilt Market prep projects and to also bring you May's fat quarter bundle giveaway courtesy of The Fat Quarter Shop.

With only a week and a half away you can imagine all the last minute details and punch lists I am running through this week. The bulk of my sewing is done. I've stitched six quilts which wait to be packed into my largest suitcase to take with me on the plane. Heidi Staples of Fabric Mutt as sewn the coolest bags for my booth and Alexis Wright of My Sweet Sunshine Studio has stitched up the most drool worthy little dresses from the meager fabric samples I was able to send her. You girls are amazing!

Bag and baskets made by Heidi Staples of Fabricmutt

Don't you just love these Pixie Baskets and tote Heidi made? Heidi has a free pattern on her blog for the cute Pixie Baskets and other variations.

Be watching for show news to see the other wonderful bags that Heidi made with my fabrics. I will also post recaps of the show on this blog so you don't miss a thing!

Alexis Wright is a genius with fabric and garment sewing. She took the smallest fabric samples and turned them into adorable dresses. She made four stunning looks and here's just one to give you an idea. So adorable!

Dress by Alexis Wright of My Sweet Sunshine Studio

As for me, I haven't been taking it easy and letting everyone else do the work :) You've already seen the Orange Peel Table Runner free pattern project I made for the show from my new collection. I have 5 more (full-size) quilts ready for the show. Hopefully we will have a break in this rain so I can get them properly photographed before I leave next week. 

Here's a look at my Tracery quilt to give you a little peek at what I've made. You may notice some Gossamer fabrics and Coastline fabrics incorporated into the low-volume strips. I love how my previous collections work seamlessly with this new one. Visit my Instagram feed at sharonhollanddesigns to see a little video of this quilt hung open wide. 

Tracery quilt by Sharon Holland 

Fat Quarter Bundle Giveaway!

This blog is sponsored by the Fat Quarter Shop and we've teaming up to bring you a chance to win an Art Gallery Fabrics fat quarter bundle giveaway every month! Yes, a bundle of fabulous AGF fabrics every month. 

TO ENTER:

Giveaway for the Joyful Carousel bundle begins today, Monday, May 9th, 2016 and will end on Monday, May 16th, 2016 at 4 p.m. EDT. 

• Leave a comment on this blog post anytime between 5/9/16 and 4 p.m. EDT on 5/16/16 to be entered into drawing

The winner will be randomly drawn and notified via email so be sure to completely fill out the comment box entry form with a valid email address. If I cannot reach the winner within 24 hours I will select an alternate winner. Check back on your comment after 4 p.m. EDT 5/16/16 to see if you are a winner!

Happy sewing!