Signature Baby Room Part 2

Signature Baby Room Part 2

Sometimes my life gets moving so fast, I'm onto the next project like a machine, forgetting to slow down, enjoy, and post about all my accomplishments. My new Signature fabric collection has been such a joy and with each project comes little surprises and great photo ops that I've taken lots of beautiful photos. I thought I'd spend more time with each of these makes and post some additional stories about what I sewed in June for the Art Gallery Fabrics Signature Look Book. I hope you'll enjoy these between the projects posts.

It was so much fun to put together a baby room of Signature fabric projects! Signature is my newest fabric collection for Art Gallery Fabrics and came out this May. Ask your local shop for this line or shop the many online stores that carry it. See my Fabrics page for online stock lists. 

Last week in Part 1, I showed you behind the Look Book projects in a bit more depth and links to the tutorials for the pretty projects. I'll wrap up this week with Part 2 plus a fun stuffed turtle make I stitched up last week as a gift for my granddaughter. 

Possibly to two easiest projects stitched for my Signature Baby Room were the crib sheet and the knit blanket. Find a tutorial for my Ruching Rose pillow HERE.

I wish I'd known how easy it was to make crib sheets when my kids were little! Dana Willard, friend and also an Art Gallery Fabrics designer sister has a fun You Tube video for how to make a fitted crib sheet. AGF fabric is so soft and the perfect designer prints to customize the look for baby's room.

The knit blanket not only is cuddly soft with AGF knits but is another easy make. You wouldn't even have to finish the edges if you didn't want too because knit doesn't fray but to dress it up a bit I added some pre-made bias tape with a crochet edge for a sweet little touch. A nice tutorial for making a knit blanket can be found at Kitchen Table Quilting.

Earlier, in June, I blogged about my free Star Light baby quilt pattern. The inspiration for this quilt came when I was making the Cactus block for the Community Sampler. This shows how you can take a block you love and run with it to make a completely new quilt. Find the free pattern HERE.

Even though my Signature Baby Room was intended as a gender neutral room I still couldn't help seeing it through my granddaughter's eyes. Because she loves butterflies and this fabric collection is about nature and includes butterflies in some of the prints I made several fabric butterflies and used them in various decor projects. Read more about how I created these HERE and learn how to make them. 

There are so many Signature makes I'm obsessed about but maybe the one that brings on the biggest smile is the turtle footstool I wrote about in my Part 1 post. Since this guy is staying at my house for the grandchildren to visit I thought I'd make my granddaughter a turtle of her own. 

I found the cutest free softie pattern on the Make it and Love it blog and of course had to make a version in Signature fabrics!

To add just a little extra to my turtle I stitched some Dritz Make Your Own Chenille to the shell before adding the feet and added a fabric heart outlined with chenille to it's tummy before assembling the body. 

Turtle, as he's called, now has an honorary spot in her bed and she love's her new friend!

Because every turtle needs a home, I painted an old basket up to give it a fresh new look (that coordinates, of course with my fabrics) and made the turtle his own blanket. I had as much fun making this as she's having playing with him!

And, way too much fun photographing this turtle. 

Don't forget to check out the Art Gallery Fabrics Look Books that come out with every new fabric line and all the oodles of free quilting and sewing patterns like the Sunflower quilt I designed for this collection and the AGF Studio Butterfly pillow pattern. 

Have a wonderful summer!

Love,

Sharon

My Signature Sampler Begins

My Signature Sampler Begins

You've nearly finished or better yet, you've finished both your Sewcial Bee Sampler and Community Sampler, now what? During those sew alongs, did you find yourself saying "This is my favorite block, yet!" or "I could make a whole quilt from this block!" Well, now's your chance to explore those blocks further and even try out some new blocks.

I've been anxious to make a sampler quilt with my new Signature fabric for Art Gallery Fabrics so I came up with an idea for a sampler sew along that will be as fun for me as it is for you! The bright idea is to utilize all the block instructions from the Sewcial Bee Sampler (SBS), Community Sampler (CS), AGF Quilt Block Collection (AGF), and the blocks from the Quilter's Planner magazine (QP) and let you be the designer! 

You can create your own sampler quilt or sew along with me as I make my sampler. I've made a handy-dandy fabric and coloring book page for you if you want to make a quilt with the same blocks as mine. Both the colored (fabric) version and blank version have a block list that contains the block's sources and week order in four columns below the illustration. I've even included fabric information for the materials I'll be sewing with on the colored (fabric) version.

Click image to download fabrics page

Since this is not a structured sew along like in the past two events I cannot possibly know everyones fabric requirements as quilt block selection and sizes will vary. The following is a close proximity of material required for a sampler like the one I will be making. I've figured fat quarters for easy reference but this is a generous figure. All blocks are 12-1/2'' unfinished, that includes the frames on some of the blocks.

My Signature Sampler Material List:

• Fourteen assorted fat quarters for blocks
• 1-1/2 yards for center setting triangles
• 1-1/4 yards for outer edge setting triangles
• 1/2 yard for binding
• 4-1/4 yards for backing
• 74'' square batting

Click image to download coloring book page

By having this multitude of blocks available to you at the beginning of the sew along, you're able to work at your own pace. Maybe you want to make all the blocks in one week--that would be amazing! Or, maybe you prefer a one-block-a-week approach and spend more time outdoors with the kids--totally cool!

Whatever your schedule or goal for your quilt design it's up to you--the designer. By me organizing and hosting a sew along for this freeform-style sampler, it keeps you motivated and sharing your progress on Instagram (which keeps you in the running for the weekly IG giveaway prizes!)*

Photo by Sharon Holland

My Signature fabrics are all about the natural world and gardens. I want my quilt to capture the abundance of flowers now blooming in my yard so I can celebrate this same joy all year round and this flat lay photo of cuttings from my yard is my inspiration for my fabric selections.

Sunflower block featuring Signature fabrics from the AGF Quilt Block Collection

This entire sew along concept came after I made my own version of the above Sunflower block from the AGF Quilt Block Collection. If you'd like to add this block to your sampler, use the provided link to watch a You Tube tutorial for how it's pieced as well as detailed cutting instructions on the drop down More feature in the text. 

Block #1 - My Signature Sampler

Using the previously written PDFs for past samplers, AGF block tutorials, and the beautifully written and illustrated Quilter's Planner block of the month instructions that frees me up from writing and let's me have more fun this time around. Each week I will provide links to the various blocks I put into my sampler and if I've made any variations to the original block instructions I will give you that information in the blog post.

Remember, you can always refer back to the Sewcial Bee Sampler and Community Sampler blog post tutorials the accompanied each past sew along block by using the search bar at the top of this blog. There you will get additional information on how to piece each block or technique. 

If you need extra help with your patchwork or would like to learn how to control the direction of your prints in half-square triangle units and other piecing techniques, visit my Tutorials page for lots of great tutorials all in one place. 

For a listing of online shops that carry my Signature collection, visit my Fabrics page.

Sponsors

Due to putting this sew along together so quickly, I'm still waiting to hear back from some sponsors. Expect this already impressive list of generous sponsors to fill out over the next couple of weeks.

Art Gallery Fabrics | Hobbs Batting | The Quilter's Planner | Quilters Candy Box | Bloc_Loc |

Giveaway

Every Friday when I reveal a new block to My Signature Sampler, I'll also be posting the weekly giveaway. 

To get you sewing on the right foot and entice you to sew your sampler with Signature fabrics (wink, wink) I'm giving away a 20-piece fat quarter bundle of my Signature fabrics for Art Gallery Fabric plus an additional fat quarter of Perennial Printemps (not shown in image above) for a total of 21 fat quarters!

This lucsious Signature collection comes in two color ways. On the left is the Foliar color way of coral, yellow, and forest greens. The stack on the right is called the Atmospheric color way and is cooler tones of turquoise, teal, fuchsia, and pink.

I've mixed a bit from both color ways into my sampler and added the recolored Printemps Fusions version of my Bountiful Perennial print (shown above on the bolt) to bring in more yellow to go with the Signature Lacey Cosmos print (top right).  

This Giveaway is now CLOSED. Congratulations to Maxime Suchoski!

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 me on Instagram or Pinterest. Just let me know that you did by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment-second entry). 

3. My blog followers get a third entry! If you follow via subscribing to my posts, just let me know by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (Separate comment-third entry).

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 My Signature Sampler sew along on YOUR instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, blog post, etc... (separate comment-fourth entry). 

That’s FOUR possible entries! Enter now through Monday, June 25th! The winner will be picked at random around 4pm Eastern. I will post the name of the winner on this post once they've been notified and responded to my email.

*Don't forget to enter into this same giveaway on Instagram by posting images of your sampler inspiration, sampler fabric pull, blocks, or posting the My Signature Sampler badge (below). Use the official #mysignaturesampler hashtag every time you post about this sew along on IG to better your chances of winning. See my Instagram giveaway post @sharonhollanddesigns for full details. 

Thanks for sewing along with me!

xxxx Sharon

Signature Bucket Bag

Signature Bucket Bag

This month my sixth fabric collection, Signature for Art Gallery Fabrics hits the shops. I couldn't be more excited to share this collection with you in the form of new, free projects!

As the industry gathers in Portland, Oregon this weekend for the Spring Quilt Market, I'm staying home and opted out of displaying my new collection at the show. My decision not to go stemmed from several reasons. One, my second grandchild arrived in April and I took a break from work to go lend a hand. That put me way behind in my normal market prep sewing but I wouldn't have missed being present for the birth for the world! 

Two, I decided, in advance that if I stayed home I would finally remodel my sewing/guest room in my house and turn it into a proper studio space so I could stage different photography scenes for my projects. I was actually able to remodel my room and buy some new props for less than it would have cost me to go to the show and now I can bring you more and better displays here from home. 

This is just a tiny peek into the first of several Signature Looks. Over the next few weeks I will be posting new, free projects and a closer look into each set up. As always, be sure to watch my feed and Stories on Instagram for even more, day-to-day posts.

You first saw my Kantha-Style Bucket Bag when I took part in Jessica Swifts Tallinn blog tour last month. I just didn't have the time then to write up the pattern for it then, and thank you for being patient till I could get it prepared. 

There were so many asking for this pattern after I posted about it I decided to remake it in my new Signature fabrics, get the pattern written, and include it in the Signature LookBook coming out next month. 

You'll find the free PDF download for my Bucket Bag on the Free Patterns page of this blog. 

Bag details include hand-quilted stitching with Aurifloss embroidery thread on the exterior of the bag, eight roomy interior pockets, and fun embellishments like Extra-Large Eyelets and Swivel Hook, and Tassel Cap from Dritz. 

For the interior of the bag I used Art Gallery Fabrics Smooth Denim (DEN-S-2007) in Nectarine Sunrise and Lateral Bud Profusion (SGN-68710) for the pockets. 

For the exterior of my bag I use (from the opening to bottom) Extempore Fancy (SGN-58700), Traveler Raindrops (SGN-58705), Lateral Bud Profusion (SGN-68710), and Small World Sprightly (SGN-68713).

For a quick tutorial on how to make a tassel using the Dritz Tassel Cap kit, take a look back at the Tallinn blog tour post.

There are 20 prints in the Signature collection and comes in two color ways. Between the two color ways there are 14 different prints because in some cases the print only has one coloring. That's what makes this collection so deep and interesting. I'm still making discoveries as I sew! Above is the Foliar color way and below is the Atmospheric color way.

Shops are just getting their stock of Signature in and I've begun adding a few online shop listings to my Fabrics page. Some have already sold out in the first week so keep checking back as they restock and more shops list their new inventory.

Community Sampler Giveaway Week #12

Community Sampler Giveaway Week #12

Each Friday, throughout the Community Sampler sew-along, that Maureen Cracknell and myself are co-hosting, will be a Giveaway Friday. We've coordinated special giveaway prizes with our amazing participating sponsors for each and every week! If you've happened to miss the first Community Sampler posts, take a look back from the first post Community Sampler Week #1 to get caught up to the present. Feel free to start sewing with us at anytime--it's never too late to join in, and it's free! 

COMMUNITY SAMPLER SPONSORS

Lady Belle Fabric  Omnigrid   Aurifil Thread  Art Gallery Fabrics   Hobbs Batting  Dritz 

 Fat Quarter Shop  Bloc-Loc

TODAY'S FEATURED COMMUNITY SAMPLER IS SPONSOR IS Art Gallery Fabrics and Sharon Holland!

Art Gallery Fabrics was started in 2004. Since then creativity, beauty, and design have been their passions, and to this day, they have not changed, bringing a chic and modern perspective to the quilting industry.

When it comes to designing a fabric collection we always keep originality and uniqueness on the top of our list. We have the pleasure of working with a talented fabric designers who create enticing color palettes and artful, intricate prints that make our collections one of a kind. Art Gallery designs modern fabrics that keep up with ongoing trends and at the same time it encourages our customers to use new colors and patterns so they venture out of their usual comfort zone.

At Art Gallery Fabrics believes strongly in the quality of the fabric and that is transcended in their superior thread count and fine weave. This makes our premium cotton as soft and smooth you can get. You really feel the difference with just one touch!

 Art Gallery Fabrics is offering this gorgeous ten-piece pink & cream fat quarter bundle with prints from various AGF designers! Be sure to follow Art Gallery Fabrics on all their social platforms.

Blog  *  Facebook *  Instagram  * Pinterest  *  Youtube

---

Sharon Holland (that's me) is the author of Utility-Style Quilts for Everyday Living by Sharon Holland (Landauer Publishing 2017). This quilt book is as much a lifestyle book as it is an 80-page, beginner-friendly guide to patchwork. Find easy-to-follow instructions, beautiful photos, fully illustrated step-by-step essential techniques and information to stitch 12 different quilt projects from beginning to end.

Each project is fast-pieced and encourages creative changes with skill-building design tips throughout. The lovely patterns are a reason for you to dig into your stash to make quilts you love. This paperback book encompasses traditional and modern quilting for truly timeless everyday use and functional patchwork.

You can purchase this book from your local quilt shop, favorite bookstore, online like through Amazon (my affiliate link), or from my Store page. If you order from me you'll have the option to have a signed and/or dedication written in your book by the author (me). 

For this week's Community Sampler giveaway one lucky winner will receive the Art Gallery Fabrics 10-pc ............ bundle plus a signed copy of the Utility-Style Quilts for Everyday Living book!

Giveaway now Closed. Congratulations to Angie Terry!

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 Art Gallery Fabrics on their Blog and/or FACEBOOK. 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 Community Sampler on YOUR instagram, facebook, tweet, pin, blog post, etc... (separate comment - fourth entry). 

That’s FOUR possible entries! Enter now through Monday, May 14th! The winner will be picked at random around 4pm Eastern. I will post the name of the winner on this post once they've been notified and responded to my email.

Love,

Sharon