Rambler Quilt

Rambler Quilt

Rambler Quilt by Sharon Holland

There’s been a lot going on since my last post! Have you heard that my new Kismet fabric collection for Art Gallery Fabrics is now available in your favorite quilt shop? Yes!!! I normally would have shops listed on my FABRICS page with online shops carrying my newest collection but one, I’ve been too busy with projects to work on compiling the list and two, many shops sell out of their inventory of Kismet about as fast as they get it in so to keep it current is not doable at this time. The best thing is to check your local or favorite online shops first and then do an internet search for Kismet by Sharon Holland or Art Gallery Fabrics Kismet and see what pops up. Inventories change daily and more Kismet is coming soon so be patient and persistent. Once I have a bit more time I’ll start adding to my stock list Fabric page.

Rambler

There’s a new quilt in my SHOP and it’s called Rambler. I love that name for a quilt and I love this quilt. In fact I love it so much I made three versions! Prepare yourself for an epic blog post and virtual quilt show of Rambler quilts because there’s my quilts to show you and the quilt of six of my testers.

Rambler in Kismet fabrics by Sharon Holland

The first quilt to show is the one that started the whole Rambler parade. It’s made with my new Kismet fabrics from Art Gallery Fabrics and has a wonderful retro 70’s look of a kitted afghan. This big boy is 72-1/2’’ x 86-1/2’’ and is available as a kit from Cottoneer (more on that, keep reading).

The pattern has a very fun technique for making, what I call, Blunt Flying Geese and has very little fabric waste compared to a Flippy Corner technique. The pattern even has coloring pages for you to play around with color variations and comes in two sizes: A full-size quilt and an 18-1/2’’ x 75-1/2’’ table runner.

Both my full size quilts have Hobbs Heirloom Cotton inside for a traditional drape and feel. Because of time crunch I ended up quilting all three of my Rambler makes (two full quilts and one runner). The big quilts are free motion leaves and stylized flower and it turned out pretty good! I like the dense, organic rambling roses effect.

On my Kismet Rambler I used the Fleuron Haven print from the Kismet collection and I’m crazy over this floral as a backing! Having a backing like this makes a quilt double-sided in my book.

I’m excited to be collaborating with Andrea Patton at Cottoneer to bring you kits of the Kismet Rambler. Cottoneer has a huge selection of your favorite fabrics as well as beautifully curated bundles—you’re going to love shopping for all your fabric needs at Cottoneer. The Rambler quilt kit will have all the fabrics I used in my quilt and you can get that amazing floral for the backing while you’re there—how easy is that??!!

For any of the Rambler kits you’ll need to purchase the PDF pattern separately from my SHOP.

Photo courtesy of Cottoneer

While I was waiting for my Kismet fabric to arrive I was anxious to begin work on testing out this quilt pattern and making a sample quilt. I took a look at my fabric collections and curated a peach and spruce quilt I’m calling the Just Peachy Rambler. You know I love these soft peach tones and normally I tend toward peach and teals but the new spruce greens have me heading in a new direction!

For this quilt I selected prints from my Signature and Spirited lines with the addition of my prints found in Ballerina Fusions and Serenity Fusions. Throw in the beautiful new Northern Waters Pure Solid and some Smooth Denim for the binding and you have this soft, peach and spruce version of Rambler.

Don’t worry about trying to source all these fabrics on your own because Victoria Newmyer at Midlife Quilter will be carrying kits of my Just Peachy Rambler quilt. I know you’ll love Victoria’s shop and services!

I quilted this one exactly the same as I had the Kismet version and they feel like brother and sister quilts. I used the butterfly print from my Signature fabric line to back my quilt but you’ll be able to find many beautiful backing options at Victoria’s shop.

Photo courtesy of Midlife Quilter

Victoria even has the sweetest “pretty things inside” muslin bags she sends the fabrics in and made special sized ones for the quilt kits!

Rambler Runner

The additional size option on the Rambler quilt pattern is instructions for a table runner. I personally love table runners because they’re a small project for time and materials, easy to quilt on your own (or even hand quilt), and it’s pretty much my only seasonal decorating change in my house so a fast decor item to your table!

For a festive holiday look that will take me through Valentine’s Day, I chose the Kismet Fleuron Sanctuary print in cranberry tones and Dashing Cinnamon (lines) print. You could easily make this runner in a weekend!

For quilting, I went with a very easy and simple diagonal crosshatch quilting and did it on my domestic sewing machine. I marked out lines with a friction pen and followed the lines of the blocks then went back in and quilted halfway between with more diagonal lines.

I used Kismet Mudcloth Berries both for the backing and the binding. I’m excited to put this into use and start pulling out a few Christmas items. I think I need to make some napkins in this print, too!

Meet the Testers

Now’s the part in my post where I introduce the fabulous testers that worked on this quilt pattern with their own selection of Art Gallery Fabrics. It’s amazing to see how this quilt changes depending upon fabric selection, prints, colors, and placement. To see more of their work, be sure to follow them on the provided links.

Rambler Quilt make by Tracey Taber-Perry

This gorgeous, serene Rambler quilt was made by pattern tester Tracey Taber-Perry @ttabes80 . Tracey is a new comer to quilting but does the nicest work you’d think she’s been quilting for years! She used Art Gallery Fabrics new Serenity Fusions line for her palette and I think this has a beach vibe with the soothing colors as well as a wintery look to it—so it’s perfect year round and would work in any decor!

Rambler quilt make by Marija Vujcic

Marija Vujcic is an amazing sewist and quilter and I recommend you follow her blog at Mara Quilt Designs. Marija pulled fabrics from her stash of assorted Art Gallery Fabrics to make a quilt for her son and made this bold blue beauty! She’ll be free motion quilting her top and I believe plans to back with Minky so you’ll want to check in with her to see the progress and finished quilt—it’s sure to be stunning!

Rambler quilt make by Lindsey Fuessley

Lindsey Fuessley as put a color wheel spin on the Rambler with a palette of muted orange-red, mustard yellow, sage greens, and denim blues. Another feature of Lindsey’s quilt is that her fabrics are mostly blenders or solids and has a very modern feel and graphic pop. Follow Lindsey on her Instagram account @lindseymakes —it’s a quilt feast for the eyes!

Rambler quilt make by Joyce Ulm

Joyce Ulm is a prolific quilter and has done it again with her Rambler make of complimentary blues and rusty orange all in Art Gallery Fabrics solids, blenders, and geometric prints. This would make a great quilt for a guy on your gift list! I know Joyce already has this quilted since this picture collage was made so check out her IG account to see the full reveal. See more of Joyce’s work on Instagram @evamaecustomquilts, Etsy shop, and on her Facebook blog HERE.

Rambler quilt make by Jennifer Cannon

Jennifer Cannon has a keen eye for putting together great fabric combinations and her Rambler make is no exception! This mod pop of teal, mauve, black, and burgundy are pulled from a variety of AGF collections. You can make a quilt just like this because Jennifer is offering Tidal Pool Rambler quilt kits in her Piper Autumn Designs shop. You’ll also love her Etsy shop filled with your favorite fabrics and fabulous bundles.

Rambler quilt make by Christine Trotta

Last, but not least is Christine Trotta’s Rambler quilt make. Christine has collaborated with Victoria Newmyer of Midlife Quilter to curate an Art Gallery Fabrics bundle for the Trellis Rambler version. Burgundy, cream, denim blue, and latte make this palette timeless. The fun mix of lattice geometrics, denim, and florals have a fresh air look to this lovely quilt. For more images of this quilt finished be sure to visit Christines Etsy Shop and Blog as well as her Instagram account @serendipityinlovecreations.

Find the Trellis Rambler kit at Midlife Quilter in all the fabrics seen here plus the binding (not pictured) to make your own!

Photo courtesy of Midlife Quilter

I hope you enjoyed that Rambler parade of quilts and are inspired to make one, or two, or three for yourself or those on your gift list. Find the pattern in my SHOP and follow me on Instagram @sharonhollanddesigns as I post and share more Rambler makes.

GIVEAWAY NOW Closed

Congratulations to: Mackenzie, Sharon, and Angela Miller!!!

* 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. 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 counts as second entry). Note: I'm no longer on Facebook.

3. 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 this giveaway on YOUR instagram, facebook, tweet, pin, blog post, etc... (separate comment counts as a third entry). 

That’s THREE possible entries! Enter now through Friday, November 20, 2020. I’ll be drawing names for three winners. The winning comments will be picked at random around 4pm Eastern. I’ll post the name of the winners on this post once they've been notified and responded to my email.

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.

New Fabric Collection and More!

New Fabric Collection and More!

Kismet by Sharon Holland coming in October

What? Two blog posts in one week! Well, there’s so much happening right now I just had to make a new post just for these special announcements.

Fall collection reveals by Art Gallery Fabrics

This week on Instagram, Art Gallery Fabrics is revealing the fall 2020 collection line up and I have a new collection, Kismet, coming out next month! Click on the image above to see the entire fall line in a beautiful You Tube video.

Kismet is my ninth fabric collection for Art Gallery Fabrics and the name Kismet mean fate or destiny. I truly believe what I’m doing today with fabric and quilt design is what I was meant to be doing and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. Working with Art Gallery Fabrics is the company I’m supposed to be with and the fit couldn’t be any better!

My new collection comes in 16 fall-inspired prints—two color ways of 8 quilting cottons each. Pictured above is the Fate color way with charcoal, amber, pumpkin, and creams.

The second color way is called Destiny and includes charcoal, blush, berry and off-white. There’s one print missing from the grouping above.

These are the strike offs for the collection and what I have to work with for the time being (a little less than a fat quarter). I really hate to cut into these precious fabrics but I’ll have to start some sewing projects with them soon as I wait for my rolls to arrive in October.

The number of non-quilting cotton substrates AGF is including with each collection is being reduced and you’ll notice the new collections either have one knit and one rayon or two knits or in the case of Kismet, two rayons. I really felt these prints would make the prettiest garments and cannot wait to make myself clothing from Burgeon Autumnal (left) and Dashing Jet (right).

The other exciting news about the new AGF collections this year is Fabric Wonders! This is great for shops who’d like to purchase pre-cuts and Fabric Wonders come in Fat Quarters and 10” square bundles. I’m obsessed with how beautiful these look!

You can pre-order my Kismet collection from Fat Quarter Shop, Stash Fabrics, Meander and Make, and Pink Door Fabrics,

Other fantastic news for this week is that I’m the November designer for the Quilter’s Candy Membership! If you’ve never heard about QCM you’re in for a real treat! Think of the Quilter’s Candy membership as an online quilt guild where for only $12 a month, member get access to quilt patterns designed by your favorite quilt designers just for QCM! You can improve your quilting skills, make new friends, and get patterns before anyone else—all from the comforts of home!

Quilter’s Candy Membership perks courtesy of Quilter’s Candy

I designed the Rose Window pattern just for QCM and it releases in November. This pattern comes in two sizes, an over-sized throw and a crib/wall size. I’ll be making the larger quilt with my Kismet fabrics and have a sample done by November to show you how it looks in real life. For now, the image below is a virtual mock up.

I did want to have something to show you right now in a real quilt so I’ve stitched up the small version in a Christmas palette using prints from AGF Foresta Fusions, Signature, and Coastline.

Rose Window by Sharon Holland

So, you’re probably asking, how do I sign up for the Quilter’s Candy Membership? It’s easy but you have to hurry because registration only opens up once a year and ends September 4th, 2020 at midnight. If you want to check out more about it or sign up, use this affiliate link to sign up. Quilter’s Candy Membership link. Your first pattern will come in September!

I’ll see you back here next Wednesday as we start the Sweet Home Quilt Along. If you missed my last post, get caught up on the quilt along here.

Phoenix Quilt Pattern Release

Phoenix Quilt Pattern Release

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

Sweet Home & Faux Chenille

Sweet Home & Faux Chenille

Sweet Home quilt by Sharon Holland

Last week I released my newest quilt pattern called Sweet Home and shared images of one of the two Sweet Home quilts I’ve made from this pattern.

This week I’ll be showing the second quilt in a completely different fabric pull and color palette plus I’ve an awesome Chenille-It Blooming Bias giveaway to tell you about at the end of this post.

I love these quilts so much that I knew my two grandkids would love them too and have fun snuggling and playing on them. The first quilt with the Boho-Chic vibe of pinks, blush, and aqua was made for my granddaughter and her baby brother needed an All-American boy version. At two years old, he’s already showing preferences and one of them is his love for stripes!

Art Gallery Fabrics Sweet Home quilt fabric pull

Since this pattern is made for digging into your stash and using lots of prints that’s exactly what I did! I pulled a mix of Art Gallery Fabrics from lines I’ve designed and added in AGF prints from other lines and designers to come up with this American Summer palette.

With all the fabric shortages right now I’m not sure all these prints will be easy to find but, if you’d like to duplicate the American Summer version I’ve made the pattern supplement into a PDF download. Simply click on the graphic above and print it out for your reference when using the Sweet Home pattern.

The print used as the backing on both my Sweet Homes quilt is Lillium from my very first Art Gallery Fabrics collection. I used each of the color ways and in the fabric pull photo, I’ve listed the sku info for the color way used in this American Summer version.

The geometric quilting design on this quilt was long arm quilted by Brooke Becker of Lady Belle Fabric. Brooke did the quilting on both of my Sweet Home quilts and has a large selection of quilting designs and styles to choose from. I highly recommend her long arm services and as a fabric shop. Brooke’s quilting is perfection and the service incredible!

Sweet Home quilt kits available at Lady Belle Fabric

Find Sweet Home quilt kits at Lady Belle Fabric in a beautiful Art Gallery Fabrics fabrics curated by Brooke. Don’t delay, she sold out of kits last week but has reordered and restocked—they’re sure to go fast!

How to Apply Faux Chenille

The number one comment or question I’ve had about this quilt is about the chenille binding. So, this week it’s all about adding faux chenille to a quilt! I’ve put together a You Tube video to show you just how easy it is to attach Chenille-It Blooming Bias to a quilt to get this amazing faux chenille finish to the edges. Click video below to watch!

Easy-peasy, right!??! I’ve already ordered more Chenille-It 5/8’’-wide binding for my next new quilt pattern! Visit the Chenille-It Faux Chenille website and check out all the beautiful colors and project ideas! Keep reading till the end for a chance to win Blooming Bias tape for you and a friend!

I no longer have the Sweet Home quilts here and as soon as I took as many photos as I thought I’d need, I shipped both quilts out to my grandkids. This little guy set right to work servicing the town!

The quilts couldn’t have been made at a better time because my daughter and her family just this week closed on their new house and can get out of the rental they’ve been in since the beginning of the year. The kids have been sharing this room in a janky little turn-of-the-century house. My daughter painted the room and although it’s not got one straight wall, it was still a fun room to get these “in use” photos of the quilts. They’ll all be happier once settled into a house they can call their own.

Enter for a chance to win some Chenille-It Blooming Bias!

This week’s giveaway will be held over on Instagram. Visit my Instagram feed @sharonhollanddesigns for a chance for you and a tagged friend to win faux chenille Blooming Bias from Chenille-It. Follow the easy entry steps given in my Friday, May 22, 2020 Instagram post. Thanks to my sponsor, Chenille-It there’ll be 3 winning comments chosen! The randomly selected comments (with a tagged friend) will be picked at random around 4pm Eastern on Monday, May 25th. Winners IG handles will be posted on the IG giveaway post.