Spirited Look Book - The Sundries

Spirited Look Book - The Sundries

Spirited banner 2.jpg

Today’s post is Part 3 of a closer look at the projects I made for the Spirited Look Book by Art Gallery Fabrics.

Spirited is my newest fabric collection for Art Gallery Fabrics and with every new collection, AGF publishes a virtual magazine showing you beautiful ways to sew with the fabrics. I contributed a lot of sewing projects to the Spirited Look Book and my three part blog series gives you more images and project information beyond the virtual pages. I’ve split up my blog post coverage into categories: Week 1 was all about The Quilts. Week 2 was about The Garments and this week, The Sundries (or everything else).

Spirited by Sharon Holland

Spirited by Sharon Holland

Spirited quilting cottons, knits, and rayons are shipping to quilt shops everywhere. I’ve started a stock lists of online shops for this collection on my FABRICS page and will continue to add links as more shops get their listings up. If your local quilt shop hasn’t ordered it yet, let them know you’d like to sew with these prints and feel the AGF difference for yourself at your favorite shop.

The Sundries

Chenille and Diamond Fleck pillows by Sharon Holland

Chenille and Diamond Fleck pillows by Sharon Holland

On November 21, I blogged about these fun Chenille Pillows. I love them so much and would like to make more pillows on this order maybe using the Embellished Threads and Horizon Mirage prints from the collection. The possibilities are endless with how you can use chenille to jazz up fabrics.

Extra Edited Chenille Pillows-4 webjpg.jpg

Read further on how to make the Chenille Pillow project HERE.

Extra Edited Photos-26 web.jpg

The Diamond Fleck pillow is an adaptation of the Diamond Fleck table runner (free) project by Art Gallery Fabrics. I followed the piecing directions from the pattern but scaled down the size of the blocks to better fit the size of my pillow form.

Diamond Fleck Pillow-2 web.jpg

Simple straight-line quilting on the batting-backed patchwork pillow top adds some visual and tactile texture. I used my Hidden Zipper tutorial for a professional pillow finish that can be easily removed for laundering.

Spirited collection by Sharon Holland

Spirited collection by Sharon Holland

Any of the prints in this collection would be amazing in a pillow to spice up your home. I love that Art Gallery Fabrics has 99 Pure Solids to select from and that so many of them coordinate beautifully with this collection.

Burda Style Softie Horse

Burda Style Softie Horse

Long time ago, when my kids were little I used to sew quite a bit and make stuffed animals and dolls for them to play with. I was thrilled to find this Burda Style softie horse pattern and make a horsey for my granddaughter. I’ll have an Amazon affiliate link for the pattern at the end of this post.

Horse Softie-20 web.jpg

I used the Embellished Threads Deep print from Spirited for the body and accents of Bright Star Washed and AGF Smooth Denim in Nectarine Sunrise. This was a super-fun sewing project and will delight any horse lover young or old.

Duffle Bag -09 web.jpg

I really stretched my sewing muscles this collection with a wide variety of makes. Another rewarding project is the Weekender Bag by Delia Creates. This is a free pattern that I modified to have a patchwork exterior. Again, I followed the instructions to the letter but instead of making the exterior panels from a solid cut of fabric, I improv-pieced to get the material up to size. Before assembly I cross hatch machine quilted the pieced panels for extra awesomeness and to make the fabric thicker because I used quilting cotton rather than home decor canvas.

Weekender Bag pattern by Delia Creates

Weekender Bag pattern by Delia Creates

I used leather for the handles and I’ll put my Amazon (affiliate) link for what I bought at the end of this post along with the source for the lovely by-the-yard zippers.

Duffle Bag Interior-3 web.jpg

The tutorial by Delia Creates included two interior pocket options. I like them both so I added two pockets: One large patch pocket and a large zipper pocket for the stuff you don’t want loose in the roomy bag.

Duffle Bag Interior-1 web.jpg

This bag is the perfect carry-on size. My daughter is now the proud owner of it so I will need to make another one for myself!

Drawstring Bag pattern by Made Everyday

Drawstring Bag pattern by Made Everyday

The drawstring bags weren’t a project in the Spirited Look Book but rather something I’ve sewn afterwards. I wanted something large enough to hold Christmas gifts that would be more practical than gift wrap and love how fabrics from my past collections coordinate with my new Spirited line. The top left, white and green print along with the bottom left green print are both from my Signature collection and really play well with Spirited!

The free tutorial for these bags comes from Dana Willard of Made Everyday. Dana has a fun video to walk you through the steps to make these useful bags. These drawstring bags would be a great addition to a Weekender Bag to pack sundries and laundry!

Handy Baskets by Sharon Holland

Handy Baskets by Sharon Holland

You remember the free Handy Baskets pattern I released prior to the Look Book? If you missed that post, read more about it HERE. I’ve made an update to the original PDF download as I had omitted an important cutting step. If you re-download the PDF it has been amended or you can jot down the cutting information addition to a PDF you’ve already printed out. The addition is highlighted in bold print below:

PREP

From the cork:

Cut three 18'' x 8-½'' (directional) strips for lining then cut into three 8-½'' x 16'' strips (for three baskets).

Handy Basket Reversible web.jpg

Using cork as the lining gives these baskets a sturdy shape that wipes up easily. The construction of these bags makes them fully reversible, as well!

Apple Season Coasters by Sharon Holland

Apple Season Coasters by Sharon Holland

One of my most popular free projects has been these Apple Season Coasters. I couldn’t resist remaking them for the Spirited Look Book because the prints and colors of this collection are so yummy and perfect for the holidays. Stitching up a set of coasters as a hostess or teacher gift is a quick project for you gift giving list.

Spirited table scape by Sharon Holland

Spirited table scape by Sharon Holland

Christmas and get togethers are just around the corner. I’m basically ready but this weekend will be full-on baking and house cleaning. I’ll leave you with just a few pretty pictures of my house and decorations.

I don’t go all out and in fact this is the first time in I think 7 years that I pulled out the tree to decorate. I do more of a winter garden theme and do love the extra light and joy it brings to the house on the shortest daylight hours of the year.

Tree 2019 2.jpg

Wishing you all the best for 2020!

Sharon Holland Woodland Tree.jpg

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. Thank you!

Enchanted Voyage Projects

Enchanted Voyage Projects

Projects made with Enchanted Voyage fabrics

Projects made with Enchanted Voyage fabrics

I’ve been so busy sewing and doing life things I can’t believe my last post was September 5th but now that I’m here to write a new post about my makes—it does feel like I’ve been neglecting my blog. Sorry about that but to make up for lost time I have a real fun post today all about my Enchanted Voyage makes.

Photo courtesy of Brooke Becker of Lady Belle Fabric

Photo courtesy of Brooke Becker of Lady Belle Fabric

Enchanted Voyage is Maureen Cracknell’s newest fabric collection for Art Gallery Fabrics. As in all of Maureen’s collections, she puts her dreamy-boho style into each of the prints. I had the great pleasure of working with some of these magical prints to make projects to share in the upcoming Enchanted Voyage Look Book.

Soul Mates by Sharon Holland

Soul Mates by Sharon Holland

It’s hard to know which project to start with so I’ll go in order of being made. First up is my Soul Mates dolls. This is a pattern I had developed and sold in my shop a few years back under the title “Sew Sister”. When updating my shop, it was one of the patterns that didn’t get reformatted and transferred to my current SHOP now on my site. I was waiting for just the right time for an update and Maureen’s collection was the perfect storm (teehee) to give the Sew Sister a tattooed beau.

Soul Mates by Sharon Holland

Soul Mates by Sharon Holland

I’m pleased to announce the 2.0 version of this pattern is now in my SHOP with a new name, “Soul Mates”, updated instructions, illustrations, and full-size templates to make this hip couple. I used the Ocean Notes print from Enchanted Voyage to give the guy a tattooed torso, arms, and legs.

Soul Mates by Sharon Holland

Soul Mates by Sharon Holland

Next up are the Gather Round Placemats. I originally designed this free pattern for my Bountiful Holiday Blog Tour and made them in my Bountiful fabric for Art Gallery Fabrics. Once again, Maureen’s collection of delicious blues was the perfect look for a remake.

Gather Round placemats by Sharon Holland

Gather Round placemats by Sharon Holland

One of my favorite types of photography is shooting table scapes. I’m not sure which came first, the idea to make the placemats or how I planned to photograph them!

Gather Rund Placemats 3.jpg

It was very tempting to add more colors besides just the blues and white/cream prints but I wanted to keep these placemats very classic—like blue willow dishes.

Gather Round placemats by Sharon Holland

Gather Round placemats by Sharon Holland

The Gather Round placemat pattern is a free pattern perfect as a beginner project and fast to make. With the holiday season just around the corner it’s always nice to have some new table decor to spice up your settings.

Gather Round Placemats 4.jpg

The original plan was just to make the dolls and the placemats but I still had some scraps left over and still wanted to play more with these beautiful prints! I’ve always wanted to try making a rope bowl and the cool texture and projects that could be made from this craft seemed the perfect fit for a nautical-inspired collection.

Rope basket by Sharon Holland

Rope basket by Sharon Holland

I used Mister Domestics You Tube video to learn how to make rope bowls and added leather handles for a more rustic look.

The clothesline rope I used for my bowls is 7/32” diameter Size #7. The brand I used is Evandale Cotton Clothesline and came in 150 feet hank. Look for the Amazon paid affiliate link at the bottom of this page for the actual product mentioned.

Rope Basket 2.jpg

To get a sharp turn on the sides of your bowl, like mine, hold the the basket at more of a 45° angle when stitching the sides. To finish my basket I added leather strips with rivets for a more rugged look. See paid affiliate links at bottom of page for leather and rivets.

As accessories to my table scape I made some quick cotton napkins using Art Gallery Fabrics Smooth Denim in Infused Hydrangea. My go-to instructions for making raw edge napkins like this can be found at Martha Stewart.

Rope coasters by Sharon Holland

Rope coasters by Sharon Holland

Making the rope basket was so much fun I decided to use the same technique to make coasters. The hardest part about the coasters is stopping at around 4” in diameter. It’s so tempting to just keep sewing! Even after making the basket and coasters I still have plenty left for another bowl and plan to make more of these—maybe even as gifts, they’re just so darn cool!

Rope Coasters 2.jpg

Be sure to check out the Enchanted Voyage Look Book to see more about these projects and loads of other great sewing inspiration with Maureen’s gorgeous new collection.

Next month I’ll be sharing my new Spirited collection with you and all the fun projects I’m currently working on in preparation for the Spirited Look Book. Until then, happy sewing!

Photo courtesy of Brooke Becker of Lady Belle Fabric

Photo courtesy of Brooke Becker of Lady Belle Fabric

I am an Amazon Associate site and earn from qualifying purchases on the products I’ve linked below. I’ve bought and used these products to make the projects in this blog post and recommend to you.

Apples to Apples

Apples to Apples

Apple Season Coasters by Sharon Holland

Apple Season Coasters by Sharon Holland

Can you guess what’s the theme is for this blog post? Yup, apples and I have two super fun (and scrappy) apple-themed projects for you to make.

Aurifil 2018 Designer Block of the Month block by Sharon Holland

Aurifil 2018 Designer Block of the Month block by Sharon Holland

Apple Season Coasters

Signature Apple Season Coasters 3.jpg

It’s always nice to have some quick, small projects that use up scraps and yet are still useful! I had designed these apple mug rugs several years back as a project for my magazines I worked on. The neat thing is I had originally made them with Art Gallery Fabrics and I am again—only this time with my Signature prints and Maureen Cracknell’s newest collection called Autumn Vibes!

Apple Season Coasters 1.jpg

Download the free PDF pattern for making these easy coasters. It’s the perfect time of year to have extra mug rugs on hand for family gatherings and cozy relaxation with your favorite hot drink.

Autumn Vibes Apple Season Coasters 2.jpg

If you’re like me you have lots of beautiful fabric scraps as well as left over pieces of batting. I couldn’t stop at just making a set a four Signature Apple Season coasters, I had to make a few more.

Later this week I’ll be sharing a beginner-friendly quilt project made from Maureen’s new Art Gallery Fabrics collection called Autumn Vibes. The beautiful fall colors and motifs really speak to me. I had some scraps left over from the quilt and made an additional four coasters.

Autumn Vibe Apple Season Coasters.jpg

Wouldn’t these make the cutest hostess gifts? I can just picture them tucked into a basket with mugs, tea or hot cocoa, and don’t forget some cookies or apple butter!

Aurifil 2018 Designer Block of the Month

Courtesy of Aurifil

Courtesy of Aurifil

Last fall I was asked by Pat Sloan to be part of this year’s Aurifil Designer of the Month sampler sew along—how exciting, huh?!!! This year’s theme is “The Places We Go” and the 12 designers are to make a block inspired by favorite places.

I love NY collage by Sharon Holland

I love NY collage by Sharon Holland

I decided to use New York City, NY as my muse and what better way to show this iconic city than with a Big Apple!

Photo by Nick Holland

Photo by Nick Holland

For the free PDF download on how to make this block along with my interview with Pat Sloan and a further look at this block and my inspiration, visit the Auribuzz blog post about my September block-of-the-month.

You can jump in at anytime to make this travel-inspired quilt and get to know all the fabulous designers behind the blocks, read about their inspiration, and meet new quilty friends as you share and post your blocks. As host, Pat also has loads of awesome prizes and tips, too!

Big Apple block by Sharon Holland

Big Apple block by Sharon Holland

I used a variety of Art Gallery Fabrics prints and Pure Elements solids in my block. The color theme for this year’s Aurifil quilt is black and white plus one color of choice. There’s so many amazing black and white graphic prints from AGF that narrowing it down was the hardest part! I kept the apple a bit simpler and used solids except for the Mudcloth Bachelorette print that made me think of apple seeds. Of course, Aurifil thread was used and I had some luscious colors to choose from.

Aurifill_threads_SharonHollandl.jpg

Here’s a look at my small and large Aurifil Color Story box sets of curated threads to go with my Art Gallery Fabrics fabric collections. Look for them wherever Aurifil threads are sold.

Happy fall everyone!