Kismet Look Book

Kismet Look Book

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

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.

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.

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!

Charming One

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!

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.

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!

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.

Pillow Shams

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

****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.

Trapeze Quilt

Trapeze Quilt

Pattern Release

There’s a new quilt pattern in my SHOP and it’s called Trapeze! The name may not imply it but this quilt design was inspired by the geometric patterns found on wool blankets.

The Fabrics

In keeping with wool blankets, I purposely kept the number of prints/fabric controlled and instead of every block being different I went with an every block being the same to create an overall pattern.

I chose a completely different color palette then I normally work in and selected Art Gallery Fabrics Denim Blue Pure Solid for the background and prints by Maureen Cracknell’s Soulful and Garden Dreamer collections mixed with my own prints from Spirited and Signature to create the Trapeze - Sky palette.

The Block

The Trapeze quilt pattern is labeled as an Intermediate skill level because there’s a lot of moving parts and some squaring up and trimming involved—but don’t let that intimidate you. All the steps are broken down into manageable sections with fully illustrated instructions. I’ve also created a helpful tutorial on this blog and included the link in the pattern for how to square up half-square triangle and Flying Geese units if you don’t have specialty rulers like these Bloc_Loc rulers.

The large quilt block is beautiful on it’s own and would make a great toss pillow but the real magic happens when the blocks are combined and make the overall quilt pattern.

The Quilt

The pattern comes in two sizes: 75-1/2” x 87-1/2” which is labeled as a Twin/Full size but I’ve put this on my queen-size bed with the length running the width of the bed and it covers a queen nicely! The other size is a large crib or throw size at 51-1/2” x 56-1/2”. You’ll see examples of the crib-size in the Meet the Testers showcase further in this post—keep reading.

Kinda nice to actually see a quilt on a bed, right? I’ve not got one of those super thick mattresses so that also gives me more drape over the sides of a queen bed. This will also give you an idea of scale of the block design.

I love how this looks on my bed but I can’t keep it because it’s a wedding gift to my oldest son who just got married on October 13th! My new daughter-in-law loves the color blue and my son’s always loved the look of woodsy wool blankets so it’s a perfect marriage of their styles.

And, here’s the full view of the quilt and how much fun this repeating pattern is! The secondary geometric designs created is the reason why I call this pattern Trapeze. The diamond rings look like they’re floating on the background and the name fit the airy feeling of space between the geometric shapes.

Brooke at Lady Belle Fabric has Trapeze quilt kits available for the same Trapeze - Sky palette and fabrics used in my blue and cheddar quilt. Order early because these kits always go fast!

The beautiful quilting was stitched by Brooke Becker of Lady Belle Fabric and I used my favorite Hobbs Tuscany Silk Batting inside.

Meet the Testers

I’m so lucky to have talented quilt testers to work with. These ladies give their all to create gorgeous quilts from my patterns and give valuable feedback so you can have the best quilting experience when working with one of my patterns.

All my testers use Art Gallery Fabric in their quilts and decide on their own fabric pulls and color palettes. There were nine testers for this quilt because it was so popular with my pattern testing group and the results are astonishing. Most stitched the small version of this quilt but you’ll notice 1/3 of the quilts are the large size like my own. You’ll also notice many of the testers finished their quilts using the Chenille-It binding method as shown on my video tutorial.

The following collages are just a peek into the incredible quilts made by these ladies. You’ll want to use the links provided in their captions to learn more about each maker and their quilt makes.

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Brittany Tunison

This is Brittany Tunison’s second test quilt for me and she once again wows us with her fabric selection and color play. Brittany has used prints from several AGF collections that include prints by Maureen Cracknell, Amy Sinibaldi, and myself (Sharon Holland). I love her style and you can read more about Brittany’s own work as a quilt pattern designer and for more about her Trapeze quilt make on her brand new blog White Plains Quilts and you can read more about her tester quilt HERE. You can also find Brittany on Instagram @brittanytunison

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Christine Trotta

Christine Trotta has also pattern tested for me before and I love her enthusiasm for everything quilting and sewing. She’s an amazing addition to my tester group and so supportive of all the makers. Christine’s all ready for the holidays with this Trapeze version made with prints from Maureen Cracknell’s new Cozy and Joyful collection for Art Gallery Fabrics. Her addition of Chenille-It binding on the edges instead of traditional binding is the icing on the cake! Follow Christine’s Instagram account @serendipityinlovecreations and for even more fun, stop by her blog HERE.

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Elaine Satterfield

This is the first time I’ve gotten to work with Elaine Satterfield for testing one of my patterns and let me tell you, she’s incredible! I’m in love with her AGF Terra Kotta fabric pull and these colors! Such a beauty of a quilt and made in the small crib/throw-size quilt. Perfect look for fall. Elaine lives in northern California wine country and dreams to longarm and quilt for others someday and maybe even have a little fabric shop. You can follow Elaine’s quilt adventures on Instagram @elaines14

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Eleri Kerian

When Eleri Kerian signed up to test Trapeze for me she couldn’t decide which palette to use because at that time she didn’t know if she was having a girl or a boy—so she made two quilts! Both her makes are the crib/throw-size but one is more decidedly a boy quilt and the other more suited as a girl quilt. Both quilts use an assortment of AGF collection fabrics. Both are finished with Chenille-It binding, and both quilts are spectacular! Which is your favorite? Follow Eleri on Instagram @elerihandmade for daily inspiration and quilting goodness along with the answer if it’s a boy or a girl!

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Joyce Ulm

This is Joyce Ulm’s third test quilt for me and another stunning example of this talented lady’s work. She made this crib/throw Trapeze quilt for her new granddaughter and I love that she selected AGF fabrics in non-traditional colors for a quilt to grow into! Just look at that quilting that Joyce does herself. Here’s another example of Chenille-It binding finish that’s sublime. See more of Joyce’s work on Instagram @evamaecustomquilts, Etsy shop, and on her Facebook blog HERE.

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Marija Vujcic

Another all-star pattern tester is Marija Vujcic. Marija has so much sewing experience and is so kind to share it with the testing group, on her Instagram @mvquilts, and on her blog Mara Quilt Designs. Marija made the full-size Trapeze quilt and I’m obsessed with it! She used my AGF Spirited prints with AGF Pure Solids for a bold and beautiful quilt. The gorgeous quilting was all free-motion quilted my Marija and you can see her process by following her Instagram and blog pages.

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Mary Gove

There’s just something about Mary Gove and her fresh, modern take to quilts that is so exciting! Believe it or not, Mary is very new to quilting and tackled the full-size version of Trapeze in this scrumptious palette of AGF Terracotta Tile Pure Solids and AGF Terra Kotta collection prints. She just got her top back from being long arm quilted and didn’t get it bound and photographed in time for this post so be sure to follow her progress and stunning photos on her Instagram account @thecurlyquilter. There’s more amazing things to come from this quilter—I just know it!

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Sara Marie Gardner

It’s with great pleasure that I had a chance to work with Sara Marie Gardner on a test quilt. A nicer person you just couldn’t meet and her beautiful quilt reflects her beautiful style. Sara Marie chose AGF Trouvaille collection and it’s a show-stopper! Here’s another new comer to the world of quilting and she’s taking the world by storm with her stunning work. See what I mean when you visit her Instagram account @sewlucille and her blog at Sew Lucille Handmade and Etsy shop by the same name, HERE.

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Terri Neil

It’s a real treat to work with quilters like Terri Neil. Terri recently returned to quilting full time and surprised herself with purchasing a long arm machine then surprised herself again and started a long arm business called Quilting Rubies. Terri quilted her Trapeze quilt made in adorable AGF Pacha prints, Pure Solids, and blenders. The stunning black Chenille-It edging is the perfect finish to this baby quilt. Follow Terri on Instagram @quiltingrubies and you’ll be in awe of all the beautiful quilts she makes and quilts for others.

Are you inspired? I sure am and have plans to make this quilt again with my new fabric collection, Kismet coming any day now to shops. Brooke Becker at Lady Belle Fabric will have Trapeze - Kismet kits available once she has the fabrics in stock. So be watching for that and I’ll also make sure to post about Kismet and quilt kits on this blog and my Instagram account @sharonhollanddesigns.

I can’t wait to see your Trapeze quilt makes popping up on social. If you’re on Instagram and use my fabrics or make something from my patterns, be sure to tag me @sharonhollanddesigns so I see your lovely creations!

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.