Canvas Rebel feature

A big thanks to the Canvas Rebel team for giving creatives a platform to share their stories!

I had the wonderful opportunity to reflect on how it all began — from those early days in textile design to building a creative business and designing collections for Art Gallery Fabrics.

It’s honestly wild to think it’s been over a decade since I took that first leap — time really does fly when you’re chasing passion, patterns, and color palettes!

And a special shout-out to my lovely fabric friend Amy Sinibaldi for passing this opportunity my way — your support truly means the world. 💛

If you’re curious to peek behind the scenes of my creative journey, the link is HERE💫  

Katarina

Introducing Plentiful fabric collection and Sawtooth Sky quilt pattern!!!

Hi! Happy 2025!

As we step into this fresh chapter, I want to take a moment to THANK you for being part of this creative journey with me. 

Your support and passion inspire me every day.

This year, I’m excited to bring you even more ideas, patterns, and inspiration to fuel your creativity. 

And I am starting this year introducing my newest quilt pattern Sawtooth Sky!

I had so much fun making this version of this pattern in Seedling, although that was totally not my intention.

As usual, each of my quilt patterns is inspired by my fabric collections, and Sawtooth Sky was created with Plentiful in mind. However, the holiday rush had its own plans, causing a few shipping hiccups along the way. A package that usually takes less than a week to arrive turned into a month-long adventure! So, I had to quickly regroup and choose a different fabric group. And what better way to make a quilt than with my trusted Seedling fabrics? They're my go-to choice when I need a fabric that reads as a solid but is actually a faux textured print, right?

 

The fabrics used are: 

Fabric A          SDL20115 Seeds Sage 

Fabric B          SDL20111 Seeds Copper      

Fabric C          SDL20117 Seeds Pewter       

Fabric D          SDL20114 Seeds Fog 

Fabric E          SDL20112 Seeds Flax

 Here are some of the options in throw size, as seen on page 13.

And my dear friend Sue Vinyard made and quilted this version of the throw quilt in Plentiful prints. 

Here are the requirements in Plentiful:

 

Fabric A                 PLE86109 Floristry Eucalyptus                  2  1/4 yds     

Fabric B                 PLE96105 Blooming Prairie Marigol          5/8 yd              

Fabric B accent     PLE96101 Dancing Florets Solar               1/8 yd  

Fabric C                PLE96100 Melodic Plumage Night             1 3/4 yds                  

Fabric D                PLE96104 Efflorescent Blanket Lava          1 3/4 yds  

Fabric E                PLE96106  Seed Tray Deep                        1 1/4 yds 

You can find this fabric combo available as a fabric kit at Mallory's Fieldstone Fabric shop.

Here's a beautiful version of the FQ friendly option that my friend Alicia Jones of Wild Blooms QuiltCo made.

Here's the requirements page that can help with choosing prints from my Seedling fabric collections.

Click on the picture so that you can see better all the names of the 1-21 AGF prints.

Another amazing throw quilt pattern version was created by my friend Debbie Grosskopf of Mumziepooh. Her stars are truly shining, don't you agree?

And last, but certainly not the least is this glorious version created by Julie and Rachel team of The Sewing Arts, also available as fabric kit, called the Barrier Reef.

And finally, the Plentiful Look Book by Art Gallery Fabrics was just released, and there's a lot more inspiration to get you ready for the season of blooms!

xx, Katarina

Abstrart fabric collection and addition of Seedling new colors

Hi friends! Happy spring!

I received my advanced yardage of the Abstrart and Seedling fabric collections in February, as a perfect Valentine's gift, which kept me quite busy. 

Unlike previous collections, "Abstrart" brings a fresh perspective to fabric design with its dynamic and expressive prints that are celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the fluidity of modern design. Its clean lines, minimalistic geometric shapes, striking contrasts and abstract prints offer unparalleled flexibility in cutting and usage, allowing for boundless creativity without the fear of making a wrong cut. This collection incorporates small ditsy scratches, lines, fragments, stylized motifs that are reflecting a modern aesthetic that is both timeless and on-trend. The intertwining of organic fragments suggests a connection to nature, while the intuitive motifs hint at the creative spontaneity behind the collection. 

The color palette is highly restricted and quite neutral, very graphic, while minimalist designs emphasize simplicity and clarity. One colorway is monochromatic, featuring whitish to blackish greys and the other showcases muted, toned-down, mostly warm earthy tones, creating a subtle and understated harmony.

 

Furthermore, Seedling collection embodies the spirit of mixing and matching. It opens the door to a world of endless possibilities, especially when you are looking for a print that reads as a solid, but features a very subtle seed or dot-like design with a texture that mimics woven fabrics.

With my Seedling prints in mind, I created a quilt pattern series called The Chromaflick quilt patterns. They are designed as simple and beginner-friendly, utilizing only basic squares along with a straightforward 3-patch blocks. There are three different quilt  layouts: Chromaflick Dot, Chromaflick Cathedral and Chromaflick Chevron, allowing experimenting with color and color placement, using contrast and harmony as two powerful principles of visual communication. 

I can't wait to share more about these new quilt patterns in my next post;)

Katarina

xx

Twisted Knot Fabric Headband tutorial

In the realm of fashion, accessories are the unsung heroes that elevate an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. Among these, headbands stand out as versatile pieces that not only add a touch of style but also serve a practical purpose. 
If you're eager to infuse your wardrobe with a dash of creativity and flair, crafting your own knot fabric headbands is a delightful endeavour that promises both style and comfort.
knot fabric headbands offer endless possibilities for expression.

Instructions:

Knot fabric headbands are not only chic and fashionable but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few materials and a bit of creativity, you can customize these headbands to suit your unique style and personality. Whether you're aiming for a bohemian vibe, a retro-inspired look, or a modern twist,

Materials Needed:

1. Fabric rectangle 8" x 20" (20 cm x 50 cm)

2. Fabric rectangle 8" x 26" (20 cm x 66 cm)

3. Fabric rectangle 3" x 8" (8 cm x 20 cm) - for elastic casing

4. Elastic band 4" long x 1" wide (10 cm x 2,5 cm)

Begin by measuring and cutting your fabric. Keep in mind that the width will determine the thickness of the headband, while the length will determine how snugly it fits around your head. If you don't want to make the double knot, but prefer to just scrape one strip through another (making just one hoop), then cut both large rectangles to the same size: 8" x 20".

1. 

   
   

2. Sew the Seam: fold all three rectangles lengthwise and stitch along the open longer edge of the fabric to create a seam, leaving both shorter ends open. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the seam.

   
   

   

3. Turn Inside Out: Carefully turn the fabric inside out so that the right side is now facing outward. Use a blunt object, such as a chopstick or pencil, to gently push out the corners and create clean edges.
   
   Fold and Iron: placing the seam in the centre, press the rectangles-tubes. This will ensure a polished finish.
   
   
   
   
   

4. Insert Elastic: Using a safety pin or bodkin, thread the elastic through one end of the smallest rectangle (elastic casing), securing it with a pin or clip. Topstitch at one shorter end and then on the other end to secure it inside and prevent it from slipping through.

   
   

   Stitch elastic casing to headband: Fold the first fabric tube in half, so that the shorter ends overlap and the seam stays inside. Place one shorter end of the elastic casing on the centre, overlap both short ends over the elastic, clip and sew. Turn the bigger rectangle over it, so that the raw edge stays secured underneath. Now the other longer tube needs to go in between the first loop, so just make a hoop and then make a regular knot (tying the knot and therefore "loosing some length" is the reason why this rectangle is 6" longer than the first one). Now repeat the same process for the other side: place the shorter raw ends together, then place the other raw end of the elastic casing on the top, overlap the edges, clip and topstitch. Just push the raw edges underneath the sewn tubes and you are done!

5. 
   

   Your knot fabric headband is now ready to wear and enjoy!
   

You can watch the video for better comprehension that is available on my Instagram profile. I will make sure to film another one soon that will be uploaded to my YouTube channel with horizontal setting.

Happy sewing, Katarina

Florence fabric collection

I was certain that I had already created a post about the release of my latest Florence fabric collection, but I suppose I was mistaken and confused it with my newsletter.

Great thing is that the Look Book is also out and it's full of inspirational projects and ideas!

Trying to capture the beauty of the Italian city of Florence and its masterpieces from the high Renaissance period, Florence is another sightseeing venture through this collection’s painted florals and geometrical details. This collection celebrates some of the most significant paintings, sculptures, and architectural details from the city’s major museums and buildings, such as Duomo, Uffizi, and Palazzo Medici-Riccardi. The color palette in earthy terra-cotta tones with contrasting sky blues is drawn from Botticelli’s paintings—an ode to beauty, divine love, and the richness of the world.

Must say that among my favorites is a version of my Duomo quilt pattern created by my friend Sue. 

I hope that I will have time to create a wearable version of it. 

I also created a set of bags for the look book and the Birdie bag is my favourite bag, created 12 yrs ago for the first time and can be found as a free downloadable pattern with tutorial in this post.

This last one is my favourite Marta shopping bag, as it's reversible and so huge, can carry a lot.

I can not wait to see more projects created with Florence, I hope this may inspire you as well!

xx

Katarina 

Duomo quilt sew-along

After a great experience that I had with my first ever organised Winterflake quilt sew along, I thought to offer another sew-along, with the only change that it will be organized via email subscription (totally free) and you will be able to get the videos and other information that way!

You can simply subscribe here, finding the subscription box on the right of my blog or by visiting my website where you can get the subscription box with a pop-up window or there's the area reserved for that at the bottom of my website's landing page.

As with Winterflake and my other tested quilt patterns, I can't thank enough to my amazing pattern testers who helped me so much during this journey. It's been so helpful to share the experience, the opinions and feedback in order to bring the better pattern and sewing results.   
There are so many possibilities to play with only 2 blocks, or just one, upon your liking and preferences. 
This pattern was quite challenging and is absolutely the most extensive pattern I ever wrote, because it has several layouts and sizes, so there was a lot going on behind the scenes, I will not lie. I almost quit with writing it, as I felt exhausted at one point. 

 There is also the BONUS-fat quarter variation for all those pre-cuts lovers.

"Duomo" quilt pattern was inspired with beautiful old tiles from the facade of The Duomo - Catedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore - in Florence.

I am so happy to show you some of the versions that will be available.

The pattern will be available on November 1, and the sew-along will commence on November 2, the very next day. 

And November is not just another month; it's my birthday month, and this year, I'm celebrating it with all of you in the most creative way possible! Welcome to the "November Quilt Sew-Along Party!" 🎉

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there's something magical about November that makes it the perfect time to embark on a cozy quilting adventure. 

And here's the twist: this sew-along will run through all five weeks of November, leading up to the most festive time of the year. By the end of it, you'll have a stunning quilt ready to grace your holiday parties and gatherings or maybe to have a perfect gift for that special person in your life.

Why a November Quilt Sew-Along?

 

November is more than just pumpkin spice lattes and Thanksgiving turkey (although those are pretty great too). It's a month of reflection, gratitude, and creativity. By stitching together our own unique quilt, we're not just creating a beautiful piece of art; we're crafting memories, warmth, and a sense of togetherness.

 

Here is the schedule:

·       Week One, November 2 -  Prep: Choose  + Cut Fabrics: pages 1, 2, 3 and 4

·       Week Two, November 9 - Make units and sub-blocks: pages 5, 6 and 7

·       Week Three, November 16 -  Make blocks : page 8

·       Week Four, November 23 - Quilt top assembly: pages 9, 10,11, 12 and 13

·       Week Five, November 30 - Finishing: pages 15 and 16

 

What to Expect:

The "November Quilt Sew-Along Party" is designed for quilters of all levels, from beginners eager to learn to seasoned pros looking for a fun project. Here's what you can expect:

Week 1: Gathering Supplies and Inspiration, Cutting and Preparing 

We kick off the party by sharing a list of supplies you'll need. Get ready to rummage through your fabric stash or head to your favorite quilt shop for some themed materials. I'll also dive into the inspiration behind my quilt design. I'll guide you through the process of cutting fabric with precision and care, sharing some tips for obtaining perfect units. But most importantly, I will try to give you some ideas and inspiration for choosing fabrics for your quilt. 

Week 2: Sewing units and Sub-Blocks!

We'll start sewing the units and sub-blocks together, exploring techniques to ensure perfect seams. Don't worry; we'll talk about that elusive scant 1/4-inch seam allowance too!

Week 3: Sewing Blocks!

 This is where the magic begins!

Week 4: Assembling the Quilt Top!

As November draws to a close, we'll assemble the quilt top, bringing all your hard work together. You'll start to see your quilt take shape, and the excitement will build!

Week 5: Quilting and Finishing (Nov 30)

In the final week, we'll delve into basting, quilting, binding and finishing touches. By the end of November, you'll have a beautiful, completed quilt to showcase proudly during the holiday season.

So, mark your calendars, set up your sewing space and prepare to celebrate my birthday month with creativity, camaraderie, and quilting joy. Let's make November unforgettable with the "November Quilt Sew-Along Party!" 

Sign-up for my newsletter to stay tuned for weekly updates, tips, and inspiration. 

Your quilt journey is about to begin, and I can't wait to sew along with you! 🎂🧵

Katarina