The Gabby Gals Blog

Archive for the ‘Inspiration’ Category

Monochromatic Quilts

Posted on Wednesday, April 25th, 2012, by Lisa Goodlin, the Web Gal

“Monochromatic” means something that uses only one color, but when it comes to arts and crafts it usually translates to using many shades of the single chosen color. In this week’s blog post I’m going to show you some beautiful examples of monochromatic works to inspire you to create your own!

Monochromatic quilt in pinks
In 2011, The Modern Quilt Guild had a monochromatic challenge. Of the three winners, this one, in shades of pink (pictured above) is my favorite.
Homage to the Square painting of square in yellow
The quilter says that Josef Albers’s work, “Homage to the Square” (above), was her inspiration.

Quilt in shades of blue
Although you can find a few touches of colors other than blue, this gorgeous quilt, featured on Sew Mama Sew, is mostly monochromatic.

Quilt in shades of yellow with vase of flowers as the focal point
Here’s a pretty vase of flowers, all in shades of yellow, by lululollylegs.

Quilt in shades of green
This quilt, by Elizabeth Barton, in shades of green suggests a landscape of trees and houses seen in the evening.

Quilt in shades of purple
Here’s one in shades of purple from polyesterstella on Flickr.

Are you inspired? Stop by the store, and let the gals help you choose an assortment of fabrics in shades of your favorite color so that you can get started on your monochrome masterpiece!

If It’s St. Patrick’s Day, It Must Be Green!

Posted on Wednesday, March 7th, 2012, by Lisa Goodlin, the Web Gal

Make a wall hanging perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, a bright green dress that can be worn on March 17th and beyond, fun bracelets for the younger set, and learn about the historic Irish Chain pattern in this week’s post.

Shamrock Wallhanging

Shamrock quilted wall hanging

This project from Better Homes and Gardens calls for different shades of greens in a variety of patterns to make a pretty shamrock wallhanging.

Bandana Dress

Cute child's dress made out of green bandanas

Momtastic has a tutorial to make a darling dress out of bandanas. Okay, I know what you’re thinking, “It’s too cold to wear that dress in Central New York on St. Patrick’s Day!” Yes, but imagine it layered over a turtleneck and leggings! Cute, huh?

Popsicle Bracelets

Popsicle stick bracelets in green

Popsicle stick bracelets also from Momtastic are fun accessories to wear with the bandana dress. Use scrapbook paper, yarn, stickers, or markers to decorate the popsicle sticks. The popsicle stick prep work must be done by an adult, but the decorating is something kids can have fun with.

History of the Irish Chain

Image of a quilt made using the Irish Chain pattern

Women Folk tells us that the Irish Chain was probably developed in the United States in the early 1800s but may have its roots in Ireland. Read more at Women Folk.

Triple Irish Flower Chain

Image of the Triple Irish Flower Quilt

Now that you know all about the Irish Chain, how about making one? Moda Bake Shop has a tutorial for a lovely Triple Irish Flower Quilt employing a modified Triple Irish Chain.

  • Calico Gals
  • Janet Lutz, Owner
  • 3906 New Court Ave.
  • Syracuse, NY 13206
  • 315-445-0617
  • Mon - Sat: 10 am - 5 pm
  • Sun: 12 pm - 4 pm
  • Calico Gals Harborview
  • Janet Lutz, Owner
  • 199 West 1st St.
  • Oswego, NY 13126
  • 315-343-0272
  • Mon - Sat: 10 am - 5 pm