“giggle” free download

Happy Monday! I hope you have a wonderful week full of lots of smiles! Download this FREE printable art that I made here.

(art by Kelle)

(new) ready, set, go

I’m so excited to share with you my new fabric collection, Ready, Set, Go (Part 2). You may remember that several years ago, I released Ready, Set, Go. Well, we’re adding a bunch of new prints to this collection. This collections is all about transportation, from dump trucks to taxis to bikes. The inspiration from this line comes from several places, but mostly from my childhood. Memories of playing with my matchbox cars to riding my bike every single day! Oh, and my little brother had this HUGE yellow and gray dump truck. So, it was fun incorporating those in this collection.

It comes in three color ways,  Primary, Retro, and Bermuda (shown below)

This color group will match with some of the old Ready, Set, Go prints.

I’m really liking this new color way option, Retro (shown above).

After a trip to New York, I came home and drew taxis. It was fun adding them to this collection. 
There’s also a panel that’s included in this fabric collection (available in all three color ways). There’s a TON of things you could do with this panel . . . endless possibilities!

UPDATE: This fabric collection ships to stores December 20th.

(photos by Kelle)

fabric party hat tutorial

Celebrations are big around here! Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or someone just had a REALLY great day, we like to take time to celebrate. Thankfully, now I have these cute fabric party hats on hand in the studio. We used my Remix fabrics and Kona solids in these fun hats, which are suitable for adults and kids. Find the free tutorial here and party on!

(all photos by Kelle, except gif photos by Simply M Photography)

(free) economie zoologie quilt

My friends over at Robert Kaufman have this AWESOME free quilt pattern. I picked and arranged all the prints found in this colorful quilt. I’m so happy with how it turned out! It reminds me of a quilt my Grandma made for me. Find the free tutorial here.

And how cute are the little models? A special thanks to Amanda for allowing her sweet daughters to model for me.

I used my newest Urban Zoologie prints, as well as Remix and Kona solids.

(photos by Simply M Photography)

1st birthday party invitation

Here’s a new birthday invitation I recently designed for Tiny Prints. This personalized birthday invitation features fun shades of blues for your big boy who’s turning one! I also designs a girl’s version, which you can see here.

(photo by Kelle)

{free pattern} table runner

My friends over at Robert Kaufman have this colorful, FREE table runner pattern on their website that was too yummy not to share with you. It features my cake design. The bright kona solids really make this table runner fun and energetic. It would be so sweet for a birthday party, don’t you think? It’s also reversible. Click here to see the other side, which is equally cute.

Oh, and don’t forget that this cake print comes in two different color ways.

Look at all those sweets! It probably wasn’t the best thing to take home all the sugary-props.
pattern:  Robert Kaufman Piece of Cake Runner
fabric used: Ann Kelle “Cakes” 
designed by: Erica Jackman of Kitchen Table Quilting
photos:  Simply M Photography

sewing for boys: coat

Another great look I have to share with you is a classic coat! We used my “Foxes” in cord for a totally unique and unexpected fun twist! The pattern for this coat is found in the book Sewing for Boys. As you can see, we also reversed the coat for a completely new look! This would be the perfect coat for the Fall season!

pattern found in book Sewing for Boys by Shelly Figueroa and Karen LePage
fabric used: Ann Kelle Cool cords “Foxes”
cardigan sewn by: Andrea of Knitty Bitties
photos:  Simply M Photography
* special thanks to our handsome models and their mama Sara Rose.

cardigan sewing pattern

With back to school season here and fall just around the corner, I’m going to showcase children’s clothing sewing patterns for the next couple of weeks. First up, we had this adorable dress from Little Lizard King featuring my knew knits and cotton fabric. This second look is for the little mister in your life. This fun cardigan features my knit mustaches.

We used a pop of color with the black and white mustaches, which really adds a fun twist. Paired with a tie, some sporty shoes, rolled up cutoff jeans and suspenders, you’ve got one stylish little boy! (And isn’t he the cutest?)

I wasn’t sure how our model would like the tie, but once he put it on, he didn’t want to take it off! You could easily pair the cardigan with a tee and some pants. You can find the cardigan pattern by Hey June here.  Another awesome things about this pattern is that it’s also for girls! 

Oh, and on a side note, I had the honor of working with some adorable little guys for this photo shoot.  A very, very special thanks to our handsome models and their mama Sara Rose.

Above is a sneak peak at another look for your little guy. Stay tuned for more this week.

my favorite things: apples

It’s back to school season!  Our schools have been back in season for a couple of weeks now. In celebration of all the hard working teachers and school staff, I thought I would put together an inspiration board full of apples, one my favorite things to draw and eat!

Items featured: apple crochet garland / ann kelle apple fabric / apple lamp / striped apple pillow / freshly picked apple pillow / eco apple baby  blanket / apple clock

the one million pillowcase challenge

Hey! Looking for an easy sewing project for the weekend? How about a pillowcase? As many of you know, American Patchwork and Quilting has a One Million Pillowcase Challenge. It’s so awesome to see that over half a million pillowcases have been donated so far. I designed a pillowcase a couple of years ago, so I was totally on board to contribute again. I kept it simple with this pillowcase this time around using the Basic Pillowcase pattern. I wanted to use something bright and fun for the fabric. So, I chose my Urban Zoologie lions, along with a blue Kona solid. I’m going to donate my pillowcase to a local children’s shelter. On September 20th, American Patchwork and Quilting is hosting their first ever One Million Pillowcase Challenge 24-Hour Sew-a-thon in Des Moines, Iowa at their headquarters. Everyone is invited to attend! Supplies will be provided and it sounds like it’s going to be a bunch of fun! If you’re interested, you can read more about it here. If you aren’t able to swing a trip to Iowa, shops and groups across the country are hosting their own sewathons. Find shops in your area here! They also have a cute video (which features my Dessert Party fabric!).  Have a wonderful weekend!

(photos by Kelle)

inspired by . . . flamingos

I’m pretty excited about my new Urban Zoologie flamingo print. I fell for flamingos a couple of years ago. I’m sure it’s their bright pink color  that has me totally smitten with them.

(flamingos // soft pink flamingos)

my two new friends

Say “hello” to my two new friends, Katie Kitten and Tommy TRex. My friends over at Bit of Whimsy Dolls made them special for me out of my fabric. And they are SO cute! They joined me at my photo shoot last month, and the girls just LOVED them as much as I do. (Remember my tea party I had a couple of years ago with some Bit of Whimsy dolls?) Well, I was looking through their site the other day and was totally surprised when I found some of the dolls made with my fabric. So, I thought I would share some with you.

Bit of Whimsy has all sorts of sewing patterns from animal patterns to girl and boy dolls. They also have finished dolls and doll kits.

These little dudes look so spiffy in my Urban Zoologie and Remix prints! And I love the little girl’s two buns below. Bit of Whimsy has such a great variety of doll sewing pattern, be sure to visit them soon!

(Top photo by Simple M photography, all other photos via Bit of Whimsy Dolls /// Links to patterns: Katie Kitten // Tommy TRexboy // Girl Baby Doll kit // Boy Baby Doll Kit // Boy Baby Doll Kit // Jean PDF Doll Pattern )

(new) urban zoologie slicker fabric!

A few of my new Urban Zoologie prints are going to be available on Slicker (laminated cotton). In stores soon!

(photo by Kelle)

knits + little lizard king giveaway

Twirly dresses and skirts are the best! And Little Lizard King has a plethora of twirly goodness in their sewing patterns for children’s clothing. They made a couple of adorable garments using their patterns. (Both of which are perfect for twirling). When I first saw the Homegrown Tank dress, I wanted one for myself.  It’s so dainty and sweet. The Homegrown Tank dress features my new floral knit and the pink houndstooth. It’s such a pretty combination.  And I love the jade straps! They also made a super fun skirt from their Everyday Play Skirt pattern. The waist is made of knit and the bottom is woven fabric.  See all of the Little Lizard King patterns here. In celebration of twirling, knits and just because, we’re hosting a giveaway. One random winner will be selected for a total of 5 yards of Ann Kelle knit fabric. (You’ll get to choose which prints you want). Plus, my friends over at Little Lizard King are offering a $50 gift card. Sa-weet! Enter below. The deadline to enter is Sunday, August 17th at midnight. UPDATE: The giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway! Congratulations to Jody R. for being selected as the winner!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Skirt Fabrics: remix blue floral skirt /  yellow knit waist band
Dress Fabrics: laguna Jersey floral / remix pink houndstooth / yellow knit waist band / cherry knit ruffles / jade straps
Fabric Patterns: Homegrown Tank Dress / Everyday Play Skirt

(photos by Simply M Photography)

(new) cool cords

Another new fabric release coming out soon is Cool Cords. Yep, more of the soft, comfy corduroy. Included in this group are my cats and new foxes. I also drew some simple tulips, a new chevron pattern and houndstooth. Are you ready for Fall? I see lots of cute Fall jumpers and skirts in the future. This fabric collections ships to stores in August.

A great thing about this fabric group is that you can mix and match the prints.

We included my current color crush of purple in many of these designs.

There are three different options for houndstooth in the cords, multi color, blue on white and black on white.

A surprising little detail in the chevrons are the little dots within the lines. Hope you enjoy the sneak peek! These prints will be in stores soon!

(photos by Kelle)

beach days + tutorials

Summer means beach time for me. This year we jumped in the car and headed to 30A. I took lots of naps, got in the water everyday and just chilled. It was nice.

And this year, I also took my fabric with me to the beach.

I walked to the beach everyday.

I ate donuts every morning and floated in one, too.

I took not one, but 3 beach bags with me to the beach made of fabric. I need options:) I carried one everywhere I went.

In this beach community, everyone bikes everywhere. It was nice to park the car and either walk or bike everywhere. I really wanted a pink bike, but the place we rented them from only had black bikes.

My Mama snapped this photo of my towel (featuring my sunnies) on a walk to the beach.

Peace and quiet, which was a nice welcome.

There was also so much beauty + inspiration. I found the coolest tile one day. Doesn’t it look like a pinwheel quilt?

I also wore a hat everywhere. Humidity + my hair = very bad hair days for me.

Overall, it was such a great trip! I came back home energized, inspired and ready to create. To make your own beach bag and towel, below are links to the free tutorials.

Just Beachy bag tutorial featuring Ann Kelle Remix fabric + Kona solids
Just Beachy Towel tutorial featuring Ann Kelle “Sunnies“

(new) urban zoologie

Today I’m so happy to share with you my new Urban Zoologie prints which include six new animals. I can’t believe this will be our 5th Urban Zoologie release. Every animal that I drew for this group has a story behind it, from the Mr. Frog to Mother Hen. When I see the little critters, my memory is instantly filled with the story behind the design. I love it when I can trace back to why or when I drew something. This group ships to stores in October.

(photos by Kelle)

a sneak peek

Happy Friday! Today is the release of my two new fabric collections – Urban Zoologie and Cool Cords. (The picture above is a sneak-sneak peek). Next week I’m going to share more pictures.  I pinky-promise. Have a great weekend!

(photo by Kelle)

DIY: Urban Zoologie softies

One of the things I was most excited about with my new Urban Zoologie panels, was that you’d be able to make softies. I had a couple made . . . okay, more than a couple, to give you an idea. This is a pretty easy tutorial. But, to see if this would be a kid-friendly sewing project, I gave a panel to eleven year old, Abby (daughter of The Southern Institute). She was able to sew a few softies (not pictured) without even using the tutorial! Abby’s main tip: Make sure you give yourself plenty of room around the animal, especially around skinny areas, such as the legs or tails. Otherwise, it can be hard to stuff. Great advice! Find the free tutorial here.  They make really great gifts for kids. I babysat for friends a couple weeks ago. And let me tell you, the baby just stared and stared . . . and then of course, put it in his mouth.

(photos by Kelle)

hello you

Summer is just flying by! This week I received my samples for my two new fabric collections. I’m going to share pictures soon, but in the meantime I took a snapshot of a couple of “clues” as to what’s included in these lines. Any guesses? Have a great weekend and here’s some things I’m thankful for:

– God is so faithful and good.

– I’m REALLY into the color lilac these days.  (which means you’ll be sea seeing more purple in the future).

– Trying something new.

– One day this week it was in the 70s or 80s. It was like a preview to Fall and such a welcome change to the hot humidity of Nashville weather.

– Seeing people walk in love. True love.

– a comfortable pair of shoes

–  shelter in a storm

– evening summer walks

(photo by Kelle)

the crossing quilt

Say hello to my newest quilt. Isn’t she fun? When I saw Kelly’s “The Crossing Quilt“, I knew this would be a great pattern for my Remix prints. So, I asked Kelly to make one for me! She has a FREE tutorial on her blog, which you can find here.  We used my Remix prints, as well as Kona solids for this quilt. One of my favorite things about this quilt is the oversized cross on the back. You can’t see it in the picture, but it’s made up of my Remix cross prints. I wasn’t feeling well over the weekend and I cuddled up with this quilt everyday. This quilt has quickly become my go-to comfort quilt.

The binding is a mix of the different Remix prints. Scrappy-happy!

(photos by Simply M Photography)

around the studio lately

Things have been pretty busy around here. I’ve been working on new fabric collections, as well as new stationery designs.

Right smack in the middle of my design deadlines, I had a big photo shoot on Monday. Photo shoots are so much fun, but require A LOT of work. Thankfully, I had some great people that pitched in to help.

I’ve been seeing some really awesome things being made with my newest Remix prints. My new fabric collections for the July release are coming out soon, which I hope to photograph and share soon. I’m wrapping up designing soon and will hopefully will be able to kick my feet up and enjoy the summer a bit. Fingers crossed.

(top and bottom photo by Kelle / middle photo by Simply M Photography)

hello, summer

Happy Summer! How was your first week of summer been? I hope you’re enjoying it and it’s full of lots of sunshine and making happy memories! Speaking of happiness, did you hear that the Fat Quarter Shop is running a special ALL Ann Kelle fabrics! You receive 40% OFF ALL Ann Kelle fabrics, using code: ANNKELLE (offer ends this Sunday). Here’s some things I’m thankful for this week:

– focusing on the good and not the bad

– today

– a friendly + warm smile

– Lemon sorbet

– Design days. If things get quiet around the blog, it’s because I’m super busy working on new designs! I can’t wait to share them with you!

– the smell of honeysuckle

– sweet potato fries

– it’s summer!

(photo found here)

birthday invitation: number one kid

Turning one is such a special milestone. One that should definitely be celebrated in a BIG way! If you have a little guy or gal that’s turning one year old, I’ve designed a couple of new birthday invitations with your special child in mind.  See all of them here. And check out the back of the “Number One Kid” invite, which also comes in hot pink!

(number one kid photos by Kelle)