Stephanie with Misty during a visit to Hamilton

Last Summer we welcomed fabric designer & quilter Stephanie Organes to Hamilton. She had the best time visiting the shops and enjoying all the energy in our little town. She found some fun Barbie and Hot Wheels fabrics to bring back home for some projects she wanted to make for her kiddos!

Stephanie's talent for designing fabrics at Andover Fabrics shines from her home base in Mexico City, and she recently introduced her new collection: Enchanted Bloom. She pours her heart into her designs, drawing inspiration from her cultural roots and passion for nature.

Her brand, Pretty Please, started as a small project after her first child was born, and now it's become a vibrant showcase for her artwork. Stephanie's unique style and imaginative designs have gained global recognition.

Learn more about Stephanie as she answers a few fun questions:

What was your inspiration to get into fabric design?

1. When I started quilting, I was blown away by the stunning array of fabric options available. I found myself constantly drawn to different styles and colors, only to realize that there were talented designers behind each unique design. That realization sparked something in me—I realized I could create my own designs too!

2.  

   So, I embarked on designing my first fabric collections, printing them myself with Spoonflower. So, this was really eye-opening for me! Having the ability to design and print exactly what I envisioned was so much fun, because when I was in need of a specific color or a unique blender, I could design it and print it just the way I wanted it!

How were you introduced to quilting?

I was introduced to quilting after my first daughter was born. I needed a creative outlet and found this beautiful quilt shop near my house. So, I decided to take my first class and since then I was hooked. That was the first time I learned to sew and I just loved it and enjoyed it so much! It was that creative outlet that I exactly needed. From there, I continued to expand my quilting skills through online resources, books, and plenty of trial and error.

Tell us a little about the weather in Mexico where you are based and what you have planned for spring and summer activities with your family? (Enchanted bloom makes us all think about summer!)

The weather in Mexico City is warming up nicely! This week, we're seeing temperatures soar to almost 89 degrees Fahrenheit, which is quite a jump from our usual 77 degrees. So spring is definitely in full bloom over here and we are excited for it!

As for our spring plans, I'm eagerly anticipating my first Mother-Daughter camp in a couple of weeks! It's a tradition that kicks off when our kids enter primary school, and I'm thrilled to share this experience with my daughter for the first time. Following that, I have our annual retreat with my quilting guild in a charming town near the city, where we'll be treated to a weekend workshop by Veruschka Zarate.

And for the summer, we love to travel every year with our kids and this year we are doing a road trip starting in Chicago, driving through some of the lakes and going all the way up to Niagara Falls and Toronto. It's a journey we're all eagerly anticipating! And of course, no road trip is complete without a visit to local quilt shops along the way—I'm already looking forward to that aspect too!

This April we are celebrating all things weddings. What is your favorite wedding gift to give?

Oh, I love weddings! I usually give kitchen items like cookware sets or even gift cards so they can choose their own gift. Also, spa certificates! I think after all the wedding preparations and the stress that come with it, a visit to a spa is something that most people enjoy.

Can you share a photo and favorite moment from your own wedding?