I wanted to share about my recent trip to Art Gallery Fabrics in Dania Beach, FL! This awesome experience was the brainchild of Elizabeth Chappell of Quilter's Candy and I'm so glad I was able to go. I had a heck of a time getting there thanks to the current state of domestic air travel, but it was definitely worth it. I arrived just in time to have dinner with the whole group and Elizabeth! We ate at the hotel’s Peruvian inspired restaurant, Toro, and I had the best Lomo Saltado ever. Also, a delicious spicy tequila drink.
The whole group! Photo Credit: Mary Davis
The next day, we were at AGF! Pat and Walter Bravo (the owners of AGF) and the whole team were so welcoming and excited to have us there. We spent the first part of the day exploring their warehouse. For anyone who loves fabric, this place is a paradise.
Me with Becca Plymale and Pat Bravo! Photo Credit: Mary Davis
And then we rotated through their office learning about how they design fabric, how they market it, and how they plan out their promotional projects. It was truly fascinating, and I am so thankful they opened their doors to us.
We then had an amazing lunch including homemade empanadas and a beautiful charcuterie tray. I didn’t take a picture because I was too hungry.
After lunch, we used the AGF photo studio to take photos of our own quilts! They have so many available backdrops and props in near reach, they were able to put together the perfect composition for each of our individual quilts.
Behind the photo taking scenes! Photo credit: Mary Davis
Once I was satisfied with my quilt photos, I went into their huge sewing studio to get started on my block for Elizabeth’s Gayle Loraine collection! Our blocks will be released for free through AGF so keep an eye out for that. Mine is called Nightshade. It was so fun making my block with so many other talented designers making theirs around me! Such an exciting atmosphere.
All in all, this was a trip of a lifetime. I’ll cherish the relationships I formed with both the AGF team and my fellow designers. They include Becca Plymale of @becca.plymale.creative, Erin Grogan of @lovesewmodern, Jennie Pickett of @cloverandviolet, Jen Levin of @jenlevin, Kiley Ferons of @kileysquiltroom, Mary Davis of @marygoroundquilts, Maude MacDonald of @theretroquilter, Belle Brunner of @seams_sew_me, Sandy Saengsuk of @thaicharmllc, and Shereece Nicole of @sewhookedontreasures.
Me with Elizabeth! Photo Credit: Mary Davis
