A Fresh New Cork Club Designer: Meet Stephanie Organes!

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative background.

I’ve been crafty for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching my mom try all kinds of crafts, so making things just felt natural to me. Craft stores were basically my Disneyland; I wanted to learn everything.

I later studied graphic design in Mexico and was lucky to spend time studying in Florence and London as well. Being surrounded by so much art, history, and design opened my eyes in a completely new way. That’s when I realized creativity wasn’t just a hobby for me, it was the path I wanted to follow.

How did you first get into surface pattern design?

My first introduction to surface pattern design was in university during a textile design class where we created prints for swimwear. I remember loving it, but at the time it didn’t feel like a realistic career path in Mexico, so I focused on graphic design and advertising instead.

Years later, during the pandemic, I found myself searching for a creative outlet. I started drawing again and learned how to quilt and that’s when everything shifted. I completely fell in love with fabric, but even more with the prints and the way they could transform a simple project into something personal and meaningful. That’s when I realized surface pattern design wasn’t just something I enjoyed… it was my real passion. I didn’t just want to sew with beautiful fabrics; I wanted to design my own collections.

Are there any themes or motifs you find yourself coming back to again and again?

Florals, always. You’ll find them all over my work. I genuinely love drawing flowers; there’s something timeless and expressive about them. They can feel soft or bold, structured or playful, and I never get tired of exploring them in new ways. Florals are definitely a constant in my designs.

What does a “typical” day in your creative life look like?

My creative time mostly happens in the mornings. I have two young kids, so once they’re off to school, that quiet window feels extra precious. Afternoons are usually filled with pickups, homework, and all the everyday mom moments that keep life moving.

No two mornings look exactly the same. Some days I’m sewing, other days I’m sketching or playing with color palettes. I love being hands-on actually cutting fabric, stitching, testing ideas, because that’s when I feel most connected to what I’m designing. Of course, there are also emails, social media, and admin tasks woven in, but I always try to protect time for making. That balance between motherhood and creativity is what shapes my days and honestly, my designs too.

How would you describe your design style in a few words?

Happy, feminine, and a little whimsical. Color plays a huge role in everything I create; I want my designs to feel joyful and full of life. And there’s almost always a touch of pink… sometimes more than a touch. It’s a color I naturally gravitate toward, and it always finds its way into my collections.

Walk us through your design process. How do you turn an idea into something tangible? Do you sketch by hand, work digitally, or a mix of both?

Every collection I create begins with a feeling or a story. I don’t just start drawing randomly, I spend time thinking about the concept, gathering inspiration, and choosing meaningful words that guide the direction of the designs. Whether it’s a family trip or a personal moment, there’s always something intentional behind the work.

Once I have that foundation, I start sketching. I draw a lot, usually in pencil, exploring different motifs and ideas. I even cut paper and experiment with repeats by hand to understand how the pattern flows. After that, I translate everything digitally, often redrawing in Procreate and then refining the designs in Illustrator. It’s a mix of traditional and digital, which helps me keep that handmade feeling while building a cohesive collection.

What part of the process do you love the most?

Choosing color is one of my favorite parts. It’s playful but also very intentional. I can spend a long-time testing combinations, adjusting tones, and seeing how everything works together. There’s something both exciting and calming about that stage, it’s where the collection really starts to come alive.

I also love the quiet rhythm of sketching. It’s slow, focused, and grounding. That’s when I feel most connected to the work.

What part challenges you the most?

Editing. I tend to create a lot of prints and explore multiple colorways, so narrowing everything down can be tough. Choosing which designs make it into the final collection always feels like a big decision. Letting go of good ideas is never easy, but it’s such an important part of building a strong, cohesive line.

What advice would you give to aspiring surface pattern designers?

Don’t wait until everything feels perfect or until you feel “ready.” For a long time, becoming a fabric designer felt very far away from me. I had just started sewing and quilting, and I didn’t feel connected to the industry at all. But I kept drawing. I kept learning. I kept sharing.

If you feel that pull toward something creative, follow it, even if the path isn’t totally clear yet. Keep practicing, keep showing up, and don’t be afraid to share your work. When your art comes from a genuine place, people can feel it. That honesty is what truly connects.

What do you hope makers feel when they create with your designs?

I hope they feel happy, truly happy while they’re creating. My designs are often feminine and full of color, and I want them to feel joyful, inspired, and maybe even a little hugged while they’re sewing.

What advice would you give to aspiring surface pattern designers?

Don’t wait until everything feels perfect or until you feel “ready.” For a long time, becoming a fabric designer felt very far away from me. I had just started sewing and quilting, and I didn’t feel connected to the industry at all. But I kept drawing. I kept learning. I kept sharing.

If you feel that pull toward something creative, follow it, even if the path isn’t totally clear yet. Keep practicing, keep showing up, and don’t be afraid to share your work. When your art comes from a genuine place, people can feel it. That honesty is what truly connects.

What do you hope makers feel when they create with your designs?

I hope they feel happy, truly happy while they’re creating. My designs are often feminine and full of color, and I want them to feel joyful, inspired, and maybe even a little hugged while they’re sewing.

Handmade pieces carry so much meaning. Quilts, bags, and small projects become part of someone’s everyday life or family story. If my fabrics can play a small role in that, if they help someone create something they cherish, that means the world to me. Seeing what makers create with my designs is honestly one of the most special parts of what I do.

I’m so grateful to be part of Cork Club as a guest designer in the coming months. It truly feels special to see my designs take on a new role and be explored in a different way.

I’m incredibly honored to be here, and I can’t wait to see what everyone creates. Watching makers bring their own creativity to my designs is always the most rewarding part. Thank you for welcoming me, it really means the world!

You can find more of my work at www.stephanieorganes.com and on Instagram at @ prettyplease.mx, where I share behind the scenes glimpses of my process, new collections, and everyday creative moments.

I’d truly love to connect with you there, and if you create something with my designs, please tag me. Seeing your beautiful creations is always the highlight of my day.

Thank you so much for being here.

This month’s featured print is called Martha’s Vineyard, and it perfectly captures that in-between season feeling so many of us love. It is cozy enough to feel at home in winter sewing projects, yet light and fresh enough to carry you right into spring. The soft light blue background immediately sets a calm, refreshing tone. It feels open and airy, giving the design room to breathe and making it surprisingly versatile across seasons and styles.

Layered over that serene base are pink floral blooms that bring warmth and romance to the design. They have a gentle, hand-painted quality that feels expressive without being loud. Accents throughout the print help keep everything bright and balanced, making it incredibly easy to pair with solids, coordinating corks, faux leathers, and hardware finishes. Whether your aesthetic leans classic, modern, or somewhere in between, Martha’s Vineyard fits right in.

One of our favorite things about this print is how adaptable it is across different projects. It works beautifully as a statement panel on a structured bag, adding personality without overpowering the design. It shines just as much on smaller accessories like wallets and pouches, where the details really get a chance to stand out.

Martha’s Vineyard cork fabric is also available for individual purchase while supplies last, making it easy to add extra yardage or try the print before committing to a membership. Limited-run designs like this tend to move quickly, especially when they offer the kind of season-spanning versatility this one does. If it has already sparked ideas for your next project, we recommend grabbing it while you can.

Collaborations like this remind us why we love being part of the sewing community. Seeing Stephanie’s artwork come to life on cork and imagining all the beautiful projects it will become in your hands, is incredibly rewarding. This release feels like a celebration of thoughtful design, creative exploration, and the joy of making something with your own two hands.

Cork Club has always been about delivering that kind of thoughtful creativity straight to your door. Each month, members receive two one-third yard cuts of cork, including a limited-edition designer print and a coordinating solid selected to complement it perfectly. That pairing takes the guesswork out of planning and allows you to focus on what really matters, which is making something you love.

In addition to the cork itself, members receive a monthly coupon and extra perks that make Cork Club feel like a creative treat you can look forward to all year long. It is a simple, inspiring way to build your cork collection while discovering new designers and color stories along the way. Whether you are brand new to sewing with cork or have been using it for years, Cork Club offers consistent inspiration without overwhelming your stash.

Cork Club also makes a truly thoughtful gift for the creative person in your life. Instead of another item to tuck on a shelf, you are giving monthly inspiration, beautiful designer cork, and the excitement of a surprise delivery they can turn into something handmade. It is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or even a just because moment. If you have a sewist who loves trying new materials and staying inspired, Cork Club is a gift that keeps their creativity flowing long after the wrapping paper is gone.