What a surprise to be invited to a private dinner at the Atlanta home of Vern Yip by Fabricut, one of our favorite fabric suppliers.

photo image Fabricut

We were there with 20 other interior design bloggers who were attending the Design Bloggers Conference in Atlanta to celebrate the new fabric and trim collection. We received the new fabrics and trims just a few weeks ago and have already incorporated this collection in about 4 projects!

Vern's inspiration comes from his world travels and background in architecture. We were shocked to find out that he double majored in Chemistry and Economics at the University of Virginia, was about to attend medical school and then changed his mind and went to Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and got a masters in management and architecture.

Vern and his partner Craig were extremely gracious hosts!

They spent a lot of time walking us through their home and it was heartwarming to see how personal it was. As you walk in the front door, straight ahead is this beautiful picture of Vern's mother.

Behind this is a magnificent staircase...

As you go up the stairs you are greeted with this wall of framed family photographs.

Along with the many personal photos throughout the house, the vast collection of art is exceptional. This piece called The Raft of the Medusa from Pictures of Chocolate is by Vik Muniz, one of Vern's favorites artists who does photographic representations of work using ordinary objects such as sugar, thread, chocolate syrup and garbage to create bold, deceiving imagery.

As we went from room to room, the fabrics and trims in the new collectionare used throughout. One of my favorites below is an asian, global/ethnic print shown in blue and is also available in black, grey, haze, orange and red. It was in the children's family room/playroom along with an adorable, actual photo of their 4 dogs. Craig owns Wagalot, a service that includes doggie daycare, boarding, grooming, training, dog wash and special events.

Meeting their children was also a highlight of the evening. They were waiting to greet all of us at the front door when we arrived.

I couldn't help taking a selfie with each of them!

After our tour and the kids went to bed (they were so well behaved), we sat down for a decadent meal and interesting conversation.

Here are a few more of my favorites from the collection:

photo image Fabricut

The tapes and trims are easy to work with and are so reasonably priced. The fabrics are whimsical, yet practical.

Above photo images Fabricut

There really aren't words to describe this experience and the hospitality we received. Vern and Craig not only opened their home to us but their hearts as well.