Fabric Combinations for Heather Ross economy blocks
The economy quilt block is a classic patchwork block. With just three fabrics and square-in-square shapes, it’s the ideal block for framing cute prints like those created by Heather Ross. I’m using fabrics from her 20th Anniversary collection as well as others from older collections like Trixie. It’s the first time I’ve made an exclusively Heather Ross quilt, and I’m thinking this was a fantastic choice of patchwork pattern!
After settling on a plan and sewing some blocks, I arranged the frame of solid Kona Wasabi yellow stars up on my design wall. Filling in the spaces with adorable, fussy cut fabrics has been perfectly delightful! I thought you might like to see the different ways I went about combining the fabrics.
Early on I created the block at the upper left, with the tree-climbing girls at center. I immediately fell in love with the combination of the Red Apples and Yellow Roses. It feels bright and airy, like the rest of the quilt, but a bit extra attention-grabbing. As the quilt developed, I created a few more blocks in the same combo with favorite fussy cut prints at center.
I decided to ground the center of each yellow star with darker value fabrics. I used the purple Twilight Moths print three times as a star center , but to keep it interesting I experimented with different complimentary fabrics. I like them all and really can’t choose a favorite!
Notice that my supplementary fabric choices are fairly conservative with low contrast. Pink and navy are both beside purple on the color wheel, creating a soft look. The block on the right, with a green floral supporting print, has such a similar value to the moth print that it almost blends. I often take a conservative approach with purple, which I consider a tricky color.
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Not so with pink! I think pink works with just about everything. This kitty cat print was probably these easiest print in the 20th Anniversary collection to mix and match with my other Heather Ross fabrics. It looks good with everything and offers a multitude of fussy cut variations.
Here’s another fussy cut gem - the Climbing Trees fabric. Oh my gosh, so sweet! I think I have a soft spot for this one since Aria and Liam (and my childhood self) spent many a sunny day climbing trees. This print is also perfect for the star centers, but I couldn’t resist also mixing it into the rest of the quilt.
Mermaid fabrics have been some of Heather Ross’ best sellers, I believe, so naturally her 20th Anniversary collection has a few sea-themed prints. I enjoyed playing around with different combos. My favorite mermaid block in the quilt is the copper-colored mermaid pictured here at center. That’s the last scrap of one of my first fabrics every purchased, way back in 2009. I’ve been saving and saving that scrap for the right moment, refusing to see her disappear in some random way. So satisfying to use her now as an economy block center!
My Economy Star Parade blocks are sewn and ready to be assembled. Ooh, soon I shall be thinking about quilting ideas to emphasize those stars. Fun.
Meanwhile, my family just made plans for a short visit to Giethoorn and the tulip fields the first weekend in May. What a perfect backdrop for the finished quilt that would make! Fingers crossed it all works out and I can share photos with you soon.
Happy weekend!
Fabric Notes: The Heather Ross 20th Anniversary Collection can be found at Fat Quarter Shop (USA) and at Purple Stitches (UK). Other charming Heather Ross fabrics are in stock at Fat Quarter Shop.
Sojo Fabric has just added this new bundle for Heather Ross fans who like the colors of my quilt!
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