Heather Bailey – Pop Garden, Bijoux and a giveaway
I was talking to someone on the telephone the other day about Heather Bailey’s Bijoux and Pop Garden fabric collections.
She loved the fabric as individual patterns and designs but was struggling to get her head around how to mix and match the prints together. We had a lovely conversation about this, but later I was thinking that that’s an issue with fabric collections from any designer isn’t it when you really get down to it. Which fabric designs are the ‘neutral’ designs that most easily mix and tie all the other patterns together?
I guess as always, sometimes in a sewing project that just isn’t an issue, big, bold prints can look very happy together and some beautiful patchwork quilts and clothes result from that happy combining. But on other occasions you may want to use fewer fabrics – just one or two perhaps in a skirt of dress so you want some colour and pattern harmony. So, the question was how do you do this? Are Pop Garden and Bijoux completely different?
Obviously, I’m only able to give my point of view but I have added a little bit of ‘fact’ that I’ve gleaned from a fabric brochure and from Heather’s own website; blog and shop. Check out the Flickr sites too, because how other ‘crafters’ are mixing and matching fabrics is always inspiring and a great way to get the fabric taste buds working overtime!
Basically, Pop Garden and Bijoux are ‘designed’ to go together. To quote the brochure they are “sister collections to mix and match”. Bijoux is defined as “jewel or trinket”, “anything small and of elegant workmanship” so the designs in this collections are just that, small and elegant. The ‘Swirly bud’ designs are floral.
The ‘Tiled primrose’ is a pretty geomtric print with little dashes of accenting colour …
and then there’s the ‘mod beads… again a colour rimmed ‘bead’ with a central colour, small and pretty.
All those patterns work alone in just the same way that other ‘neutral’ type patterns such as ‘polka’ dots’ do but they also work beautifully with the larger floral patterns.
….
…Pop Daisy in Rose – very modern looking design….
… or
…Rose Bouquet in Ice – a softer vintage style floral design…
or the Sway type designs with quite a stenciled look…
and not forgetting the dramatic, bold and beautiful…
zig-zag stripe …
….
or the paisley style designs of Pop Garden. Just as all the fabrics work together within each distinclty named collection …..
Two fabrics from Pop Garden. Just look at the drama in this combination.
They work beautifully across both ranges, marrying up the ‘Pop Garden’ with the small and delicate patterns of Bijoux.
.. I quite like this – Switly Buds in lime and Pop Daisy in Rose.
When it comes to colour, the combined collections consist of “three playful palettes” , which if you look at Heather’s own shop are; Poppy Leaf, Butterrose and Sugar Mallow. Fabrics from both collections are organised into those three colour palettes. Useful information when trying to decide which colours may or may not go together….which pinks, yellows, golden yellows are going to ‘fit’ nicely.
These are fabrics from my own shop which form part of the ‘Poppy Leaf’, palette.
… and from the Butter Rose palette;
Pretty soft peaches, pinks, mossy and lime greens with hints of red… glorious!
And the Sugar Mallow Palette;
with it’s intense feisty pinks as well as the softer pinks of Rose bouquet in Ice and Mod beads.
There are no rules so just enjoy yourself combining the patterns and the colours….. one combination I’ve seen recently is this….
think frothy ra-ra skirt type of combination ….. hot colours… gorgeous skirt – definitely not for a shirnking violet!
Which colours and patterns would you combine?
So, because it’s HOT…. and when Wimbledon is finished I just know that you’re going to need to get sewing again plus, if you’ve waded through all of the above then you absolutely deserve an award, I’ve decided to have a giveaway of a set of fat quarters from the Sugar Mallow palette.
That’s these ones…..
So, if you’d like to join in, just leave a comment on this post….. you may come from anywhere, the post seems to reach most parts of the globe quite successfully. I’ll consult the random number generator on Friday 10th July…. which should give time for a whole weeks sewing before you get too involved with the childrens summer holidays from school
Speak soon and Stay cool….
1Apryl
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 14:50
lovely and inspiring post, with such beautiful fabrics.
2judith
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 15:15
Heather Bailey is my favourite designer and those fabrics are absolutely gorgeous.
3JuliaB
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 15:23
The trouble is, I love the Heather Bailey stuff but I can never decide which one (or two) to get because I want them ALLLLL!!!
x
x
4gill
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 15:39
I love them all – so the more the merrier as far as I’m concerned!
5Nancy
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 15:44
What a fun and colorful post. Thanks for sharing. Oh and thank for the generous giveaway. I would love to be included.
6nickynackynoo
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 15:52
I love the combinations of these fabrics! Beautiful.
7Helen
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 16:04
juicy and summery. love them and the ideas on combinations
8Talia
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 16:08
Gorgeous fabrics in this post, and a really informative post too!
9woollywotnots
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 16:32
Hi Julia,
Wow, what an interesting post. Thanks for taking time to share all the scrumptious fabrics. I love experimenting with colour combinations and this post is a real source of inspiration.
10Vic
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 18:12
ooo… yet more beautiful fabrics- choosing what to put with what is always my stumbling block – not necessarily because I can’t decide what looks good together, but because I come up with too many possible combinations, and then can’t decide which to go with, or I think I’ve decided and then have another idea… and yes I am the type of person who goes, I like that and that and that and that – filling my basket all the while, and then hiding the receipt from my husband!
Sometimes I wish I had a crafty friend who would come round, open my stash cupboard and go ‘here, make something with these 5 pieces – hah ha!’
Now there’s an idea for a giveaway…. whoever wins it, has to make something with half the fabric – the newly made item then gets sent to a second person with the remaining fabric , who makes something in return…. hmm, giveaway meets swap…..
11Kim
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 18:21
Hi Julia
Oh dear it seeems whenever I come over here for a catch up, you’re having a giveaway! I don’t time it that way honestly! What lovely fabrics, beautiful colours and designs.
I did some ironing earlier on and it was all I could do to stay upright for 10 minutes it was so hot, looking forward to sitting in a cool spot with my sewing machine sometime soon.
Take care
Kimx
12Monique
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 18:38
Love those fabrics so much. They also “play nicely” with others like Joel Dewberry and Jennifer Paganelli!
13Patty Ojeda
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 19:00
Such beautiful colors! I love Heather Bailey! Her fabric is so bold and colorful! I can’t decide which combination to pick because I love them all! Thank you so much for this giveaway! Sure hope I win, but, whoever wins is really okay with me! Good luck to everyone!
14Alix of Bigbluebed
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 19:04
What a gorgeous feast for the eyes. And so informative too. Thank you.
15Amy Lane
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 19:18
I love Heather Bailey fabrics – such gorgeous colours. I also lack confidence when it comes to choosing which fabrics to put together so this is a really interesting post. What a lovely giveaway
16dottycookie
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 19:30
I was about to comment that the Sugar Mallow selections were my favourite of the ones you showed – how’s that for serendipity?
17Andrea
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 19:41
Lovely clear photo’s Julia. They have picked up the colours! I am not sure that I could sell fabric because I would have trouble parting with any of it. Lovely post, in fact I am going back for another look at all of the fabric combinations. Have you thought of doing your own charm packs of the combinations shown here?
18Grazia
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 20:49
I love this fabric designer!
I’m very honoured to join this giveaway!
Grazia (Italy)
19Amanda
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 21:14
What wonderfully vibrant colours, perfect for the weather we’re having
)
20x vInTaGe VioLeT x
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 21:24
LOVE all the bright zingy colours!
I think i like the pop daisy in rose and lime swirly buds best together – would make a gorgeous summer dress!
{you know it’s my birthday on july the 10th!}
21Barbara Godfrey
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 22:25
Yummy colors and designs begging for attention…? Let me see….hmmm…yep, I’d like to have them! LOVE to have them!
22Rachel
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 22:32
I certainly like the bright green with the bright pink, but I’d love to see how that blue tile works with some of the more traditional florals.
23chickadee cards
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 22:37
That selection of colours was my favourite! I would LOVE to win them – please enter me…
Great post too.
24Tia Webb
wrote on 30 June 2009 at 23:04
Oh, Oh!! Me please!! Just LOVE!!!!!! those colour combo’s!
Thanks for the giveaway, and love the bits I got from your shop by the way!!!!
Tia xxx
25mitmot
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 0:02
lovely fabrics, and i read to the end of your post with ease!
26cherrie
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 1:36
A very interesting post and some beautiful fabrics. I am not a person who worries about who made what but will combine new with old or anything else that works. I recently used a piece of Kaffe Fassett with a vintage skirt. A perfect colour co-ordination. I do appreciate though that some people are scared of branching out so this well researched post is a great help. Also nice to know about how the designers work. Thanks
27michelle
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 5:25
Seriously beautiful fabrics. I’m totally addicted to your pictures.
28Lara
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 9:29
Thanks!:D I also have some of her fabrics and I’m also struggling to combine them!:)
29Jennifer
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 11:40
Wow! These are just gorgeous fabrics – the sorts of fabrics I’ve been searching for for so long. I’m busy making garden bunting at the moment to celebrate this fantastic sunshine, and these would be brilliant to add that extra splash of colour.
30Penny
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 11:45
This was a very useful post as it is particularly difficult to mix and match when viewing fabrics on the internet. I also like the fact you give an indication of scale of print/pattern repeat on your website, many others do not. I love these fabrics, and those of Amy Butler, so looking forward to winning your generous giveaway!
31Smarlie
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 11:54
Very interesting, I’ve had my eye on Melly & Me’s Toffee Apple bag pattern for a while but haven’t been able to decide on the fabrics, until now that is
32georgiapeachez
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 11:57
Positively fabulous! Those fat quarters would make up into a fabulous purse! xo, suzy
33Fabricandbags
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 12:12
Ooh!! gorgeous fabrics – I Likey a lot!!!
Anne x
34Jenny
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 13:07
ooooo too gorgeous!
35ELLY
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 14:15
wow!! gorgeous fabrics. I could eat them!….. Just getting a quick fabric fix while baby sleeps!!!!
36Mary
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 14:33
Very informative post! I struggle with combining so it’s nice to read information about it.
They are beautiful fabrics and I could think of lots of things I could make if I was lucky enough to win!
37CeeGee Jewellery Design
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 16:37
Stunning fabrics – going to be keeping my fingers crossed!
38Sue Cahill
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 16:41
Such lovely fabrics, I crave all the new lines but have not won the lottery, yet! To win your giveaway would be such a rush.
Thanks for the chance.
39Nadine
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 21:08
I have just received a couple of these fabrics from your website and I love them. I just want more!
40Julie-O
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 23:27
I am just beginning crafting and am often concerned about colour and pattern combo’s – so thank you for the helpful info! Would be estatic to have more fabric.
41Sarah
wrote on 1 July 2009 at 23:53
I am so in love with these fabrics! You are so generous!
42Hilary
wrote on 2 July 2009 at 0:34
Brilliant colours. I am on a paisley craze at the moment and would put the ivory paisley with the lemon swirly buds for a bright summer table runner. Just looking at the colours takes away the cold winter ‘bite’ in the air. And i think I could frame a piece of gold zigazag stripe just to look at everyday!
43Topcat
wrote on 2 July 2009 at 12:51
loving the combinations you’ve posted – very inspiring.
44Joanie Hoffman
wrote on 2 July 2009 at 14:24
Thanks for the giveaway, and for all the photos of the lovely fabrics. I’m almost drooling at the colors and patterns. There goes any extra cash I may have had! The fabric shop is calling me….
Happy days,
Joanie
45Jane Weston
wrote on 2 July 2009 at 14:48
What yummy fabrics!! please count me in…there is so many lovely things I could make with them ;o)
46Nifty Thrifty
wrote on 2 July 2009 at 16:42
Wow – what eye candy you have shared with us. I wish I was one of those people who could instantly put two fabrics together and it works. I spend ages ummming and ahhing but get there in the end. Lovely yummy fabrics there x
47Yamie
wrote on 2 July 2009 at 21:25
I would love to win as I am quite scared in putting those patterns together – and now that you’ve showed me how good they look – I can’t wait to try it out. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
48Mollimoo
wrote on 2 July 2009 at 21:34
Beautiful colours & so inspiring! I’m never brave enough when it comes to colour combos. Thank you for the helpful information! x
49Glamglass
wrote on 2 July 2009 at 22:07
Just Gorgeous!! i love the pop daisy in rose pattern!!
50Celena
wrote on 3 July 2009 at 8:44
Awwwwwwwwwwww…..really yummy and pretty colour! Love the combination you did. I am new to sewing, this giveaway definately will enhance my skill and tiny stash
Please count me in too!
51Stephanie
wrote on 4 July 2009 at 20:11
What a great post – thank you! Love the fabrics by the way.
52hannah
wrote on 4 July 2009 at 20:53
interesting post, thanks
53MARIANNA
wrote on 5 July 2009 at 15:52
Hi, back in uk and I might be lucky, you never know… It’s nice to ftollow you on your blog anyway .
Good luck to everyone.
Marianna
54Christine
wrote on 6 July 2009 at 8:45
I love Heather Bailey designs. They make great handbags/purses – so lively and pretty.
55Wild Rose
wrote on 7 July 2009 at 13:14
Oh, they are all gorgeous!
Marie x
56jennie
wrote on 7 July 2009 at 16:01
My word I am so inspired by your Blog….I am mentally planning all the gorge stuff I could make now how do I get it into the house with out hubby noticing!!!
Thankyou
Jennie xx
57TK Posh
wrote on 7 July 2009 at 16:09
These fabrics are great! Would be perfect for my
designer aprons!
58Corey
wrote on 8 July 2009 at 1:00
Oh, I just adore Heather Bailey fabrics!!!! She is currently my fave designer and I can’t wait for her new line this fall. Thanks so much for such a great giveaway!
59Jenn
wrote on 10 July 2009 at 2:23
Pop Garden is my favorite line of fabric EVER! I can’t wait to see what she comes up with for the fall. Anyone have a preview? or a release date?
60Claire
wrote on 12 July 2009 at 10:23
I love Heather Bailey and her vinrant colours, finaly your blog has let me comment! Great shop and site!