The Story Behind Heima: Fabric Collection Rooted in Iceland's Beauty
For Gudrun Erla, home is more than just a place—it’s a feeling of comfort, warmth, and connection. She first created Quilts of Iceland, a tribute to the land she calls home, showcasing the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and timeless traditions of Iceland. As a native Icelander, Gudrun weaves her personal connection to her homeland into every quilt design, drawing inspiration from Iceland's dramatic scenery, natural wonders, and historical patterns. Her latest fabric collection from Andover fabrics, Heima, brings that feeling to life, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes and timeless textures of her homeland, Iceland.
In Icelandic, “Heima” means “home,” and this collection is a heartfelt tribute to the places and patterns that shaped Gudrun’s creativity. Through these fabrics, Gudrun invites you to explore Iceland’s rugged beauty, its soothing colors, and the natural textures that tell a story of simplicity and strength.
The Inspiration Behind Heima
Each design in the Heima collection carries a piece of Iceland’s essence, weaving together memories of its landscapes and cultural heritage. Let’s take a closer look at the elements that inspired these stunning patterns:
1. Beach Pebbles
Iceland’s volcanic beaches are a study in contrasts—smooth black rocks polished by centuries of ocean waves, interspersed with delicate stones and pebbles. The Heima collection captures this balance of rough and refined, with patterns that evoke the rounded, organic shapes of beach pebbles. These prints bring a calming, grounded energy to your projects, perfect for any quilt patterns.
2. Glacier Textures
Iceland is home to some of the world’s most majestic glaciers, their icy surfaces shimmering with layers of silvery blue and white. Gudrun translated the dynamic textures of glaciers into the fabric, which mirror their depth and movement. These prints feel cool and crisp, and add a sense of wonder and strength to your projects—just like the glaciers themselves.
3. Icelandic Moss
Vibrant green moss carpets Iceland’s lava fields, softening the harshness of the volcanic rock with lush color and texture. This moss, with its deep greens and surprising resilience, inspired some of the boldest prints in the Heima collection. Whether as a standout fabric or a subtle accent, these patterns bring life and vitality to your quilts.
4. Knit Patterns
No Icelandic tribute would be complete without honoring the iconic Icelandic knitting culture, including lopapeysa, Iceland’s traditional wool sweater. Gudrun infused the collection with designs inspired by the intricate knit patterns, celebrating its warmth, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. These prints add a cozy, textured feel to the collection, making them perfect for projects meant to bring comfort and nostalgia.
Bringing Iceland Home
Heima is more than a fabric collection—it’s an invitation to bring the essence of Iceland into your quilting. With each pattern, Gudrun celebrates the interplay of nature’s raw beauty and the cozy, personal touches that make home so special.
Whether you’re drawn to the calming shapes of beach pebbles, the vibrant energy of moss, the shimmering textures of glaciers, or the cozy warmth of knit patterns, Heima offers something unique for every crafter. It’s a collection that encourages you to create with intention, layering meaning into every stitch and design.
Start Your Journey with Heima
Through Heima, Gudrun shares a piece of her heart and homeland, giving quilters everywhere the chance to create projects that are deeply personal and inspired by nature.
Gudrun debuted this beautiful collection on December 17th's Tipsy Tuesday. Watch it here to see all the fabrics and hear about what inspired them!
We can’t wait to see what you create with this special collection. Preorder NOW, ask your favorite quilt shop to carry Heima today, and bring the spirit of Iceland into your sewing room.
Preorder are expected to arrive in August 2025.
What does home mean to you? Share your thoughts and your creations with us on social media by tagging us on Instagram @gedesignsgudrun and Facebook and using the hashtag #HeimaErBest—we’d love to see your stories come to life!