Hoop Quilts Pattern now available. (PDF Download or the Printed Pattern)

Every once in a while, a project really Wows you. I mean, yes... I love almost every project I sew for one reason or another. And, sure, I always fuss over everything saying "I love it!". But when sewing becomes your work, it takes something really special to knock your socks off.

Well, guys, this is the one.

When Maureen Cracknell emailed me saying her new line, Soulful for Art Gallery Fabrics, had a mandala theme, I was suuuuuuuuper excited. We get comfy in our comfort zones (right?) and I have been tending to stick with vibrant, saturated tone-on-tone fabrics lately. I knew that Maureen's collection would be softer, more muted and completely bohemian. Something completely different from my norm lately.

A HOOP QUILT with the Soulful collection would be perfect. And when I saw the main mandala rich raisin colored print, I was hook, line and sinker.

I arranged the center HSTs in yet another of the endless possibilities for 16 HSTs. This one a nice block X. Then I debated adding some extras for accents. I had some lovely cotton crochet lace and a few small cotton crochet doilies. I couldn't decide for the life of me which one looked better. In the end, I decided to appliqué the doilies. I was worried the lace would not curve properly and lie flat - and since this hoop was being displayed at spring Quilt Market (trade show), I didn't want to take any chances.

But I couldn't give up on that lace. Don't worry! The tiny voice in my head told me to take this HOOP QUILT to the next level with the cotton crochet lace. I wrapped the hoop in the Deepest Purpose Soulful print. Then I used the left over binding, combined with the lace and some Pure Elements solid to complete the streamers hanging below the hoop to make the dreamiest of dreamcatchers.

Here she is hanging in Maureen's booth at Quilt Market. (Don't mind the yellow lighting - it was impossible to get good lighting in that convention hall!)

So beautiful! Don't you want to take a nap in that little dream world?

So I know I say this every time... but I am completely in love with this HOOP QUILT. Soulful and the hoop concept married for the perfect combo. Dream on!

Hoop Quilts Pattern now available. (PDF Download or the Printed Pattern)