Hocus Pocus

My starting point for designing this quilt was the Snail’s Trail Blocks.  While making a variation of Snail’s Trail blocks for another project, I realized that the swirly, twisting quality of the blocks could be kind of creepy—almost like arms reaching out—and I decided to try to use them in a Halloween project.  I tried them in the center of the quilt first with mixed results, but when I decided to use the Snail’s Trail Blocks as a border, I loved the spooky result!  Using colorful Grunge fabrics by Moda for this quilt added texture and sparkle without detracting from the overall pattern.  

Hocus Pocus screams Halloween, but the pattern is surprisingly versatile.  On page 31 of the magazine, the McCall’s team shares a lovely and scrappy Christmas version of the quilt, and here’s a summery idea made with beachy blues:

It’s a totally different feel, but just as fun!

If you’d like to make the Halloween version of Hocus Pocus, McCall’s Quilting has exclusive kits available at the Quilt and Sew Shop.  In the kit, you’ll find everything you need to make the quilt, including backing fabric.

Happy Quilting!