The Hand + Soul 2026 Quilt - Celestial Desert Version
Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.
— Socrates
Design Inspiration
The Hand + Soul Block of the Month quilt for 2026 was designed as a year-long journey of creativity, reflection, and community, with each block telling its own story. The layout brings together a collection of unique designs, each with its own theme and techniques. Month by month, the quilt unfolds like a narrative…shifting in shape, color, and rhythm, yet coming together in the end as a cohesive whole.
For each of the three samples, we explored themes rooted in nature…symbolic of the journey we’re about to take together this year! The Celestial Desert version, in particular, draws inspiration from wide-open desert skies and starlit sunsets. You’ll see this reflected in the carefully curated fabrics and echoed in the quilting, bringing the whole design together in harmony.
Block of the Month 2026 Membership Tiers
"I want to sew & reflect..."
"I want community..."
"I want a spiritual deep-dive..."
Details & Techniques
This sampler quilt is designed as a skill builder, guiding you through twelve unique blocks that introduce new techniques and playful modern designs each month. We’ll start with a beginner friendly block, and by the end you’ll be using FPP, sewing curves, and using HRT's like an expert! All membership tiers include instructional videos to guide you through every step, so this quilt is approachable for beginners while still offering fresh challenges for experienced quilters.
This quilt was pieced and longarmed by Chelsea LeBouton.
Fabrics
This version of the B.O.M. features soft sandy tones accented with pops of sunset hues and neon highlights, echoing the dazzling colors of twilight and the first stars appearing in the desert night. The palette captures the magic and vastness of the desert sky!
The quilt top is all Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids:
Background: Latte
Color 1: Quartz Pink
Color 2: Mandarin
Color 3: Ocean Fog
Color 4: Honey
Color 5: Snapdragon
Color 6: Spruce
Color 7: Lemonade
Backing is AGF Moment of Zen Aqua
Binding is AGF Pure Solids Latte, Snapdragon, Mandarine, Ocean Fog, Spruce, and Lemonade
If you’re inspired to make this Celestial Desert version, our shop partners have this exact quilt kitted for you! Find the info here.
Want to make up your own version? Create your own mockups of the Block of the Month quilt on PreQuilt!
Quilting
This quilt was longarmed by Chelsea LeBouton using the Interstellar Lite pantograph by Melissa Kelley
Tools Used
Machine: Bernina 475QE
Piecing thread: Gutermann Sew All thread
Batting: Pellon White Cotton with scrim
Olfa 45mm rotary cutter & rotary mat
Adobe Illustrator for trusty mockups
