"When life gives you scraps......Make Quilts"

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

NEW "RUNNER-OF-THE-MONTH program for 2011.......January's Runner - "SNOWY DAYS" now making it's debut......





Announcing my my RUNNER-OF-THE-MONTH program.......beginning with January's "SNOWY DAYS"......
Patterns will be available the 1st of the previous month in order to give time to work on these projects in advance.
Runner is 16" x 60", paper-pieced, except for snowman scarves and button embellishments which are added after quilting.
A fun project - beginner friendly - and only the start of a wonderful new RUNNER-OF-THE-MONTH program.....
Patterns now available for $7.95 - postage paid to anywhere in the world.........
February's Runner is now longing for Jan. 1st to make it's debut - keep watching.........


Monday, November 8, 2010

"U & ME, CUPCAKES & TEA" Table Topper Quilt














































"U & ME, CUPCAKES & TEA" has been born....what a fun table topper quilt - or just a fun smaller decorative quilt....it is so much fun.....and now the pattern for this fun project is available.....
The quilt is 66" x 66", a beautiful mix of fun blocks....regular pieces and applique...with instructions so clear it is beginner friendly.......
Be sure to check this one out - a link to purchase directly is on my blog, right hand side...
Cheers everyone!!!!!





Thursday, October 21, 2010






Hi Everyone,
I thought I would make a fun decorative pillow - I've had this one in my head for quite a while now and needed to bring it out....it was one of the most fun projects I've done...just simple hand applique on a heavier linen/cotton base....it was a blast.......
A great way to just let your creativity out and use up some of those smaller pieces that you have in your stash.....and of course, where there are yo-yo's, there has to be lot so fun....
Hugs,
Bill

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

"TEDDY TIME" Pocket Pillow




Just finished this fun project...a great gift for that little one - their very own


"TEDDY TIME" Pocket Pillow.....


Just tuck in a favourite book, and a little teddy - and off they go - to grandma and grandpa's, on a road trip..to the doctor...they will never be without their own little comfort things......


at 18" x 18" it is a great size......for carrying around - for sleeping..for cuddling.....especially if it's stuff with a down pillow form....


The back is made with overlapping panels - no zip to hurt those little fingers.....and so easy to remove the pillow form for cleaning.


"TEDDY TIME" Pocket Pillow patterns will be ready for mailing on Oct. 12th.....order your copy now by using the BUY-NOW button on the main page of my blog...


and remember - NO POSTAGE!!!!!


Wishing you all a wonderful creative time.... :-)


Bill

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

NEW "FREE POSTAGE" for pattern purchases....

Hi Everyone,
In order to make purchasing my patterns easy for everyone, wether dropping in to your LQS or on-line, starting today, you can purchase patterns without having to pay extra for postage...THAT'S RIGHT!!! Patterns are now just $7.95 ppd.....
If you like my patterns, be sure to suggest to your LQS that perhaps they should add them to their selections.....
Thanks a million!!!!
Hugs,
Bill

Monday, September 20, 2010

NEW PATTERN: "CLASSY 10-POCKET TOTE"







Hi everyone,



I am proud to announce pattern #5 in my collection of patterns...for this great



"CLASSY 10-POCKET TOTE"



The tote measures 17" wide x 15 1/2" wide, and the shoulder straps have a 19" drop.



All regular piecing - great 1-day project..for for quilt shops, this one is a great 1-day class.



Keep watching - there's more great patterns on the horizon!!!!!



Bill



Tuesday, September 14, 2010

A wonderful free pattern for Pot Holders, Book Cover......on TIPNUT.COM.........


I got an email today with this wonderful link and I just had to share..it is wonderful!!!!!! I hope that some of you will enjoy the link.... A vintage pattern from the 1960's......check it out - there's lots of great things on the site - recipes, etc....... here's the link:

Sunday, September 5, 2010

NEW PATTERN: "ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS" Quilt


Hi Everyone...
Well, I am very proud to announce that Pattern #4 is born...."ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS"...a fun quilt project, comprised of Paper-pieced trees, embelished with fun buttons, sashing, setting squares and a border.....
Finished size: 42" x 58"
A great project - even for someone with little or now paper-piecing experience - because of the size of the pieces......
This is the perfect size for a throw or Christmas Wallhanging....
I would like to thank everyone who has supposed BILL LOCKE DESIGNS so far - and I look forward to bringing you many more fun projects...
For anyone who wishes to purchase this or another pattern, each Pattern has a BUY-NOW button on the right size of my blog home page.
Wishing you all a wonderful day!
Bill

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

THE WINNERS of the QUILTING ESSENTIALS prize draw....


Hi everyone,,,,

Well, the time as come to make the draw for the 3 prices in the QUILTING ESSENTIALS prize draw that was announced on August 04th.....


And the winners are......


1. Quilting Needles - "GERRI in Flushing, NY"


2. Seam Ripper - "ELOISE in Concordia, MO"


3. Quilting pins - "SHEILA Bismarck, ND"


Thanks to everyone for purchasing this pattern and I hope that you are all enjoy this and any other patterns that you have purchased......


Your prizes will be out in today's mail!!!


Have a great Quilting day!!!


Hugs,


Bill

Saturday, August 21, 2010


Hi everyone,
I have been away from my blog for a few days but I am back.......
I hope that everyone is doing well...
I have started to read a book that was given to me by my special friend Cheryl from Illinois...
"HIDDEN IN PLAIN VIEW" - A secret story of quilts and the underground railroad....
by Jacqueline L. Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard, Ph.D
I have just started to get into this book and it is just so interesting....
Hidden in Plain View tells the fascinating story of a friendship, a lost tradition and an incredible discovy, explaning for the first time how enslaved men and women encoded messages within quilt patterns that helped fugitives navigate their escape along the Underground Railroad....
I will let you know how I enjoy this book - but if the first few pages are any indication -
I am going to love this one......
Wishing everyone a great Saturday evening..and a wonderful weekend!
Bill

Monday, August 16, 2010

Pattern #3 - "ALL BOTTLED UP" Placemat......




Here's my latest pattern - ALL BOTTLED UP...Placemat......


FQ Friendly.

The center panel is Paper Pieced...& the whole project is FQ friendly.


You can make this up with fruit or vegetable themes - perhaps bug jars for kids...candy jars for the holidays...you can have a lot of fun....your imagination is your limit on this one....


If you would like to purchase this pattern, just click the BUY-NOW button on my blog home page.


Best wishes..


Bill

Sunday, August 15, 2010

A FREE PATTERN - From MODA

Hi everyone,
I found this pattern and thought that perhaps some of you may enjoy this one as a great scrap quilt pattern...a wonderful way to use up lots of those pieces left over from other projects...check it out....

http://www.unitednotions.com/fp_wee-woodland.pdf

Friday, August 13, 2010

Att: QUILT SHOPS........







Be sure to ask about the great wholesale program available to your store for all



BILL LOCKE DESIGNS



patterns.....












Wednesday, August 11, 2010

"QUILTING ESSENTIALS TOTE" & "MY CHARMING SUNFLOWER GARDEN Table Runner" Patterns



The QUILTING ESSENTIALS TOTE pattern is indeed a great pattern and a wonderful evening project.........it can hold your sewing accessories and notions; for quilting class, for travel.........4 pockets....opens to 8" x 11" and folds to a compact 8" x 4".....there are felted wool rosettes for your needles and pins...........absolutely adorable......
KITS are currently out of stock but more Kits will be available soon in assorted colways.
MY CHARMING SUNFLOWER GARDEN Table Runner pattern is a perfect item for display on a dining table, a side table...turn it into a wall hanging....you will have so much fun making this one - it is an absoute blast......
The Table runner measures 15" x 44" finished...the perfect size for a great weekend project....and a fabulous way to use up lots of those smaller pieces that you already have in your stash.... There have been a lot of requests for kits - although not yet available, I do plans to offer kits for this item in the near future.
Either of these patterns can be easily purchased directl from my blog - the buttons in the righthand side bar make that so easy - just click and Buy-Now...it's that easy...all orders ship next day.


Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Someday, I would love to have a piece of furniture, upholstered in a quilt......







Using Quilts for Upholstery - very interetesting...
Here's the link so you can see more...

Ok..I love buttons....but this is something that I've never thought about doing......but it does make for a very interesting conversational piece....

Here's the link - and the instructions on how to do this yourself....ifyou dare :-)

It does look like a lot of fun though....

http://slideshow.ivillage.com/home/buttonbacked_chair/sewing_supplies.html

Monday, August 9, 2010

NEW PATTERN: "My Charming Sunflower Garden" Table Runner




Hi Everyone,,,

Here is the photo that I promised this evening - my new pattern will be out and ready to ship by Wednesday....



I have had a blast bringing with this project and designing the pattern for my Table Runner.

There are a couple of different techniques in the runner - but is quite simple with the instructions and templates provided....even without any applique experience any quilter should be able to complete this one.....And of course, I love notions..so I just had to include some buttons, a coupe of yo-yo's..I love introducing another medium into my projects.....


Also, I would like to add that for all of my patterns, if at any point after purchase or during the sewing process you have any questions, I am available via email - to personally answer ASAP.

This pattern is now available for purchase for $7.95 + shipping..(Large padded envelope via letter mail):
Canada: $1.22
United States: $2.00
International: $4.00


If anyone would like to order a copy, you can just contact me here simply drop me a line at:billlockedesigns@hotmail.com

For immediate purchases, you can send payments via this email address though Paypal.


If you have any questions, please drop me a line....

Wishing you all a great evening!

Bill

Friday, August 6, 2010

Here's a beautiful blog.....pictures, music..I had a great visit here and wanted to share it with you.......

SEWL MATE SISTER is having a free giveaway....

She has a great blog - go over and check it out - and grab a chance to win a really cool prize.....

Have you always wanted to take quilting classes but just can't get to the classes....check this out.......




Hi Everyone,
I have heard so many people say to me "I WOULD LOVE TO LEARN HOW TO QUILT"...well, now there are places that are catering to people who would like to learn how to quilt - out of the comfort of their own homes....
ACADEMY OF QUILTING is one of those places...
I have no experience from this site..but it does look really interesting...
I do however know people who have taken classes at QUILT UNIVERSITY..... www.quiltuniversity.com/ and have really enjoyed the experience.....
I am having trouble opening their site this morning...hope it will be up later....
Just wanted to share these 2 "QUILTING SCHOOLS" with you - perhaps it will help someone dive into this wonderful world of quilting!!!!
Have a wonderful day everyone!
Bill

Thursday, August 5, 2010

It's been a busy evening at the sewing maching.....



I just wanted to let you all know that there are still patterns available for the QUILTLING ESSENTIALS TOTE .....
Meanwhile, it is time to complete the work on Pattern Nbr. 2....my project that is the inspiration for my 2nd patterns is getting wrapped up - and this weekend I hope to be able to put the final touches on my design - go though the directions one more time - and make sure that all is ready to hit the press....


This second pattern is really going to bring on a bit of Fall inspiration a little early - but in a good way...... and I can't wait to share this one with you......keep watching......!!!!!


Good News, the offer of free shipping on my patterns will continue til further notice...so that makes it even better for you to purchase them....no extra costs.

This evening I did spend some time working on some of the blocks for a prototype for another pattern.....this one is an absolute blast...and I am like a child in a candy shop putting this one together - when I release it you will understand why......I did 5 of the blocks this evening and can't wait to see this one put together.......and most of this project can be done with pieces form your scrap basket - which is wonderful..... :-)
Being a part of this huge quilting family and world is amazing - it is exciting to be able to take these little pieces of fabrics and use them to paint wonderful quilts and projects that we and others are going to enjoy......


I am happy to share this world with you...
Thanks for visiting - come back often - there will be lots of new things - from me - from others.....
Let's have fun - and create!!!!

Heh, anyone need a new backpack for school...... School reopenng is closer than you think....


I came across this wonderful pattern today for a BACKPACK........looks like fun - thought I would pass along the link in case some of you have some students needing a new creation before school starts....
Enjoy....the pattern incluses templates and everything...how wonderful is that!!!
Have a great evening everyone!
Bill

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

"QUILTING ESSENTIALS CONTEST"


As a little thankful for all of the people who have purchased my first QUILTING ESSENTIALS TOTE pattern, I am going to do a little prize give-away.....for the first month - until August 31, 2010 - Midnight, I will put the name of everyone who purchases a pattern into a hat for a little prize draw.......

And what better prizes than actual QUILTING NOTIONS......for your new totes.
On August 31st at midnight, (or Sept. 1st, early) I will pull 3 names at random...and send out your prizes as follows:
1st name - A package of Quilting needles
2nd name - A seam ripper
3rd name - A set of colorful pins
Just a little bit of fun....the winners of these items will all be listed here in my blog on Sept. 01st.
Thanks again to everyone who has purchased my pattern - and keep watching - Nbr. 2 is very exciting - and No. 3 is just as exciting........I am have a grand olde time bringing patterns of my very own projects to you....Others are on the design table and as promised, I will keep you all posted once things are ready.....
THANKS AGAIN!!!
Hugs,
Bill

JAR QUILT and Free Canning Labels.......




Happy evening everyone...

I was thinking about my jar quilt - and finishing it off and it reminded me that many of you are perhaps canning and bottling the fruits of your gardens..........
So, I thought I would share my Jar Quilt top with you - and at the same time, here's a great link for some free jar labels, etc...... ENJOY!!!!!!
Wishing you all a wonderful evening!
Bill

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

NEW BLOG FEATURE!!!!! BUY NOW BUTTON


I just wanted to let everyone know that I have added a new feature to the righthand side of my blog.....
In order to simplify your pattern purchases, I will be adding buttons to make this easier.
You will see that the link for the QUILTING ESSENTIALS TOTE Pattern has been added.......
Thanks to everyone for your support with my new pattern...I am very pleased with the response...and I will be sure to let you all know as soon as new patterns are released.
Best wishes,,,
Bill

It's a rainy evening in Montreal.....


which means that it is a great evening to stay inside and work...of course, I have to watch my next eposide of Coronation Street at 6h30....then I can do perhaps work on a project or 2.......

I was browsing the net and found this great idea that was put out by FAT QUARTER SHOP.....the picture above allows you to work with a simple pinwheel block - and then add a piano border..and VOILA.....try it in different color schemes.....a great SCRAP QUILT....to use up all of these pieces left in your scrap basket....
Here's the link to the site where you can download the full instructions for the quilt!
Enjoy!
Bill

Monday, August 2, 2010

Free Recipes, Free templates for Recipe cards, shopping list...... www.cookingnook.com



The Cooking Nook is a great site to visit for lots of wonderful recipes:
FREE RECIPE CARDS, SHOPPING LIST (different templates) - Just print them out for free!

Check it out..there's even a place to sign up for free recipe emails from FOODSTUFF EZINE.

FREE PATTERN: Table Runner


Hi Everyone,

I found this pattern on the CAPITAL QUILTS website: http://www.capitalquilts.com/freeproject/tablerunner.htm

and thought I would pass it along.....it is called the Patriotic Table Runner but I think that it is a great pattern that would be FAB in any color scheme........

I hope that you will enjoy it as well!

Bill