HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!!
Another beautiful day to be creative and have fun.   Just sitting here, enjoying my coffee, catching up on some internet things and thought I'd drop in and touch base with the blog world :-)

This has been a busy week....it's been a long time in the making but I've decided that a website/on-line shop is necessary and so we are busy working on that.  By this weekend, it may be possible that I can start uploading to a new website...I'll be sure to keep you all posted on that.  This is going to be a fun place to see what's new, event schedule, an on-line boutique for fun an fabulous things....books, fabrics, buttons, notions......just to make a few.

I have been busy working on new projects...and preparing the first newsletter for the big workshop coming up in September in Baie Verte, NL.  We are going to have a lot of fun.  

This week has also found me spending some time in the design work, working on some new projects for wool applique, I can't share these with you at that time - they are still nestled in my design pad...but, once they come to life in wools and fabrics, my on-line friends will be the first to see them.

I am really looking forward to introducing these new patterns in the near future. 

Meanwhile......
Just a reminder that I'll be placing my first order soon for the wonderful SEASONAL TOPPERS book.....this book doesn't come off the press til around July 26th....but I have been taking pre-orders so that we all get in on this first printing.  If you'd like to have your name added to that list, you can get your copy as well.  The book is only $14.94 and can be mailed to you once it comes in for the cost of actual postage.   Just drop me a line at billlockedesigns@hotmail.com if you are interested in a copy.

Well my friends, I think it's time I finish my coffee and get back to the quilting world.

I am thankful and blessed to be able to enjoy so much what I do every day.....and to be a part of this wonderful creative world.   

QUILTY HUGS!!!!!

Bill

Hi Everyone...
Over the last couple of years, one of the things that kind of went by the wayside was my blog....much to my dismay...  However, today, I have decided that I need to revive that - and so, here I am, with my first new post; apologizing for my absence, but welcoming you back to join me in my creative walk.
I will make every effort to meet you here - keep you posted on ideas, projects, make new announcements; my little place to share with you and you with me.
Of course, you can also follow me on Facebook.

Now, with that, let me share with you my first little post.   Some times, I'll be posting to share with you some new and wonderful notions that I've discovered and am enjoying using in my studio for assorted projects.  Today I want to share with you these wonderful TEXTURES buttons....just take a look at these ceramic beautiful.  They are stunning.  And guess what, these beautiful 12 designs/colors, with all of their sophistication, are now available though BILL LOCKE DESIGNS.  at just $2.25-$2.50/Card, they are sure to be a very inexpensive way to add color and beauty so new projects.....I am already planning new designs and projects for mine.  Very Exquisite.

I am spending an evening working on some projects, one of which is working on pattern orders.  I am also in the process of writing the new column for KEEPING YOU IN STITCHES...and will perhaps send a bit of time later this evening sketching a little more to some new fun designs.  Some new patterns are in the work for some fun wool applique projects; look for these over the coming months.

Quilty hugs everyong..enjoy the rest of your Sunday..and don't forget to come back and visit often..because, MY BLOG IS BACK!!! :-)

I'm still here and having fun creating :-)

It's been a while since I blogged....it's been quite busy since the Fall with setting in, etc. but I am still having fun and going strong...and having the time of my life in my quilt studio.

Along with creating new patterns; quilting and making new projects; designing new projects...there seems to have been little time for other things..but I promise to get back on track and get back to blogging - because I miss being able to share with all of you - and hearing back from you - and finding out what's happening in your creative world.

The "KEEPING YOU IN STITCHES" column in our weekly paper is still going well so I am getting lots of practice towards my columnist skills. This is a wonderful way of sharing with so many local sewers and quilters....I LOVE IT!

My newest patterns:

"VINTAGE MINI-RUNNER" - darling quilt-as-you-go runner with fabulous hand applique motifs that are done in reverse applique - no raw edges and quite a beginner frienly project.

"MY LITTLE POSY PIN CUSHION" - my first wool applique pattern...and what a darling project...a super way to jump into wool applique - a fast and easy project.

Both of the above are also available in kit form.

Classes have been going well and along with workshops on the above projects and other fun creations, I have also been teaching a workship at the GARDEN CENTRE FLORIST shop which also has a quilt shop within the florist centre. Myself and 10 lovely ladies have been creating the most glorious display of log cabin quilts....ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. I can't wait to get photos of those and share them on here.

I hope that you are all having a great Winter!!!!! And please check back often....my blogging days are back !!!!!!!!

Quilty hugs to you all...

Bill

"QUILTING" and "SEWING" classes at my Studio............

I am so pleased...it's been 3 months since I have arrived in Springdale, NL and things are falling into place in my Studio so that classes can begin....the first ones have been confirmed...here are the details:

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“NATURE’S CHORUS” Applique Pillow
Workshop
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A really fun project - suitable for anyone with just a little sewing knowledge…..
- able to use a sewing machine, sew a straight line, comfortable with a needle and thread
With that and a desire to attend a fun-filled workshop with other sewers and quilters; you can share ideas; have a fun time and in the end, head home with a beautiful appliquéd decorative pillow.

3 classes available to choose from:
(Studio Class size limited to 6 students)

Schedule: (2 evenings or 1 day)

Wed. Nov. 09th and Wed. Nov. 16th – 18h30 – 21h30
Thurs. Nov. 10rd and Thurs. Nov. 17th - 18h30 – 21h30
Saturday Nov. 12th – 10h30 – 16h30 (bring a lunch)

Class fee: $30.00

Students have the option of bringing there own materials or can purchase a kit.
A kit will consist of a background fabric, all materials to complete the appliqués as well as a pillow insert.

Note: Sizes of Feather/Down-Filled Pillow Inserts will be subject to sizes in Stock.
Techniques: Machine Sewing, Reverse Applique/Hand Applique, Yo-Yo’s, embellishments.

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QUILTING 101 – Classes for Beginners

Do you have a sewing machine and want to learn to sew/quilt? Or perhaps you don’t have a sewing machine but would like to learn anyways?

Are you unsure of how to start, which tools to buy, what fabric to select, which colors to use? Intimidated by so-called easy patterns, large classes and all the expense?

Join me and learn to choose fabrics with confidence, cut, piece, press and sew accurately and quilt easily. Create projects to warm your home and make gifts for those special people for whom you wish to give a gift from the heart.

Lots of individual instruction: Studio Class size is limited to 6.

Bring your own machine… and to be able thread it and sew a line;
and I’ll teach you the rest.

Note:
If you do not have a machine, machines are available for class use. If you have a machine but is not able to thread and use it – a short session can be arranged to cover this step.

Project 1
Design and sew a quilt block, then make it into a pillow top

This class focuses on stitching an accurate 1/4 inch seam to piece a traditional style block.

Time required to complete project - approx 6 hours total

Cost (including Class and all materials)- $45.00

WELCOME TO MY NEW QUILTING STUDIO!!!!!!!!!

Well, here I am - finally getting settled and able to get back to my blog...I apologize for being away for so long.....but I am now here..and hope to get back to doing some regular posting....

I am now in Springdale, Newfoundland......moved from Montreal last month and absolutely love to be closer to family - and especially to be able to visit with my grandma Annie, who is now 94...and doing well....

Well, one of the things that was important for me was to get the quilting/sewing studio set up - I haven't completed it yet but here are a couple of photos.....

I am also working on completing the class and workshop schedule for the Fall/Winter months..and hope to be able to share a copy of the schedule with you soon.

I'll do have a booth at the Trade show here on Sept 8-10....so very much looking forward to that..these next days will be spent getting ready for the show..so much to do....so I need to put in some long hours.....

Today I have been working with the printer getting patterns ordered for the upcoming show....now I think I will be creative for a little while :-)

Hugs to all!

Bill

March's RUNNER-OF-THE-MONTH - "COLOR ME GREEN"

A Preview photo of March's runner...now in the quilting process.....but wanted to give you a peek beforehand......

"WEINER DOGGIES"......The cutest thing......

Measuring about 16" long from nose to tail, 10" high, these little weiner doggies are just the cutest...with their button noses and eyes and faux-suede ears and tails, doggies also have a weighted pouch of plastic stuffing beads to give it a bit of extra weight....

You can adopt one of the above or have one made by special request....Price: $35.00 (local delivery) or shipping charges extra.