Good Evening everyone....

I have become such a stranger with my blog...but I truly do need to get myself back into the blogging spirit and catch on a more regular basis.

As I am sitting here this evening I am thinking a little about the wonderful Quilt Market in Pittsburgh and the fun and excitement in the air as we all shared together there.

The time was extra special because of my extra special quilting angels, Shelley, Jeanne, Colleen and Wendy.....here we are having breakfast together at the Omni William Penn Restaurant before I left for the airport.

I haven't taken the time get to do a debriefing of sorts to fill you in on some of the activities of the market; but perhaps over the next couple of days, I can make an effort to at least add a couple of updates to share some of this event with all of you.

I could never relate that much excitement into words..but the least I can do is share a bit of what happened there....

There are a lot of wonderful new things that are going to be happening over the next weeks/months....I am so excited with some new things and events that have landed on my plate and I can't wait to share them with you as they develop...but can't let the cat out of the bag just yet....but I promise to share all my my wonderful news with you.

Wishing you a wonderful evening...

Quilty Hugs,

Bill

"Quilting Through The Season" by Sharon V. Rotz - "BOOK REVIEW"

I've had this book in my personal library for a couple of years and have always wanted to make some of the projects within it's pages.  I love the style of the book, the attractive cover and photos......and so, as we venture into another creative year, I thought that it would be fun to start featuring some of my favourite finds; thoughts on the book/projects, and share my findings with you.   This is a wonderful book that will help you "create home décor projects to reflect the changes outdoors while enjoying delicious recipes indoors".  That's right, in addition to the 12 projects in this book (suitable for all sewing levels), there are lots of photos to inspire, stories to warm your heart and lots of fun recipes...so perhaps I will get many, many hours of creative fun in my Studio as well as the kitchen.

The first project in this book is entitled JOY WALL QUILT...a beautiful wall hanging - 17 1/2 x 30".....I figured that it would be good to start with the first project and see how it goes....this project is regular piecing + applique so a really fun project...   I've made acrylic templates for the applique pieces,,,chose my fabrics...and now I'm already to start...

I followed Sharon's instructions and cut the background strips the sizes given however, I did make a couple of changes...when piecing the background, I felt that it was the perfect little project for quilt-as-you-go.  So, I chose my backing fabric, laid that out on my work table, then layered by batting; and then my first strips, (starting with the center of the wall hanging)...and sewed and quilted as I went....  For the 1" strips in the design, rather than fold in half as advised on Page 16, I simple sewed these as per the larger pieces.  

The pattern advised to applique the little panels before piecing the background; I opted to complete the background first.   When I hand applique, I like to anchor my stitches in the batting, I feel that it makes for a nicer appliqued top.   Now, on to the next steps...I'll keep you posted with my progress.

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