Happy Saturday to everyone......

It's a beautiful Saturday morning.....at 6h23 it has started well :-)

Will be off to Tim Horton's in about 30 minutes for a good morning jab of energy....

Today is going to be a beautiful day - a great day to head South of the border - perhaps into Plattsburgh, NY, and perhaps Malone, NY..may even take the Ferry across from Plattsburgh to Burlington, VT..haven't decided yet....

I just wanted to take a monent to wish everyone a great day - I will be back to visit the blog later this evening!!!

Bill

"QUILTING ESSENTIALS TOTE"

Updated announcement fo my new QUILTING ESSENTIALS TOTE pattern....

FREE SHIPPING TIL AUGUST 31, 2010

This pattern is for a very practical tote....room to store your notions to take-along with you...your rotary cutter, seam ripper, needles and pins....and what a great way to keep all of these together than in this wonderful tote.

Finished size opened is 8" x 11", folded it is only 8" x 4"....very compact - very practical....

Cost of pattern: $7.95 (free shipping til August 31, 2010)

If you are interested in a pattern, just drop me a line at billlockedesigns@hotmail.com

Note: A limited number of kits have been launched in the same fabrics as the original tote shown in the pattern cover photo....first come/first served. (Beige/Brown colway)

Kit Price: $19.95

(includes Pattern and all precut pieces, as well as trims: rick rack, felted wool,buttons and batting)

QUILT SHOPS: Please contact me with all wholesale inquiries.

PROJECT: Criss-Cross Coasters.....

Click on the link - the full tutorial is there.....step-by-step....

http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2006/11/crisscross_coas.html

To all of my quilting and sewing friends.......

If you haven't already tried this - you must.....I made these as Christmas gifts a couple of years ago - and what a hit....great for using up those extra pieces left from another project....

Great in any color.....

Hint: Try making a set with beige and brown prints alternating....STUNNING!!!!

When I made these, I added a square of Cotton Batting...in between the 2 bottom fabrics....it is thin enough to not make it bulky - but heavy enough to really protect furniture.

Easy, fast....I LOVED THIS PROJECT!!! and thought that I would share it with all of you....

ENJOY!!!!!

FILM: The Stoning of Soroya M.....

Last night I watched this movie..what a deep movie.....that rips at what human rights are all about....WOW....I wonder how many of you have seen this.......Rarely do I watch a movie where I am so moved and so bothered by what is going on - I guess first of all we have to realize that this is based on a true story......

If you haven't seen this - please do.....I realized just how blessed I am to be who I am, where I am......

Here are a couple of links in case you haven't seen this movie or would like to learn more about it...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stoning_of_Soraya_M.

http://www.thestoning.com/

http://www.sbs.com.au/films/movie/7087/The-Stoning-of-Soraya-M.

ONLY 5 DAYS OLD - And already over 1000 Hits......

Hi Everyone,

Thanks everyone for making the blog a great success in it's first 5 days..I can't believe that we have already gone over the 1000 mark....WOW!!!! Thanks to everyone for dropping by - and please continue to drop in and catch up - check out friends sites in the side bar...I will continue to try to find great sites and fun things to keep the blog fun.......

Wishing you all a great evening..it's 23h03 here so it's time for me to get some beauty sleep....

So glad that tomorrow is Friday....

Saturday may be a little trip across the border into Malone, NY and Plattsburgh, NY...have a few quilting notions on my list that I want to try to pick up - check out some fabrics..as if I need more.. :-)..But then again, can never have too much.....just a fun few hours away....

Will check in again tomorrow......

GOOD NIGHT!!!!

My last completed project....My LAND OF TEA table topper.....

This was such a fun project...my friend Cheryl in Illinois sent me the fabrics and a pattern for my birthday a couple of years ago - well, I loved these fabrics from the first time I opened my gift...but didn't get around to sewing it til last year....and then didn't get around to binding it til a couple of weeks ago...

It is such a fun project....my goal for this one is a great relaxing patio tea or brunch...I have some extra teapot squares that I am turning into hotplate holders...and I will find some coordinating solids to design some fun napkins and a tea cosy and it will be all set.....

I wasn't sure what to do for the binding but then decided to take all of the leftover pieces from the quilt and join them up and do a fun patched binding - I think it turned out well.

FREE COUPONS....Groceries, restaurants......(Canada and U.S.)

Hi There,,,

I just found this and wanted to share it with you all - I haven't tested it totally yet but it looks like a great place to save a few bucks - and who doesn't like that....

You can select any of the coupons you would like - and SAVE!!!!!

Please leave messages and let us all know your comments on this one.....I can't wait to try some of these out.

Bill

Canada: http://coupons.smartcanucks.ca/

United States: http://printable-coupons.blogspot.com/

THANK YOU!!!!!

Good morning everyone - It's another beautiful day here in Montreal.....

I just wanted to send a big thanks for making this first week such a great Blog success.....in less than a week there have been over 700 visits..WOW...I am in awe and so pleased..... THANK YOU!!!



Also to everyone to has been so supportive of my new patterns that started rolling of the printing press this week.....for your best wishes - for your purchases..THANKS!!!!!



I am so blessed to be part of such a wonderful, creative experience...and to be able to enjoy this passion. I thank you for being a part of it with me...and I hope that you will continue to visit me often here on the blog.....I promise to try to make it interesting - and to keep it informative....and find great things to share with you all...



Hugs to everyone for a wonderful Thursday!!!



Bill

Newfoundland Recipes

This evening I was checking out a site for Newfoundland recipes...now I haven't tired these - but they sound great....perhaps someone's in the mood for a nice NEWFIE dinner... YUM, YUM......

And check out the photos - what I wouldn't do for a nice JIGG'S DINNER.....

ENJOY!!!!!!

Here's the link to the site:

http://newfoundland.ws/Newfoundland_recipes.asp

WOW.......Thanks for all of the visits....

I have only been blogging for 4 days and already almost 500 visits....I AM AMAZED!!!!!
Thanks to everyone for dropping by - come back often :-)

Another beautiful day....

Good Morning,

What a beautiful sunny day again today - the weather has been fabulous......it's 7h28 - will be off to work soon...but just wanted to drop in to wish everyone a great day.....

Well, yesterday was the launch of my first pattern..it was an exciting day to finish that first one - to have it out there......but, the creative wheels are turning and I must keep working to keep the next one on schedule. I can't tell you all about it but I can give you a few hints.....Nbr. 2 will be a quilted item for your Home Decor.....and one of my favourite flowers is the Sunflower.......I hope you will enjoy my next project.

No. 3 is already in the design stage..a bigger project..and the hint I will give for No. 3 is
"delicious".....

You will have to keep watching to see what clues come next.....

It is exciting to see that in the last few hours there have been over 100 visits to my blog...THANKS SO MUCH FOR VISITING!!!! Please be sure leave me comments and suggestions...just click on the COMMENTS at the bottom of a photo and write away..I would love to hear from you.....

Have a great day - I will check in again later...

Bill

My First Pattern is Born: "QUILTING ESSENTIALS TOTE"

FREE SHIPPING TIL AUGUST 27, 2010 in celebration of the release of my first pattern....

Hi Everyone,
I am very excited to announce the first of my patterns - hot off the press and ready to get out there.....my QUILTING ESSENTIALS TOTE" - I wanted my first pattern to be a beginning - for me that's this tote...your notions are the start of many projects for us - our cutters, our seam rippers, needles and pins, scissors and pens.........and what a great way to keep all of these together than in this wonderful tote.

This is the pattern to make your very own notion tote as per the one that I have - very convenient - finished size opened is 8" x 11", folded it is only 8" x 4"....very compact - 4 roomy pockets to hold all of your notions for quilting class, travel, carry along in the car....very practical.....also lots of special space on the inside for your needles and pins with these wonderful felted flowers...

Cost of pattern: $7.95

If you are interested in a pattern, just drop me a line at billlockedesigns@hotmail.com

Postage for Canada - $1.22, the U.S. - $2.00, International: $4.00

Note: I do have 4 kits available as a part of the initial launch of this pattern...the kits
includ the pattern and all of the materials to complete your own tote - same
fabrics/notions as shown in the photo on my pattern cover. Brown/Beige Colorway.
All fabrics have been precut to make your assemble fast and easy. Cost of a kit is $19.95
+ postage. Kit are planned in assorted colways in the future - but only these 4 kits will be
available for the time being - First Come, First Served! :-)

Thanks for to all of my quilting friends for your encouragement and support....

Wholesale inquiries welcome!

Pattern nbr. 2 is already in the work and should be ready soon..I will be sure to give you updates here on my blog. Keep watching - it's a really fun project.....!!!!!!!

Blessing to all,

Bill

Little Bay Islands, Newfoundland

This is a great website that will tell show you a bit about my hometown back in Newfoundland - a beautiful island town, about 45 minutes off the coast of mainland Newfoundland by Ferry Boat.....check it out....

http://www.littlebayislands.net/index.php

POEM: "I Think God is a Quilter"

I Think God is a Quilter

I think God is a quilter
Who takes His needle and thread
To piece our world from nothingness
And give it form instead.
I think God is a quilter
And everything I see
Are pieces from His careful hand
From tree to bumblebee.
I think we see God's stitches
His texture everywhere:
The velvet moss, the grainy sand,
The silky strands of hair.
I think God is a quilter
Stitching tight and tiny rows
Adding to my scraps and pieces
Seaming everything He knows.
I think he cuts the pattern
From what I'd throw away.
He shows me how to use each scrap
In His redeeming way.
I think God quilts a pattern
From everything I live;
But He can only stitch the quilt
From what I choose to give.
I think God is a Quilter
Stitching strength where I am weak.
Showing me thet life He touches
Embraces everything I seek.
I think God is a Quilter
From the patience in each thread;
Proving length of time no barrier;
Treating time a gift, instead.
I think quilts are lessons
God uses just to teach
That our pieces and our remnants
Have kaleidoscopic reach.
So, in the life I'm living
With pieces everywhere
I'll give them to the Quilter
To stitch with loving care.
I'll give them to the Quilter
Unwanted though they be
And with his work of quilting
He'll make a quilt of me.
- Author Unknown

A fun project I just found on another blog.....

I was visiting the French blog SCRAP RECYCLAGE this morning..and it's amazing what they have done with vintage button......check out the flowers.....

Here's a link to the blog...and a photo of the button flowers.... http://scraprecyclage.blogspot.com/

Happy Monday evening....

Hi Everyone,

Just dropping in to say hi...and to let you know about my day.....
It was a good day - a beautiful sunny day......

This evening I spent some time preparing my fabrics for my 2nd quilting pattern that I hope to complete within the next few days..needing to complete the project for photos for the pattern cover.

My first pattern is in the final stages and everything shoud be complete this week....I have also made a few kits that will also be available in the same fabrics as those in the photo on the pattern cover.

I will keep you posted when it is ready for distribution.......

Just a little hint..the first pattern is going to be a smaller project...something that we can all use in our every quilting projects...I love mine..and I think you will have fun making your own.....

Pattern number 2 is such a fun project as well....and will be wonderful to display in your home...I can't wait to show you both of these patterns.....

There are several others that will make their appearance soon - I have been busy the last few months....and now is the time to bring my patterns to the table..... Thanks to all who have been cheering me on and sending all of those positive thoughts my way......we have such a big quilting family.

Well, I just finished cutting all of my fabrics for this 2nd project/pattern and decided to have a bit of a relaxing evening - perhaps a bit of t.v.

Speaking of moral support, my wonderful French friend Vero in France has been in contact with me today - we've been writing back and forth this afternoon..she is the owner of a wonderful quilt shop in Fontagny, France called BORN TO QUILT - and shares the shop with her wonderful helper, Miss Lizzy,,,the most beautiful Chocolate Lab.... Her shop is magnificent - you must check in on her website.... http://borntoquilt.fr/ Be sure to check out the links - the photos...scroll down and see her preferred sites......you will see some English - some French - you should really trop in - and have a visit - and when you do, be sure to leave her a little message to say hi...and to tell her that her friend Bill told you to drop in and visit...she is wonderful - and will be so pleased to hear from you.

She is really busy now as she does a lot of teaching in additional to keeping shops...so I know that she is really busy preparing for the next classes.....

Best wishes Vero......we adore you :-)

Hugs to everyone - wishing you all a wonderful evening......

Keep well,

Blessings,,

Bill

Another beautiful day.....

Actually the sun comes and goes..but it does seem nice so far..let's hope for more sunshine....
I have been working on finalizing my first completed pattern....spend last night making my samples for the photos for the pattern packet....had a fun time..and really liking the way that it is coming along....It looks like I may be able to do my first reveailing this coming week.....
Wishing you all a great day!
Bill

My friend - Amarilis, A textile Designer in Matanzas, Cuba....

I hope that you will enjoy this video - Amarilis and her husband Hector are wonderful friends and live in Mantanzas, Cuba....

Amarilis is a wonderful textile designer - and this video will give you a glance at her creations.

I received a gift from her collectoin when I was there in May - 2 beautiful shirts....I will have to take photos of these, but for now - here is a wonderful video of Amarilis at work...

Click on the video and enjoy!!!!!!

My Cuban Treasure........

This quilt will always have a special place in my heart - with it's history - coming from a very special friend in Mantanzas, Cuba....this was given to me by my friend Romalia during a visit there in May.....

I will do a few repairs to this masterpiece....a project made by Romalia and her mother-in-law about 15 years ago - using what little materials were available - recycling fabrics, Cuban Sugar Sacks for the backing....it is beautiful...Thank you Romaila!!!!!!

My Applique/Pieced combo.....

This quilt I call my SUNFLOWER quilt - of course we all recognize the coneflower motifs..but I decided to make my own renditions - add some colors that were a bit more earthy and Voila...for me my SUNFLOWER quilt :-)

This is the quilt where I tried machine applique for the first time and loved it......For this quilt, I make the center panel and then worked with that and auditioned fabrics that I felt would show off the colors and make the flowers pop.

I did hand stippling over all of the center panel - the borders are all machine quilted.....

This one was especially a lot of fun to do!

1930's repro - PINWHEEL BLOCK

I just loved pinwheels...and on the Garden Forum, we took part in a birthday block exchange - mine was this beautiful PINWHEEL BLOCK....

I love 1930's repro fabrics...and that's why I chose them for this block....

I auditioned many fabrics for the sashing and borders but finially decided this yellow fabric just showed of these blocks beautifullly - and there is a slick little raspberry fleck in the print that just sets it off just right....

This was another fun project to do.....

LOG CABIN Quilt

The log cabin blocks is one of my favourites.....

This one was especially fun to make since I was working with some of my favourite colors - the deep red, the dark greens, browns........

My Sunflower sampler quilt

This is my sunflower sample quilt made from MAYWOOD fabrics....their FULL SUN collections - I thoroughly loved working with these fabric..and love the way that this one developed.....

It will always be one of my favourites..... I do need to take one ore photo - the binding now is done - and I am able to enjoy this one!!!!

Welcome....to the beginning of my Quilting Blog.......

Hi Everyone,
I want to record this little message as the official launch of my little blog...I have been a bit late in my internet world getting started with one but here I am.
I hope that this blog will be a great chance for not only sharing with you want I am up to - but also hearing from you and seeing what you are doing as well....
In our little creative world of quilts and other creative adventures....it is great to have a chance to share be a part of each other's world..
Welcome to this little blog of mine - I hope you will visit often - and share it with me....
Hugs to you all!
Bill