STUDIO BILL LOCKE

II have not been so great at keepging up with the posts here on the blog....but I am making a commitment to myself and to you that I need to visit here often and share with you on a regular basis....this is a great place where we can share together.

The last couple of months have been crazy busy with the projects and things that needed to be done for the International Quilt market in Houston last month.    Now that I am back, I am working to reorgainzing the Studio, plan new projects but my mail goal over the next couple of weeks is to follow-up with the many discussions from market with fabric manufacturers, magazines, catalogs.....and continue to work this Fall to bring even more fun designs to you though the Studio.

One of the new designs that was released at the market last month was the  "VINTAGE HARVEST Table Runner pattern.   This one is made completely with the MARCUS FABRICS "AGED MUSLIN" Collection...  I love that fabric..it is so much fun to work with...the fabric keeps it's crisp handfeel as you work....and that vintage look that I was hoping to attain with the fabrics for this design has really come though in the finished project.

Size: 17in x 38-1/2in

The great news is that this pattern is now available here on the website in the ONLINE QUILT SHOP as a single pattern or as a kit.  The kit includes the pattern and all of the fabrics to complete the table runner (including the backing and binding).   The price also incudes shipping..how great is that? 

There are 2 listings in the ONLINE QUILT SHOP, "KITS" Section  one for U.S. Customers and 1 for Canadian Customers.

For the U.S. customers, my website is in Canadian $ ...when you pay though the website, Paypal will take you through the process in Canadian $ but when you pay you will pay in US$.     e.g.  The Canadian price for U.S. Customers is CANADIAN $50.45 but that is the equilivant of approx. $37.50 at today's exchange rate.

For Canadian Customers, the cost is $44.75.

Over the next days/weeks I'll continue to share the new designs with you and keeping you up-to-date on special Studio offers such as patterns, kits, etc.     

I want to take a moment to thank all of you for your continued support and send Quilty Hugs across the miles!!!!!!!!

Happy Stitching!

Bill

For those of you who are looking for a beautiful boost of Spring and even Summer Fever..these stunning fabrics from RED ROOSTER will do just that...

QUESTION: What do you get when you take these 5 fabrics and be creative?

ANSWER: You're going to see later today

I took these 2 stunning digital prints from the ROSES collection and used them in 2 fun and exciting projects....and you'll be amazed how you can get two very different looks and styles with the same fabrics.....

There's a beautiful BAROQUE Styled Table Runner that's waiting to be displayed as a wonderful accent piece on a prominant dining or side table; and then there's this Dreamy COUNTRY FRENCH Bed Runner that's longing to adorn a guest room at the Country Cottage....

The Runners are complete and I have been working on the binding for these in between other projects; but I am aiming to have the last binding stitches finished today so that I can share them with you.

AND, THE BONUS!!!!!!!

The Free pattern downloads for these will be available soon from P&B TEXTILES via their website, so that you can make your own beautiful runners and enjoy these fabrics just as much as I have!!!!

Happy Stitching everyone... Stay tuned for the RUNNER REVIEW later today!!!!!

Happy Tuesday.......

We so often need a special occasion to wish a happy this or a happy that....   but I feel that every day is a great day to wish a Happy!!!!!!!

It's a new day to seize the moment, to learn, to grow.... but, one of those greatest requirements to a happy day is a Thankful Heart.

As we start this new day, let's think about something for which we are thankful, and then think again, and again......there's so much...you'll be surprised....and then, as we finish this day in a few hours, let's take a moment to ponder on the gifts that we have been given, and realize how this day's grateful heart has brought us though this Tuesday, already longing for the gifts of tomorrow.

I am thankful this morning because I am able to live my dream and work in such a creative format each day.  I am thankful for each of you that come to me to source your quilting and stitchng needs; you allow me to live my dream.    

THANK YOU!

"CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT"

This week I want to have a little fun contest....  there's going to be a "STORM OF GRATITUDE".  The contest will run from today til Saturday at 12 Midnight.      You simply have to leave a comment on this post and share something for which you are truly thankful.    On Sunday I'll use a random number generator select 3 numbers from the number of posts received.....as a symbol of thankfulness, each of those 3 numbers will receive a little thankful gift from me.

Let's have fun, let's inspire, let's be thankful!!!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful Happy and Thankful Tuesday!!!!!

Quilty Hugs across the miles and the big, big pond!!!!!

Bill

Hi everyone,

To those of you who have seen and commented on the "BLOOM" Decorative/bench Pillow that I posted this week, I thought I'd share a little more on the fabrics used to create this fun project.

The fabric "COLOR WEAVE" is a stunning collection from P&B that offers so many wonderful and delicious colors.  This has been my collection of choice to work with this week and boy am I having fun.   Having completed the "BLOOM" pillow, I am currently working on a fun Table Runner that I will share with you soon; using some more of the wonderful colors available in the collection.

Working with these fabrics is like working with butter.....they cut and sew so well, and they really do look wonderful in my projects;   for me, it's the perfect marriage between design and product because when you move your designs from paper to fabric, you get so excited to see them coming to life; you get even more excited when the fabrics you use make them so exquisite.

I wanted to give you a link to show you the whole line of the P&B Color Weave Collection.    20 stunning colors.  Aren't they awesome?  One of the things that I really love about this fabric is it's linen look.   It truly does look great used in your regular pieced projects....the table runner I'm currenctly doing will have it in the backing and binding.    it's looking great whereever I use this one.

Once the table runner is complete, I'll be moving on to work designs in a different collection - be sure to come back often and see what's going on at the Studio.....it's such a pleasure to share all of these "goings on" with you ;-)

Quilty hugs across the miles, the kilometers and the big, big pond!!!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.  

Bill

http://www.pbtex.com/colorweave/

"NEW RELEASE"

Introducing my latest design "BLOOM", a fun new design in collaboration with P&B TEXTILES, showcasing their delicious "COLOR WEAVE" Fabric collection.

"BLOOM" is a fun Decorator/Bench pillow, measuring 17" x 27" and is a regular pieced design. The fabrics used in the pillow top are unexpectedly showcased in a fun trim on the back.

This is a really fun design and is a great 1 day workshop for shops; beginner friendly with satisfying results.

For shop owners who will be visiting the International Quilt Market in Salt Lake City, the project will be available for viewing at the P&B TEXTILES Booth; and of course you can check out these wonderful COLOR WEAVE Fabrics there.

The pattern will be available soon as a free download from P&B TEXTILES...I'll be sure to post a message as soon as it's available.

This is first of many new fun designs that will showcase wonderful fabric collections from P&B Textiles, Red Rooster, Washington Street Studio and SPX....keep watching for updates!

Happy Monday everyone!!!!!

In recent months, the main area of focus for communication has been my Facebook...and while that will remain, I also want to start with getting back on track with my blogging.   This will be the place where you can come and find out all of the extra things that is happening; perhaps in a bit more detail.    See the goings on at the Studio, check out fun and interesting links that I've found to share with you; this will be a great place to bring it all together.

I've been working on a special project this weekend....and here it is.      The POSY TRIO Table Runner is one of those fun designs that was born as a great class/workship for the Beginner Applique level (although it certinaly is a fun design for all levels).    The design uses the no-raw-edge-applique method that I so often use in many of these fun designs.

This project featues many of the beautiful prints and colways from P&B TEXTILES, from their BEAR ESSENTIALS and BELLA SUEDE Collections...the fabrics are just absolutely wonderful.   These collections offer such a wonderful variety of designs and colors; and the handfeel and quality of the collections are just so wonderful; working my way though this project was like spending some time at the Quilting Spa...these fabrics sew like butter and compliment each other so well.   

If you're not familar with these P&B Collections, you're going to want to check them out....you will be so pleased that you did.

You'll be seeing more and more listings featuring the amazing collections from P&B TEXTILES.   Keep watching.   As the new collections are released, I'll have the privilege of designing and creating new projects to share with you in the exciting new fabrics.    I am thrilled with the opportunity; and I'll be sure to share the experience with all of you.

To the interest of Quilt Shops, wholesale inquiries for patterns are welcome.     

Have a wonderful day everyone!!!!!!

HAPPY STITCHING!!!!

Good morning everyone!!!!!!

It's hard to believe that Fall is on the way - because our temperatures here in Montreal continues to scream Summer...but, it is happening.

I was in New Jersey last weekend for 3 days and it's hard to believe how much the trees have already changed color down there...so it's bound to happen here soon.

Fall reminds me of leaves...and this beautiful pattern from one of the magazines that I enjoy, McCall's Quilting, carries that theme.  Their November/December 2013 issue included the pattern for this wonderful quilt entitled CHEVRON LEGACY; a beautiful quilt with scrappy rows and appliqued leaves.    

They offered a free pattern on line for the coordinating Table Runner..and since Table Runners are one of my favourite projects, I just thought that I'd share this one for you - perhaps it's a pattern that you can add to your Fall sewing.

As you've probably already learned, the Studio will now be carrying this wonderful magazine.....so as each new issue comes out, you'll be able to pick it up here.   

Quilty Hugs across the miles - HAPPY STITCHING!!!!!

http://www.mccallsquilting.com/content_downloads/Chevron_Legacy_Web_Bonus_Table_Runner.pdf

Good Morning everyone!!!!!

I don't think I coiuld successfully get though my day today if I didn't send out specail thougs and prayers for all of those who were and still are so affected with this date.

Sept. 11th changed lives across the globe...and although it caused so much pain and destruction....it will probably one of those dates that brought so many people together and taught us all the importantace of all that we have...especially our Freedom and the truths that we stand for.

Today WE REMEMBER!!!! As we always well.....

God Bless America! God Bless us all!

Hi everyone...

It's been such a long time since the last post....

Since that last post, the Studio has been moved from Newfoundland to Montreal...and it has been an exciting move..things are falling into place and the move here will allow more opportunity for growth...and I can't wait to share the new adventures with you.

Today the new issue of QUILTERS' CONNECTION Fall 2015 magazine has arrived at the Studio - and I'm quite excited because this issue has a 4-page spread of yours truly :-)

For anyone who can't find a copy of the magazine locally - you can always drop me a line and order it from the Studio.

I am now working on some new designs/projects that I hope to share with you shortly.....the new Studio is just about all set up - and I've posted several photos on my Facebook page...feel free to come over and be my friend there.... BILL LOCKE (not Bill Locke Designs).

I'll be sure to add some photos here later.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and stitchy kind of day!!!

QUILTY HUGS ACROSS THE MILES!!!!

Bill

Good morning everyone.....

It's another beautiful sunny day; a day to get out and about and fun a few errands; as well as spend a few days working on Studio projects.

There are some fun and exciting plans in the work...

In recent weeks there are several great ideas and projects that I've been trying to put into one productive business plan; I am very happy to see that they are all coming together...and I am excited to see the new projects develop.

Over the past couple of years, with the crazy schedule of the Studio in Newfoundland, it hasn't been possible to get as much time for other projects and commitments.  It is important that i find a way to Marry the different aspects of my quilting life so that they all flow together.

One of the areas that I need to spend more time on is my design time.   There are many Bill Locke Designs patterns that have been on the work table for quite some time - that are waiting to be finished and released.    There is a new and exciting project that I've been invited to work on that needs some special attention over the next couple of months.  I am happy to say that it is coming along wonderfully; I can't wait to share the details with you later in the year.

It is important that I also work to incorporate more classes/workshops into my Studio time - both locally and on-the-road.    Many of you have been asking for that for quite some time now and I plan to follow though on some wonderful fun times in the near future.  

Then there are my many, many loyal customers who enjoy the many goodies available through the Studio.   I love the hunt for new products...and I get excited every time I am able to bring something new and exciting to your creative world.   Visiting the International Quilt Markets and working with Suppliers on a daily basis in this search is something that I enjoy - and I will continue to do all that I can to bring as much excitement as possible to the Studio so that I can share it all with you.  

In order to be able to do all of the above, I have decided that over the next few months,   I will be working out of my new Home Studio; rather than open a 2nd location at this time.   The one location will give me the time that I need to be able to work out a new business plan in orde to cater to each of the above important aspects of my stitching live; allowing me to be able to serve you even better.

My online customer base is enormous and it is important that I take the time to give you the best service possible.   This new plan will allow me the time to do that and still give me the time that I need to work on these other fun features of my quilting world.

For local customers; you will still be able to visit me at the Studio; although it will be important to check ahead to reconfirm my schedule.     Meanwhile, with regards to Studio stock, with everything eventually being availbale on line, it will be great because no matter where you are, you'll able to grab a cuppa, and visit the Studio and shop in the comfort of your home.    This way, I'll be able to offer even more to my wonderful, online customers who have always supported me to tremendously; for which I am truly grateful.

I thank everyone for your encouragement and support; and I look forward to serving you even more in the coming days.

Please feel free to share the link to this website with your friends.

Quilty Hugs across the miles!!!!!

Bill