It’s been quite hot here in Montreal these past days and weeks….but the heat of Summer is going farther than the Sun this month – because across the miles and over the big pond, Island Batik Ambassadors whipping up fun projects in new Island Batik Collections in order to showcase these fabulous new fabrics to you in the exciting BEAT THE HEAT Blog Hop.

Be sure to hope over to Island Batik and check out the schedule of the upcoming collections, and get a chance to win some wonderful fabric for your own stitching…how great is that! Just click the link above!!!!!

The collection that I had the privilege of playing with for the Blog Hop was CLOCKWORKS by Kathy Engle. Anyone who knows my favorite color story will know that this collection really spoke to me because when it comes to earthy colors…I’m all over it – and let’s just say YUMMY!!!!!! I knew that I was going to have fun with these.

I played with many an idea; new designs, older ideas….but in the end, I felt that the fabrics were so beautiful – that I really wanted to do something that I loved that would showcase each of the fabrics in the collection. I therefore opted for my favorite quilt pattern of all time..the Log Cabin.

Having had to deal with a broken finger of the last weeks – and still dealing with limited use of the finger; this was the first project that I’ve stitched since that time. But, for the log cabin blocks, I cut 2-1/2″ strips….and guess what…Accuquilt has the perfect die for that with the ACCUQILT GO CUTTER….cut all of your strips quickly and perfectly…and have even more time to quilt. Thank you Accuquilt!!!!!!

As you can see in the quilt, there’s a row of assorted blocks at the top and bottom of the quilt. While making this project to be a nice lap/throw size, I wanted the quilt to be rectangular but I wanted to showcase the center design that I created with the 16 log cabin blocks. Once my blocks were complete, I used all of the remaining fabrics from the collection and created this top and bottom border which I felt brought that extra burst of CLOCKWORKS to this project.

NOTE: All borders and sashing strips are cut 3-1/2″ wide. The assorted blocks at the bottom are 3-1/2″ squares.

For the batting, I’ve selected HOBBS HEIRLOOM NATURAL Cotton Batting…. Thanks HOBBS!!!!

This has been a really fun project and it was so exciting to be a part of ISLAND BATIK’s BEAT THE HEAT BLOG HOP…..

Thank you to ISLAND BATIK, ACCUQUILT and HOBBS BATTING for all of the products used in this creation.

HAPPY STITCHING EVERYONE!!!!! And let’s BEAT THE HEAT!!!!!!!!!!

As an Island Batik Ambassador, this month’s challenge was to use my AccuQuilt GO! Machine and dies to make a fun baby quilt that features Island Batik fabrics; and let me tell you – what a fun project this has been.

As I was getting ready earlier this month to place a new design for my monthly challenge, the idea of child’s quilt bring many different mental images of various designs and themes but I wanted to take this challenge a little outside the design box and do it a little differently….. and well….I was thinking, who says that a baby quilt has to be rectangle or square….it can be any fun shape right? Well…the challenge this month was that the baby quilt needed to be 40″ to 48″ “SQUARE”….but in the excitement of working with this stunning fabrics and this magnificent AccuQuilt Cutter, I just missed the word SQUARE altogether – and well, the result is in another geometric chapter! 🙂

A lot of my customers are so into the QUILT-AS-YOU-GO type projects; and just as excited about SCRAPPY PROJECT that I wanted these 2 feature to be focused in this month’s challenge project.

Introducing:

“RING AROUND THE HEXAGON”

This whole project started with a simple 5-1/2″ cut hexagon that I wanted to use for a focus center in my quilt…..and from there, the rest is history.

The starting point to this fun creation was to cut a piece of HOBBS HEIRLOOM PREMIUM COTTON BATTING. Hobbs supplied us with a group of battings for our projects; this one is from the CRIB SIZE 45″ x 60″ which was perfect for this project. I was aiming for a 40″ finished project.

I cut my batting to be 45″ square, found the center point and drew the 5-1/2″ Hexagon as my jumping off point for the quilt. Since this is a QUILT-AS-YOU-GO project, I also cut a piece of backing fabric the same size. The Backing fabric was laid on my work table wrong side up with the batting on top.

I then pinned my center Hexagon in place.

With the center Hexagon anchored, I had fun with the AccuQuilt cutter. I knew that I really wanted to focus on one particular die this month – the 2-/2″ width strip cutter….it’s just the cat’s meow and I love it so much….so it makes sense that my first AccuQuilt project would feature this die. Cutting the 2-1/2″ strips for this project was amazing…everything was cut and complete in around 10 minutes….how awesome is that…and without any extra laying out of fabrics, etc. I could easily layer my fabrics, and cut them so quickly.

I could have just keep on stripping…. (cutting strips 🙂 ) but I knew that I had plenty for this project. What a super way of using up some of those smaller pieces because the strips used closer to the center of the quilt are quite short compared to the ones used near the outside.

With the fun 2-1/2″ strips at my disposal, the fun part of selected each of the strips to sew around this Hexagon project had just begun. Strips were added 1 at a time, in a quilt as you go method; until I achieved the desired size of my baby quilt; which would mean adding 9 rows of strips around the center hexagon.

And here it is….. “RING AROUND THE HEXAGON”

I would like to just take a moment to thank ISLAND BATIK for supplying all of these wonderful fabrics for our creative projects; to AccuQuilt for supplying the wonderful GO! Cutter which made this and will make so many more projects so much more enjoyable to create, and to HOBBS for their gift of fabric batting that gives this project such a wonderful handfeel.

To see more wonderful fabrics, projects, products… perhaps start by checking out the sponsor’s Facebook pages…. there’s so much to see there….. see what other Ambassador’s are creating and get inspired to stitch!

https://www.facebook.com/islandbatik/

https://www.facebook.com/accuquilt/

https://www.facebook.com/HobbsBattingOfficial/

Have a very blessed and stitchy kind of day!

Bill

February 1st marked a new fun time in my quilting…since it was the start of my ISLAND BATIK AMBASSADORSHIP 2019.

Many of you watched the unveiling video where I shared so many wonderful things that were sent to the Ambassadors this year to use in the creation of wonderful, fun projects to showcase the ISLAND BATIK Fabric, HOBBS Batting, AURIFIL Thread and as well the ACCUQUILT Go Cutter.

For February, the challenge for all Ambassadors was to create a “MAGNIFICENT MINI”.

In 2012, I designed a pattern for a “VINTAGE MINI RUNNER” but have put it aside to recreate in a different style/theme at a later date; I knew that when I started to work on my “Magnificent Mini”, my mini runner was going to be the base on this project.

I love taking the more modern batik prints and introducing them to a more traditional approach of quilting. This new version of the “VINTAGE MINI RUNNER” is an extension of that idea. Measuring just 10″ x 23″, it is the prefect size for a fun afternoon project; and definitely an adorable “Magnificent Mini”. For this project, I dug into my delicious Island Batik stash to find a mix of cream background strips for my base; and then from my new Ambassador Box, I found these special prints for my appliques and binding. The prints all beautiful but I especially love the one that I found for the flower basket binding – One 5″ stripe was enough to complete this part of the project.

The “Vintage Mini Runner” is made up of an assortment of 1-1/2″ strips that I used to prepare the base of my project in a QUILT-AS-YOU-GO (QAYG) Method. The QAYG method is a wonderful way to complete a project more quickly and easily since the project is quilted once you finish the runner top.

The applique technique that I used is one that I call “APPLI-SIMPLE” where the appique pieces are backed with a very light-weight interfacing. In additional to using the “APPLI-SIMPLE” method, I’ve also done this project in a 3-D effect with the petals of the flowers having some depth in the applique process. The Appliques were completed by hand.

Learn more about my “APPLI-SIMPLE” technique here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAGBygBkzc8&t=39s

The batting used in this project is the HOBBS CHIEIRLOOM PREMIUM Cotton Batting, 80/20 Cotton/Poly. This batting has the perfect weight and drape quality that I enjoy for my table runner and other simpler projects.

I’ve had a lot of fun with this project; and am already thinking about the March project for our Ambassadorship……. be sure to subscribe to my blog; and remember your comments are very welcome.

Happy Stitching!!!!!!!!

Please check in at the be sure to check out the other Magnificent Minis from all of the Island Batik Ambassadors

Carolina Asmussen ~Carolina Asmussen

Gene Black ~ Gene Black

Pamela Boatright ~ Pamela Quilts

Connie K Campbell ~ Freemotion by the River

Anja Clyke ~ Anja Quilts

Tina Dillard ~ Quilting Affection Designs

Becca Fenstermaker ~Pretty Piney

Jennifer Fulton ~ Inquiring Quilter

Barbara Gaddy ~ Bejeweled Quilts by Barb

Dione Gardner-Stephen ~ Clever Chameleon

Sarah Goer ~ Sarah Goer Quilts

Vasudha Govindan ~ Storied Quilts

Lori Haase ~ Dakota City Quilter II

Joanne Hart ~ Unicornharts

Mania (Magdalini) Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for Quilts

Carla Henton ~ Create in the Sticks

Stephanie Jacobson ~ Steph Jacobson Designs

Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs

Joan Kawano ~ Moosestash Quilting

Kim Lapacek ~ Persimon Dreams

Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood

Leanne Parsons ~ Devoted Quilter

Bea Lee ~ BeaQuilter

Toby Lischko ~ Gateway Quilts & Stuff

Bill Locke ~ Studio Bill Locke

Denise Looney ~ For the Love of Geese

Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights

Sally Manke ~ Sally Manke

Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack’s Blog

Kathleen McCormick ~ KathleenMcCormick

Carol Moellers ~ Carol Moellers Designs

Karen Neary ~ Sew Karen-ly Created

Jackie O’Brien ~ If These Threads Could Talk

Laura Piland ~ Slice of Pi Quilts

Michelle Roberts ~ Creative Blonde

Vicki Schlimmer ~ Vicki’s Crafts and Quilting

Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail

Sherry Shish ~ Powered by Quilting

Anita Skjellanger , Quilt in a not-Shell

Laticia “Tish” Stemple ~ Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland

Jennifer Strauser ~ Dizzy Quilter

Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations

Terri Vanden Bosch ~ Lizard Creek Quilts

Alison Vermilya ~ Little Bunny Quilts

Sandra Walker ~ mmm! quilts

Suzy Webster ~ Adventerous Applique and Quilting

(Debora) Anne Weins ~ Sweetgrass Creative Designs

Geraldine Wilkins ~ Living Water Quilter

Janet Yamamoto ~ Whispers of Yore

Well, Here I am; finally ready to share with you all of what has been in the planning stages these last few months; and what has now materialized in the new STUDIO BILL LOCKE – My New Creative Space.

Since 2011, the steady increase of online followers have been overwhelming and so exciting. In April of 2017 I thought that getting back to having a full time retail outlet where local customers could shop would be a plus;  hence the move to the Ste. Catherine Street location. This was a trial move because I needed to test the water before wading too deep. 🙂  

During the last year, the online customer base has been steadily increasing; but the interest from the local market remained quite low; with the online clientele making up about 95+ percent of my customer base….so a couple of months ago I decided to to put plan B into motion – and here I am!!!   I will make mention that over the last few months, the majority of my local customers who order regularly from the Studio have opted to mail order as well since it’s easier and less expensive to have orders mailed out than to have to travel into the city to pick it up; which in fact increases the online clientele even more.

The great news is that January, February, March of 2018 have been the best Jan/Feb/March quarter in the history of the Studio – and for that I say A BIG THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.  You are the ones that make this possible for me each day;  to do what I love and to bring fun and creativity to so many through the STUDIO BILL LOCKE.

I am very excited about the changes that have been slowly taking place over the last couple of months behind the scenes,  and how everything is falling into place with regards to the new business plan. The coming months are going to be exciting and very creative with all that I am planning to bring to you.

I wanted to wait til now to do the official announcement because it was important that I get the news out to everyone at the same time rather than to one customer at a time. I also wanted the official announcement to come though my Blog since the blog is associated with the new website.

I haven’t been blogging in ages; and the new website has been in the work for quite some time..but, both of these tools are now becoming an important part of the new Studio.

With regards to the website, it will take a little time but all new products will be listed in the web store so that you can easily see as much as possible from the comfort of your home. The thing that has taken the most time is working out the shipping calculator.  You see, many online sites use automated calculators that I find often charge more than actual shipping for orders. I want to have the same, exact/low shipping costs that I have become known for – no extras. In order to do this we have deactivated the shipping calculator…you can still shop, fill your cart and sent it in – it will give you the total with tax; but will not included shipping costs. Once I receive and prepare your order, I will calculate the “exact shipping/postage” and then get in touch with regards to payment as I always have done. Payments can still be made by etransfer, Paypal or Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard).

I will be aiming at doing a new Blog Post every week….a great way to showcase a new products, a new event, and upcoming announcements, etc. This will be my new way of sharing with all of you more often.

Keep following on Facebook..because there will be special announcements; special deals…  I’ll use my FB page to keep you on top of things more quickly.  There, you’ll see announcements of new products, links to new posts, etc.  I will be sure that you hear about everything as soon as possible. 🙂

Now, in case you haven’t already guessed it, I will have decided to make the new STUDIO BILL LOCKE a online studio only….but with a couple of twists that will especially be of interest to my local customers.

I would like to share with you what the new Studio will include….I am so excited about this new adventure…and I can’t wait to share it all with you and grow in this new space with each of you.

OH…I must tell you….the new Studio has found it’s roots in my home…..and I am thrilled because it makes things so much simpler.  I love being able to get up in the a.m., take a shower, get dressed, take my coffee and just simply walk 1/2 minute to work :-).   This past year, my sewing/creative studio and office were in my home but the Retail Studio was across town.  Now, all of this is under the same roof and I couldn’t be happier.   This move will allow me a more flexible schedule to run my business since my customers are covered by so many different time zones.

With new customers coming on board on the other size of the pond,….  when I am having my morning coffee, you’ve already gone though most of your day and your messages can now get responded to more quickly.

For customers on the West Coast….. as I am winding down my day in the evening, you’re just getting home and doing your shopping…so having everything at my fingertips will allow me to function so much more easily to serve you even better.

I have always prided myself on great customer service; and for me, it’s always much more than just making a sale; it’s finding the exciting products that are going to make us all scream with joy; it’s the personal touch that I am able to have with all of you – because you’ve become my friends; you are not just my customers.   There’s a relationship that we build; a special bond…and I enjoy that personal touch that we develop though our messages.

So the new STUDIO BILL LOCKE is online only – what does that mean?
All orders for the new Studio will be online orders only; but orders can be placed in 2 ways. Eventually, once the new web store is stocked, you can place your orders on line, or you can also leave comments on any Facebook post or simply email me…..any of these methods can be used to order from the Studio. The biggest change will be for local customers in that it won’t be possible for you to simply drop into the Studio to pick up your orders. All orders will be mail order. Note: there can be some exceptions where some customers will need to pick something up..this can be done by appointment only – BUT…this is simply an exeception and not a rule; since the goal is to work towards just online/mail out orders.

“STUDIO POP-UP SHOP”
Umm..what’s this? Well, this is a great way for local quilters to see more product and shop in person. Your guild can book a pop-up shop for any meeting or event; no engagement fee. I will arrive before the meeting begins to set up the STUDIO POP UP SHOP; sharing lots of fun goodies with your members; fabrics, patterns, notions, introduce new items/demos…..and your members will enjoy the opportunity of shopping on the spot. Any  orders for out of stock items that are taken at the guild meeting will be delivered back to the guild for distribution.

C. Classes, Workshops, Trunk Shows….
Yes, all of the above!!! 🙂 With the new Studio, time will be available to be on the road to participate in more events.
This past year I had to decline several invitations for events because of my responsibility with the brick and mortar shop. Going forward, the new schedule will allow for more time away from the Studio to be able to participate in these fun events.

D. DESIGN TIME!!!!  Quilt Markets and Quilt Shows!
One of the most important things that I’ve wanted to get back on my agenda is my own design time. I have so many fun designs and projects that need to get completed so that I can share then with you. This means new, fun BILL LOCKE DESIGNS in both wool and cotton…so look for new designs to start coming your way by this Fall. The new design time allows more time to accept design engagements with other companies in your quilting industry.  Just for the record, a fun design will be released at The International Quilt Market in Houston with ISLAND BATIK; my third season designing with them; I am currently working on a new design for VALDANI THREADS to be displayed next month at the International Quilt Market in Portland; and there are other, fun new prospects in the works.   This past year has been an exciting year with BILL LOCKE DESIGNS Pattern launches in two NANCY’S NOTIONS Catalogs as well as a fun collaboration with a new design for a CONNECTING THREADS Fabric collection/Catalog; and several fun designs to showcase fabric collections  for P&B TEXTILES and WASHINGTON STREET STUDIO.  This new Studio concept will allow the opportunity to increase my design time and to get back to that part of the business that I love so much.

STUDIO BILL LOCKE is expected to be back in Houston, TX in November with it’s own booth once again at the International Quilt Market.  I make an effort to attend at least 1 International Quilt Market each year. I would like to visit more….the more I get to market and trade shows the more fun I can share with you. It is also important that STUDIO BILL LOCKE get back to market with it’s own booth showcasing fun designs for my wholesale customers.  I would also like to be present as a vendor at local and out of town quilt shows.

So…..there’s lots and lots of changes but they are exciting developments; things that will allow the Studio to grow and prosper; but also changes that will help me give you even better customer service; as I said, I think it’s been pretty good so far :-)…but I want to make it even better.

I appreciate each and everyone one of you that continue to show your support to the me and the Studio…as I have said so often, without you I wouldn’t be able to do what I love each and every day…I am truly blessed and and truly thankful for your support.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send them along to billlocke@billlockedesigns.com

Thank you again and wishing you all a wonderful and blessed day!

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!!!!!