Designer Focus - Vicki Bellino of Bloom Creek & Giveaway!

It's that time again!  Our Featured Designer this month is Vicki Bellino of Bloom Creek.  Vicki was kind enough to tell us a bit of her story.  Enjoy!

My thanks to Jennifer for giving me the opportunity to be a featured designer on her web site and for promoting my newest block-of-the-month called Vintage Rouge.

In 1986 I took my first quilting class and was immediately hooked! I loved every aspect of it, from selecting the fabrics to sewing the binding. I eventually became proficient enough in machine quilting to start a quilting business in 2002. Though I loved the creativity of the design involved in machine quilting, I still hadn’t truly discovered my passion.

Vicki's first pattern - Blooms for Annabelle

With the growing popularity of the pre-cut 5” charm packs, I began to dabble in designing patterns for use with charm squares. I was fortunate enough to be provided the opportunity to market my first few patterns and teach my designs at a local quilt shop. To my delight (and surprise), the response was wonderful! With the support of many friends and family, I eventually quit my “day" job as a claims adjuster and seriously ventured into the business of quilt pattern design. This ultimately led to the creation of Bloom Creek and my first pattern, Blooms for Annabelle. This pattern holds a special place in my heart, not only because it was my first pattern, but it was designed for one of my best friends, Anne Myers, who passed away this year.

Before I knew it, I was contacted by fabric companies and distributors and attended my first Quilt Market as a vendor in 2006. I owe a great deal of my success to the wonderful business relationships and friendships I developed over the years.

Vicki and Judie Rothermel with the Circle of Friends quilt

The past few years have included several “firsts” – including publishing my first book with Martingale, having features in quilting magazines, and designing block-of-the-month quilts for Marcus Fabrics. Never in a million years would I have guessed I would have the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented designer and someone I have always admired, Judie Rothermel! Circle of Friends was our first Aunt Grace block-of-the-month and will always be special to me. We have since become good friends and are now working on our third Aunt Grace block-of-the-month, which will be introduced at spring quilt market in Kansas City.

For those who know me, it comes as no surprise that I have become extremely passionate about English paper piecing. In fact, my second book with Martingale is due to be released in less than 2 weeks and is called “English Paper Piecing – Fresh New Quilts from Bloom Creek”. I incorporated this technique in my newest block-of-the-month, Vintage Rouge. This has got to be one of my most favorite quilts and incorporates two of my most favorite techniques – appliqué and English paper piecing!

Vintage Rouge

I have made life-long friends because of quilting and feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue a business in quilting that is truly my passion!

Thank you so much, Vicki! 

We are proud to carry a wide selection of Vicki's designs.  See them all here.  Interested in Vintage Rouge?  We have a Block of the Month program with spots still available. Sign up here. 

Now....IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!

Vicki has generously offered autographed copies of three of her large quilt patterns: Vintage Rouge, Aunt Grace's Garden Party, and Aunt Grace Circle of Friends.  To enter, leave a comment below telling us your favorite Bloom Creek design.  Make sure to have an email address so you can be contacted if you win!