All Things Rhapsody

[Annette R.]

NancyinSTL suggested that I share this little tip with y'all on how I got different Rhapsody patterns from the same sketch: If you are using computer software to create your sketch, you can rotate the original piece to get a totally different look. (First I drew the design in the half-square triangle, then copied and flipped it to make a square. Four squares rotated and put together make the whole pattern. Rotate each of the four squares again for a different look.) Clear as mud right? Check the photos on my profile, it's probably easier when you have something visual in front of you.]
laura

[Annette R.]

Thanks Ms. Diva,

Thanks for your latest post. I previously thought you were just rotating or flipping the triangle (1/8 of the design), but now it makes more sense that you instead would be rotating the squares (1/4 of the designs). Again, I think this is a great technique for creating additional designs for consideration. I'm going to try it now, even though it's 3 AM here, because it sounds like fun. My hubby is a night owl too and is still up. I'll let you know when I've posted my new rotated designs.

Nancy

P.S. I gave my husband a demo of "The Quilt Show" last night and he was very impressed with the website's features & functions. I'm very lucky because he understands and supports my quilt passion. It allows him "nag-free" time for his hobby.

[Annette R.]

I just posted my rotated designs on my profile, so you can see a few more examples of how rotating can create new designs.

Now, I'm going to go get some ZZZZZZZs. It's great that I'm retired and can sleep in, but I'll probably be up by 9 am. Sleep is overrated. I'd rather be quilting.

Nancy

[Annette R.]

A question for Ricky:
In today's blog, you mentioned that we should be ironing our freezer paper to fabric. Have you talked about fabric selection and I missed it? I'd like to hear how you decide fabrics, i.e. what colors, how many different fabrics, etc.

[Annette R.]

A question for Ricky:
In today's blog, you mentioned that we should be ironing our freezer paper to fabric. Have you talked about fabric selection and I missed it? I'd like to hear how you decide fabrics, i.e. what colors, how many different fabrics, etc.

Ricky, I would love to hear your thoughts on this also. ritzy

[Ricky T.]

Two things:

1. I'm moving forward by letting you watch me make a quilt that MUST be done by August 1. It is for the front cover of a book. My other choice was to stop all Rhapsody videos until this was done - not a good option for you. You can imagine that trying to video tape - edit - and post all these takes a TON of extra time. Time I don't have. So, I'm letting you watch me do what I do, but not every question will be answered along the way - for this part.

2. Regarding fabrics - I pick fabrics I like. I don't know how many colors or fabrics I will use. I just grab a bunch I like and get started. When I get back to the Rhapsody that YOU will win - I'll get into more detail.

Finally, I do not fuss over anything. I don't ponder for more than about 30 seconds. I chose the fabrics for the quilt you are currently watching me make in about 2 minutes or less. I know I can always change something I don't like - so I'd rather just dig in and get going. Keep watching and in most cases you'll find that I WILL eventually answer all your questions, but in short 5 minute bits - I can't do it all at once.

Ricky - in La Veta, CO

[Ricky T.]

Hi Elsie,

It was divaofquilts, not me, that used Adobe Illustrator to create her designs. I'm not sure if this is the same software she used to rotate the designs, since I'm not familiar with that software. Unfortunately, I had to do my designs and rotation manually with pencil, paper, scissors, a glue stick and scanner. That's why my designs aren't exactly square. Also, I need to "give my designs a hug". Ricky says that's better than having the design lines falling off the edges. Truthfully, I need to go back and reread the definition of a Rhapsody, because I'm not sure mine exactly fit the definition. Two of my rotated designs don't match on the horizontal & veritical axis, so they aren't true Rhapsody designs. That might explain why they aren't pleasing to the eye.

By the way, your Rhapsody quilts should be prizewinning! They are beautiful!

Nancy

[Ricky T.]

Hi Elsie,

I use Illustrator of most of my designing besides quilts. It has the Reflect and rotate being discussed. My Rhapsody design in my profile was done in Illustrator in about 10 Minutes using those features.

Denise in a heat wave in Minneapolis

[Eileen K.]

I'm posting here as well as on the blog. Ricky, why the stay stitching and what is that pattern in the center of the template? I am completely lost!
Eileen KNY

[Eileen K.]

I'm posting here as well as on the blog. Ricky, why the stay stitching and what is that pattern in the center of the template? I am completely lost!
Eileen KNY

The stay-stitching is to keep the curved pieces (that are now very stretchy) from getting out of shape while we handle them. I believe that the design in the middle of the piece was showing where he is going to put his applique and what it is going to look like for that piece. Of course, I could be wrong--but that is my guess. ritzy

[Cindy N.]

You are right on ritzy. Just sit back and enjoy this part. Play with colors for YOUR rhapsody and think about what applique shapes might fit in YOUR templates. This is a pretty long process for those of us who don't have the energy to quilt 24 hours a day like Ricky. :wink:

[Ricky T.]

I'm posting here as well as on the blog. Ricky, why the stay stitching and what is that pattern in the center of the template? I am completely lost!
Eileen KNY

The stay-stitching is to keep the curved pieces (that are now very stretchy) from getting out of shape while we handle them. I believe that the design in the middle of the piece was showing where he is going to put his applique and what it is going to look like for that piece. Of course, I could be wrong--but that is my guess. ritzy

You'll note the additional BLOG about the subject. However, the stay-stitching is for much more than stopping any stretching - just wait and see. Ricky in Cool Colorado

[Ricky T.]

I'm confused about the freezer paper size. I don't understand why I need a 26" square if I'm going to use only one quadrant for my templates. It seems to me I could proceed with a 13" square. I know I'm missing something here!

[Ricky T.]

Judy, if you use a 13" square, your finished quilt will be 26" square. If you want a small quilt, that's okay, but if you want a 52" quilt, you need the 26" square.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Ricky T.]

JudyP, The 26 inch square is one quarter of the whole quilt. The quilt will end up 52 X 52. The templates will be used four times in the quilt. If you start with a 13 inch square, the quilt will be only 26 inches square when completed. Betty Ann