All Things Rhapsody

[Margo C.]

[quote="bettyannseeman"]I use a Wacom tablet to work in Corel Draw. Yes they are great. It is easier to get nice flowing lines using the pen rather than a mouse. I also find that my hand and arm don't get so tired using it. (I even play Free Cell with my pen) Refnining is still needed using the other graphic tools. When designing in a draw program, it is easy to keep what you like and delete what is not so great. Check out my profile. The design on the far right is my first. Loved the middle, was not wild about the shape of the outside element. So I played for a while and I think I am much happier with the one on the left. If you have more question about the use of the tablet I will be glad to help if I can. Betty Ann smilin' in Florida[/quote

Betty Ann, both of your phapsody designs are just gorgeous! Did you design them using your Wacom tablet?

I was wondering:
1. what size tablet you use
2. any input/suggestions on whether to choose 4x5 or 6x8
3. and would it replace a mouse in "any" program or just certains ones?
(I realize you use it for free cell--How do you use it to select, pick up and release/drop the cards? tap with the pen?

I am seriously thinking about getting one. Almost did a few yrs ago, but I think the time is coming if I can use it for embroidery digitizing software and EQ6.

Thanks for any input you can give.

Louisa in the sticks of OK
2 mis from the blacktop
far from technology
always ready to upgrade if it does the job better
and if I can still buy fabric

[Margo C.]

Betty Ann your designs are great. Love the curves and repeats in the curves. I have been trying to find a design but no luck. Have something in mind but have not found it yet, getting close. I might look into the tablet, it might help me refine my images in designs for quilting with EQ5 and machine embroidery designs when I get to the point of digitizing.

[Margo C.]

I also use the 6"x8" Wacom tablet with Illustrator for designing in general. It's great! I have issues with carpal tunnel and this is such a relief from the "mouse position". Mine came with both the pen and a wireless mouse and the software to run it. Since my family hates the pen, they use the mouse.

[Carrie k.]

Photoshop sounds like a fun proposition, so many ideas, way too little time! I love everyone's designs, it is amazing to see such a little piece of paper turn into such a variety of designs. I am currently working on a Rhapsody but have drawn several more skeletons, in my profile are two, I am liking the first one the best, hummmm how many can I have going at once?

[Carrie k.]

I use both sizes of tablets, the large one at my PC and the smaller one for my laptop. Both work just fine. One tap of the pen on the tablet is like a click of the mouse. Two taps a double click. The pen works on many of the other programs I use. I am not techy enough to know what the limitations are in that respect. I can navigate though the quilt show website with it and that seems to be a lot of my computer time since January 1st. I think it is a good investment if you plan to do much design work at the computer. Betty Ann[/img]

[Carrie k.]

All the drawings are so beautiful. I posted another one of mine. I like the look of it, but still deciding on the final one. I did a fabric mockup just to see how the colors worked.

Can't wait to see more drawings from everybody.

Dana in Olive Branch, MS

[Carrie k.]

:?: Question......Ricky, can prints be used for some of the rhapsody shapes, or is it necessary to use all hand dyes or similar fabrics in order to call it a rhapsody quilt? I took your rhapsody design class is Phoenix, AZ, and have my templates on the wall. I had in mind mixing some kaleidascope prints with some appliqued plain color fabrics. I posed this question on your rhapsody blog, not realizing this forum topic had been added. Sorry. Love your rhapsody/adventure videos.

If anyone else knows the answer to this, I'ld love to hear from you. Thanks...

Dorene, Phoenix AZ

[Jean H.]

Howdy
I think you could use any fabric to accent the other hand dyes, after all these are 1 of a kind and its all what you like. Let the quilt whisper in your ear it will tell you if it likes it... Jean in Kenosha, WI.... thanking mother nature for her rain last night

[Jean H.]

Dorene, if you are lookng for the Quilt Police to issue rules and regs, I'm pretty sure you are looking on the wrong website! Use the fabrics you love! Just check out Ricky's website for an idea of where he's going with this. What would make you happy as appliques and as backgrounds for applique?

Benet, loving the weather in Texas, where it isn't supposed to be green and wet on the Fourth of July.

[Cindy N.]

Well I have posted a color mockup on my profile. Time to make my big SQUARE design!

Cindy having a relaxing fourth in St Louis

[Cindy N.]

I've finally posted two of my designs in my profile and am very open to your feedback. This contest has been a great motivator to start using this technique that I learned years ago in Ricky's workshop (which I loved). It's just that Ricky taught so many wonderful techniques, that it will take a long time for me to try them all out. I plan to finally use the hand dyed fabrics that I purchased at that workshop for my Rhapsody quilt, if they are not dry rot yet (just kidding).

Nancy

[Cindy N.]

Nancy,
I like both of your designs. However, my feedback should be taken with a grain of salt since I don't have a good idea yet of where the rest of the design/construction process is headed.

BTW, I like your other quilt work and your DGS is absolutely gorgeous!

Sharon who keeps thinking this is Monday instead of Thursday in CO

[Cindy N.]

Sharon,
I am in the same boat as you. Many here seem to have taken Ricky's classes and can proceed. I know Ricky was here recently but I wasn't able to attend. I feel clueless. I heard the background is sewed and then he appliques on top. I don't know if I've gotten that right.

Denise in a hot Minneapolis

[Annette R.]

I am way behind the curve. I am still trying to come up with a design I like but since the videos are there on the web site. and I will have to watch them quilte a few times before it all sinks in. BUT THIS MUCH I KNOW IF YOU STICK WITH RICKY'S INSTRUCTIONS THROUGH THE VIDEOS YOU WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE A RHAPSODY QUILT. RICKY'S MOTTO FOR A LONG TIME IS "I MAKE SIMPLE QUILTS THAT LOOK COMPLICATED. " I have been doing convergences and chantelles based on his book, his appearances on Simply Quilts, and his Caveman Quilting DVD. Look at my profile and I think you will agree, I haven't done bad. I had not had the opportunity to take a class from Ricky until the Minnesota Conference in June. I was privileged to be a part of both the Grand Finale lecture and the Harmonic Convergence class. Had I done convergences, sure, did I learn a tremendous amout YES YES YES. Before the Rhapsody Videos I was sure a Rhapsody was beyond my skills . I am beginning to realize that it is possible and I am excited about the process. and also the quilt police do not attend Ricky's classes nor will they look over your shoulder when you are working on this. Ann in Hot and Sunny Minnesota (edited once to correct a fact meant DVD not seminar -sorry)

[Annette R.]

The Applique is done while the quilt is still in pieces. Don't sew it together yet. Not trying to upstage "The Boss". Just trying to save you some time with the seam ripper. Betty Ann