All Things Rhapsody

[Eileen K.]

I don't know what Photoshop is? Can you explain? Is it a software program?

[Eileen K.]

Yes, it is a software program similar (kinda) to Paint. It is rastor based (brushes and effects) graphics versus vector based (Lines and fills) like Illustrator. I use both in my graphic design business.

[Eileen K.]

I have posted my Rhapsody skeleton and fabric layout on the design wall. I tried using some commercial prints along with Ricky's hand dyes, since I am considering this a practice piece. Practicing blanket stitch applique, set-in curved piecing and various applique patterns. My next will be all hand dyes or almost-solids.

Also posted a new photo of Ocean Flora (art quilt) as requested, which now you can click on for a larger version. Thanks for your interest.

Dorene, still sweltering in Phoenix.

[Eileen K.]

Dorene-the prints in your Rhapsody look great!

[Duffy I.]

Hello Dorene,
You quilt look astonish, really fantastic! What a good idea to work with stripe. It gives me an idea, I have a lot scraps laftovers of Kaffe Fassett project. I think I will try a small project with these fabric.


Ohhh I wish we could work furder on ore Rhapsody quilt. I even considder to buy the book. So I can go on. But that is not so much fun.
Is there nothing we can do to push Ricky.
I also miss the daily video blog. It is if my adventure stop in the middle of nowhere and the lights went out.
So please Ricky put the light back on :idea: .Show us the way!!!! :cry:

[Duffy I.]

Don't worry Duffy, I think this break is just because Ricky is "bizzy" on the road from Colorado to VIrginia and back. I don't know how familiar you are with US geography, but that trip is REALLY long by car, at least a two or three day each way. Unless he has a really good wireless set up or stops at internet cafes along the way he really is out of contact for a bit. I'm sure though that he is working up a bunch of stuff for us when he gets back

Mandy... waiting in West Virginia and wishing she had time to go to Virginia this weekend for the seminar...

[Duffy I.]

Duffy, how great to see a post from you again - have been missing you. :cry:
Yes Ricky is "bizzy". Maybe this is a good time for the rest of us to work on some other unfinished projects. I know, I know, we're anxious. I read somewhere (Ricky's biography?) that he's had heart bypass surgery, so too much stress on this poor boy might hurt. Let's send him thoughts of health and relaxation and lots of great ideas to blog us about in the future!!! Have you heard of the saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder"? Our hearts are growing fonder, right? And maybe his is, too. Do I hear an "awwwwwwwwwwwww"?
Jan in finally cooler Spokane, WA. ahhhhhhh

[Cindy N.]

Ricky is indeed bizzy at the Super Seminar and from there he goes directly to Paducah to teach at the museum. He is also working very hard to finish a rhapsody for the cover of a book. I would be surprised if he is getting much sleep actually. He WILL be back...patience. In the meantime start thinking of applique designs that will FILL the spaces of you rhapsody quilt. Check out Ricky's website and see what he did with Bohemian Rhapsody or Rhapsody in Green. Consider each template as a space and try to fill it with an applique or quilting design. That should keep us all bizzy until Ricky is back! Cindy in nicely cool MO.

[Eileen K.]

Dorene wrote: "I have posted my Rhapsody skeleton and fabric layout on the design wall."
Where is the design wall and how do I get to it?
Thanks,
Eileenkny

[Eileen K.]

Hi Duffy and everybody, Its so nice to see a post from you again Duffy. I do enjoy them so much., and your rhapsody looks beautiful. I have been working on my applique pieces like fiberwoman was talking about. That is so much harder for me than drawing the designs. I never seem to fill in the spaces enough.

Ckbellneville mentioned that Ricky is teaching Rhapsody classes in Paducah this next week. I am taking those classes and have been signed up since Fall of last year (even before there was TQS). I have been so glad to watch the blogs....makes me not feel totally lost going into the class. I know the classes will be so much fun....like one big rhapsody blog that is three days long......but without bears!

Dana in Olive Branch, MS

[Annette R.]

Dana I am so happy for you going to Ricky's Rhapsody class I am jealous but I know it will be wonderful and you will learn a bunch. Just think of me once in a while and I will pick your brain when we get to Olive Branch this fall ---- cant wait to see you again maybe by then I will have a skeleton I like see you this fall your quilter friend Ann still in Minnesota

[Annette R.]

I started a small Rhapsody quilt at Glen Eyrie Retreat and to make the applique shapes, I cut a template out of freezer paper to match the shape of the space I was going to fill and then cut out shapes from that piece of paper. It couldn't not fit. Worked for me. Try it. Betty Ann

[Duffy I.]

Hi girls, how nice that you miss me already I feel so welcome.

Mandy, I know America is much bigger but my brain does have trouble to thing so big. :? Her in Belgium we travel from north to south 2h30min and from east to west in 2h30min.
But you have to count at least 2 hours for the FILES(= slow driving and standing still). :lol:
Ye, ye a small country ......but so nice people, lots of old historic building, castles and lots of Belgium chocolates. These chocolates are delicious.
But There is a other thing. 8)
We are famous for ore French Frieds( :evil: they are NOT French but Belgium!!! They stool them from us).
If you come to Belgium you just have to taste them on an Frituur.
That is a little booth that you fine on the streets. Just like the hotdog booths in America... I think!
We call the Belgium frieds " Frieten" and the best are served in a point bag so that they stay warm. See my profile I put a picture there. I am not on it.
:wink: But now I am going to far. Back to basic.

It is a good idea to start with the appliqué.......but.
:!: 8) This is a secret do not tell anyone!!! Top secret!!!
I was thinking about to decorate my quilt with decorative threat, wool, Sashiko ore maybe with embroidery instated of appliqué. What do you thing?

Dana, when you see Ricky Live, give hem a big hug and kiss from us, yes? Oh I wish I could be in that class to!
But it is to far. I am glad that I can do it this way. And talk to you girls :?


Next month I am going to England , Birmingham for a big ( for ore eye's) quilting show. It is my first time that I go for a quilt show to England.
Two years ago I was in the south of France for a quilt show in Saint Marie eau Mine The show was spread over different little towns.
I thing I saw 16 show in two day. I was nearly dead. And seen enough quilt for a while.

Is someone of you girls going to England for the quilt show?

[Duffy I.]

I know where the bear is. It's hiding out in Michigan. My neighbor kids saw it last weekend crossing the road onto the property next to mine. That road is where I walk daily!
As to the rhapsody--I have a question for Ricky. How many layers of applique could be stacked up? My center design is quite dense, and I can see at least 3 layers if I don't cut out from behind in some places. I'm afraid that will make it pretty stiff.

I'd also like to see Ricky discuss choosing threads for the applique--both color and type of thread.
Meanwhile, I'm doing like someone else suggested--getting the other projects out of the way so I can concentrate on the rhapsody. I did get all the fabric dyed--had to overdye some of it because there were too many light/white areas in it from being crammed in the containers in rather large pieces compared to the fat quarters I usually dye. I usually do low water immersion type of dyeing.

[Duffy I.]

Eileenkny, click on Doreen's name in the left column. It will take you to her profile, and from there you can select among the 12 thumbnail spaces to see her work. it hink she basically meant she had put her pieces up on her design wall at home, but she has also shared pics with us here via her profile!