Daily Blog

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Alex seems to like my quilting suggestion, however, nothing is final until it's final, so don't be surprised if she changes her mind - or takes one of your suggestions.

In the meantime, she asked me to share HOW to mark the "Raindrops" pattern I drafted for her. The three images shown above will show you how.

1. First, draw several "targets" that do not overlap. These can be drawn with a compass, or by using various round items that will nest into each other. I used to have a concentric circle template so I know those are out there too. Make the "targets" various sizes.

2. After you have as many FULL rings, then start doing them again, but where they overlap - just don't draw the lines. This will create the effect of drops that hit the water earlier so they are being washed away by the full versions.

3. Finally, fill in the gaps, again, not overlapping any of the lines. I think it is a pretty cool option.

As far as the size of these rings, it will really depend on the size of your quilt. However, I think the largest of all the circles would be about 7-9 inches - could be smaller. I tend to like the space to grow slightly as the rings grow out from the center, but that's only my personal preference. They could be evenly spaced.

I suggested that Alex use a thread that really blends, rather than stands out, because the quilt is somewhat light and the shadows and highlights created from these rings would really be the star of the show.

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Well - it's done! At least for now. My goal over the past few days was to get all the applique done and then get it all pieced. Well, it is! It's in one piece - a completed quilt top! I must say that this particular quilt has been a thorn in my side. Not that I don't love it - it's just another quilt that had a deadline. It is the cover of my next Rhapsody companion book with C&T. Just like many of you, my plate gets full. Also, my inspiration changes - doesn't yours? Like right now I'm all jazzed about the upcoming Christmas concert and I WANT to be arranging and producing music - but this quilt HAD to get done. So.... I bucked up and dove in head first.

Now, as you can see the quilt has a very "Southwestern" influence. It is called Raven and the Wind (I'll let you make up the story). I'm sure you saw the raven (and the wind) but did you also see the Kokopelli and the thunder birds?

Nitey nite all - It's up at cock-a-doodle -doo for a drive to Arizona for our Super Quilt Seminar this weekend in Mesa. - but at least this quilt is not hanging over my head now. Don't you love that feeling?

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Hey everyone! Our good friends Chris Hudson and his wife Julie are HUGE fans of TQS. They were at our taping on pirate day during the upcoming Series 4 shows. Chris and Julie have not been in La Veta long, but they are making a big hit with their La Veta Coffee Company. At the last La Veta quilt retreat Chris treated us to exotic coffees each day. My favorites were the La Veta Main Vein and the Guatemala Huehuetenango Rio Azul. Justin was partial to the Tanzania Peaberry Mbinga and the Mexico Altura Chiapas Fair Trade Organic.

You'll see the La Veta Coffee Company on the MyAds on the lower right column of our website. We just had to tell you about it because not every friend you have is a quilter and a gift of very special coffee might just be the trick for the holidays. Even if you aren't interested now, please go here, and sign up for the La Veta Coffee Company e-newsletter.

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While Alex has just completed her retreats - I've just completed our five day La Veta Quilt Retreat. Several of the students were curious about a new contraption I had off to the side - my AccuQuilt system. Many of you may know that AccuQuilt has my designs in die form. So once I showed the sample - cutting several complete appliques in - well, like 5 seconds - they were whoo-hooing and trying to figure out how to utilize the shapes on their quilts. As you can see, four of the students found great uses for the designs. The three Kaleidoscopes were started and finished during the retreat. So here ya go everyone - a few photos for your daily inspiration.

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Hey everybody! These are sad times in La Veta. The Mountain Valley Quilt Shop closed this week. In this case, it was not due to economic problems, but the owner's husband left retirement and took a job in another state - so she closed to move to be with him. However, the emptiness here reminds me about how vital quilt shops are to quilters all over the world. What would we do without them? So, when you can, support your local quilt shop. Tell the owner and workers how much it means to you that you have them there for supplies and support!

Oh - and if you are looking to move to La Veta - there's now a great location to open a quilt shop that really did amazingly well in this little town.

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The TQS website has grown far beyond our initial vision. It has become a world-wide quilt guild and it is a vast playground for quilters of all types. We will continue to bring new features to the site. However, with so many new members now on board, we want you to share what your favorite links are (quilt gallery, member blogs, forum, BOM, etc.) and why. Your input just might lead someone to an area they have not explored. So - - - What is your favorite place on TQS? Raise your hand and speak up now.

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Helen Godden, from Canberra, ACT, Australia, has completed her Aussie Rhap quilt. Take a couple of minutes to check out the video and see the details up close as Helen talks about the imagery in the quilt. Congratulations Helen on a job well done! It was a delight to see it in 'person'. Thanks for sharing the process with our TQS members. If you missed seeing Helen's progress, check out her article in the Articles link.

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The year 2008 has been VERY productive for my dad. Honestly, we have lost count as to how many quilts he has pieced this year - perhaps 8 or 10. Justin and I are en route home from Quilt Festival in Houston and stopped by to visit with the folks before completing the drive to Colorado tomorrow - to VOTE!

This photo shows dad working on another Papaw's Choice quilt. If you like it, you can make it - the pattern can be downloaded here. Dad turns 82 on November 25th.

Thanks to mom for a great meal and her trademark Banana Pudding - with no bananas. You see, we've learned that the bananas turn so quickly and the wafers get soft - so the bananas and wafers are added when served. MMMMMmmmmm.

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We have a great group of students enjoying the La Veta Quilt Retreat this week. As you can see, Jan is taking a break from sewing to take advantage of a massage (four feet from her sewing machine). What kind of extras would make for your perfect retreat experience?

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Designing a pattern is not as easy as one might think. Here's why.

First, you should create something that is representative of your style. While my 'rhapsody' style is becoming popular due to my book, my 'rhapsody album' style is something that is new - although related in some respects. The 'rhapsody album' includes blocks that are designed on a diagonal - generally with applique - and set in such a way to create a medallion style effect - see Episode 304. The only quilt I have designed that has been published is Reverie Rhapsody Album. So, there is most likely to be a short series of quilts utilzing that formula. This quilt is in that style - a quilt made from blocks. As a designer, it is important to establish a style - and that's not that easy to begin with. Mi Cabina is one of the easiest and funnest quilts to make that I've ever designed, but because it does not 'look like Ricky', it has been a slow seller. In addition, if the quilt is too complicated it scares folks away - so it has to be manageable - know what I mean? So these are the things that one juggles when designing for publication.

In preparing for Series 4 tapings, I had the new Rhapsody Album quilt (seen above) on the design wall, but not sewn together. I had to move on to preparations for a Rhapsody quilt I will be showing in Series 4 - so I just started creating the new quilt on top of the quilt that was on the design wall (seen below). Suddenly, serendipity showed up and the center of this new rhapsody seemed to beg to be included in the Rhapsody Album quilt. So - I'll leave it up to you. Do you think the new center is should stay or go? Has it gotten too complicated or is it just enough extra to increase the challenge, but not run the consumer off?

Also, help me name the quilt and the winner will get a comp pattern with it is released.