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I want to reiterate before saying anything again that I'm not a copyright lawyer. However, I do know that you cannot copyright a technique or an idea. Paper piecing is a technique. Strip piecing is a technique. Painting on fabric is a technique. Needle-turn applique is a technique. None of these or any other techniques can be copyrighted. If you come up with a cool idea for folding a piece of fabric, that idea cannot be copyrighted. If you make a set of instructions for your idea or technique, those CAN be copyrighted. However, if someone wants to write their own set of instructions to accomplish the same technique, they can do so without infringing on anyone's copyright.

Take the block of the month design featured on the right. Sue Garman has a written set of instructions and drawings that make that block. These include written instructions on certain techniques and also feature the block design. Those are copyrignted. If you write a set of instructions for needle-turn applique or a set of instructions for doing bias strips it would not infringe on her copyright - as long as you don't use her words and phrases. If, however, you are offering the same design, and write your own instructions to make that design, you WILL have infringed on her copyright as that block design is distinctively hers and you would have copied it.

When thinking about copyright issues, remember its the designs or the written words that are protected under copyright laws - not the ideas and methods.

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I told you I had something up my sleeve - and some of you had some pretty good guesses as to what I was making! I got the idea to make a quilt that would look good in a home or office. Are you in a quandary about that special gift for Father’s Day? –We’ll here’s just the ticket to help you give the perfect and heartfelt gift for the guy who has it all. I designed a Convergence quilt called Family Tree of Life based on my original Harmonic Convergence pattern. The leaves on the stylized tree are for names of family members and ancestors.

I am offering a kit to make this quilt using the same hand-dyed fabrics shown in the photo. The kit includes all the fabric to make the quilt top and binding, a Harmonic Convergence pattern, the full-size appliqué pattern, and instructions on how I made his version that features a quick and effective appli-quilting technique. Take a day to make this beautiful quilted treasure that will provide a lifetime of memories. I had a great time making mine. It is sure to be a hit with any family member. A limited number of kits are being made for this “Father’s Day Special.”

The quilt measures about 32" square. The kit is priced just right for a Father's Day gift, only $59.95. Order yours now at the Ricky Tims Online Store > Quilt Kits. – click here.

Edited to add: This quilt came to life for me when I started writing the family names on it. I love it! 

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Let me encourage everyone who is interested in this topic to do two things so you won't miss out on any good information.

#1. Go to the Forum and read the thread on Rhapsody Reality > Angie's Rhapsody quilt takes 3rd place.

#2. Please read the articles from Janet Jo Smith on the Quilter's Newletter site.

You will find both things very interesting and educational. Many of you have posted very good questions.

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Janet Jo Smith wrote a series of articles about copyright in Quilter's Newsletter Magazine. Here is a link to the index page on copyright. Once there, you'll see links to Smith's series on the subject.

What areas of copyright do you find confusing? What do you think is "okay to do", and what constitutes a breach of copyright in your book? We'll explore this issue again after we hear some of your comments.

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One thing I've learned about Alex - as girlie and foofy as she might appear to some - she is NOT afraid to get her hands dirty as you will soon see.

In just two weeks TQS history will be made! Alex and I hit the road (with Justin too) and surprised a few people along the way. The final two shows of Series Two (sign up for Series Two here) will be the TQS Road Trip in two parts. Alex and I seem to never be without a camera so this video is a behind-the-scenes sneek peek. Get ready to witness one of the most exciting, entertaining and educational quilt shows ever produced!

Any guesses where we are going? Don't let our clues fool you.

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Today I got to quilt! I envy some of you who get to quilt more than I do. Others of you can relate to me - you get excited when the opportunity arises. I had a few phone calls that were necessary and i had to take the new dog, Mabel, out to do her business a couple of times, but all in all, I GOT TO QUILT TODAY! The extra good news is that I think it will be someting a LOT of folks will like. Here's a sneek peek. What do you think I have up my sleeve?

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Yes, we have a Garman. We located dozens of Wal-marts on it, but they don't change trailer tires - national policy. Because our prolbem was late on Saturday, and because tire and trailer companies in the area were closed on Sunday, we killed a day in Hurricane, WV. On Monday, the quest began anew and we eventually made it to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Simba, the little dog, belonged to a big burly trucker who was filling up his tank next to us. Our three dogs stay in La Veta at the Bed and Breakfast for Dogs and Cats - in very good hands.

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Justin and I left Paducah on Saturday morning, but not before chatting with the winner of a Gammill and Wendy Richardson of Quilt Tapestry Studio. You can learn more about Wendy in a previous video.

Then we decided to make our way to see Vicky McCarty, a recent attendee at a La Veta Quilt Retreat - see her Rooster Rhapsody here. Vicki owns a quilt shop, Calico Patch, that was on our way, so naturally we had to stop.

Keep watching - the plot thickens.

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It seems each year at the Friday night concert (1600 sell out, yahoo) I try to do something surprising. This year I invited my good friend, Kat Bowser (see Blog Archives video concert, December 24, 2007) from Nashville, to do a few tunes with me.

However, because I own a Harley, I made my 'grand entrance' on a Harley amidst smoke and lights. You would have thought is was the World Wresling Federation or something. I am so grateful that AQS asks me to put on a show for the quilters. Were you there? If so, I'll let you tell all about it from your perspective.

Sharon Schamber won the Best Long Arm quilt award sponsored by Gammill and Diane Gaudinski won the Best Machine Workmanship award sponsored by Bernina. Take a look at these incredible quilts.

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Justin and I had a free day and so we took a drive to the Shiloh Military Park near Savannah, TN. This US Civil War battlefield was the site of the worst battle in US history (up to that date). The total number of casualties during this two-day battle (April 6-7, 1862) was more than the total casualties in ALL previous US battles combined - including the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Mexican War.

I had a personal reason for going. My great, great, great grandfather, Enoch Tims and his family owned a farm on the battle site. I'm trying to do research to determine some of the family facts. The battle of Shiloh was named for the Shiloh Church, a landmark where one of the Generals of the North, set up camp. The church was severly damaged during the battle - then destroyed and it is reported that some of the logs were used for firewood and foot bridges. I also understand that Enoch Tims was a preacher, I'm hoping to find some sort of connection - even if he was not the preacher of the Shiloh Church. Ironically, Shiloh means, "place of peace." This church is a replica of the original Shiloh Church.

In the video you'll meet and inspiration to us all - Barbara Newman and her winning quilt.