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I've recenly begun (began/begun, throw me a bone here all you editors) seeing a few of you sign your name or screen name on the blog or forum followed by your state or country. THAT IS GREAT! It's really cool to see that added bit of information without necessarily going to your profile. But, having said that, it makes me want to go check out your profile even more. So - maybe that's something we need to begin doing more and let it become standard for all of us. Let the training mode begin.

If you were on a desert island, what is the one most important quilting tool or accessory that you MUST have? Needle, thread, and fabric and sewing machines do not count. By the way - mine is freezer paper - are you surprised? - - Ricky in beautiful Colorado

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Story Submitted by: NancyinSTL

A few years ago, I came across the website www.uglyquilts.org After reading about this group of individuals desiring to help the homeless by making and distributing simple emergency quilts (actually sleeping bags) from recycled fabrics, I was compelled to make one. In my case, I made an UGLY QUILT using old, but clean, discarded blue jeans and khakis. I also swiped and used some of my husband's outdated neckties to secure and carry the sleeping bag when it is rolled up. (The website provides a FREE pattern for making the sleeping bag.) This was the first quilt that I ever took to my quilt guild for "show & tell". As you can see, it really is ugly. However, I am very proud that I had actually completed it, and that some homeless mother and child might be kept warm by it. I hope that by showing it, others might be inspired to help this worthy project. Also, maybe it would encourage others to be unafraid to show their work regardless of whether it's as beautiful and as well constructed as anyone else's. Nancy

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Hey everyone! You'll notice at the top of this page there is a new button and a waving flag - Salute! That button takes to you to a special new blog that is exclusively dedicated to letting you watch me make this new Rhapsody quilt that someone will win. For now the flag is waving to get your attention. However, it is soon to be set as an attention getter. If you are logged off - and then log back on - and a new Rhapsody Reality Blog was posted since you last signed on - it will wave. If you sign on and it is not waving - there is no new Rhapsody Reality Blog for you to see - so no point in checking or wasting your time.

You'll find other links to this new blog, but when you sign on - the button at the top of this page would be the easiest way to get there. If you are on another page -use the link on the far right where it says "Click for the Contest Photo Blog.

The Blog will be a journal of the process and will often include photos and video. Everyone can watch the first video - which is already there by the way - so scoot on over and check it out. Future video clips are for Star Members only. If you want to upgrade - just go to My Account and select Upgrade My Membership.

 

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I just had to share this email with you! Kudos to Angelina and YOU!!!

Dear Alex,
I would like to give you a quick update on the Virginia Tech quilt project. Thanks to you and Ricky including the announcement on your blog and in your newsletter, I was able to collect enough blocks to make 33 quilts in only one month! Because there is still so much interest, and so many people have told me they are still planning to contribute, I have just expanded the project to make another 27 quilts for the injured victims as well. Bob Purcell of Superior Threads sent a wonderful box of quilting threads. I'm hoping a batting manufacturer will provide batting. Quilters around the country have offered to quilt the completed tops. In short, the progress on this project has been just phenomenal, and I expect to be able to complete everything by the end of the summer.
Thank you, once again, so very much for your help. It has been wonderful. I hope you will be able to squeeze in a few minutes from your busy schedule to take a look at the project website - I consider this project to be an incredible testament to the compassion and generosity of the quilting community.
I hope you have an enjoyable summer!
Peace to you and your family,
Angelina Kendra


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Angelina Kendra
If you know a good place where quilters get together, ask for a printable flyer to post!
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For a quilter, a true labor of love is measured patch by patch and stitch. For this particular project, no saying could be more accurate.  The Home of the Brave Quilt Project is a nationwide grassroots movement with coordinators in 47 states.  The goal of this project is to provide the families of fallen soldiers with a quilt.  The quilts are based on the U.S. Sanitary Commission Quilts made during the Civil War.   

This project is not about politics, but about giving a gift of love.  The families have lost a loved one, and nothing can replace that loss, but we can show our support and comfort them by wrapping them in a quilt that says we care.  To date, over 2,500 blocks have been presented to the families of fallen soldiers.   

Volunteers are needed to make quilt blocks, and then once the blocks are made, volunteers are needed to assist in assembling the quilt tops, quilting, binding, and sewing on the labels.  The blocks should be an album block or cross X block.  Good quality 100% cotton Civil War or 19th century reproduction fabrics are preferred, but any fabric that has the “feel” or “flavor” of the 19th century will be acceptable.   

For more information about this worthwhile project, please contact Loretta, the Arizona coordinator, at rhetta@att.net or visit www.homeofthebravequilts.org

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I pray that our Heavenly father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of liberty.

President Abraham Lincoln, letter to Mrs. Lydia Bixby of Boston upon the loss of her sons in battle, 21 November 1864.

 

 

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I have recieved a few emails that prompt this blog. Some folks are concerned about the contest rule which requires 6 quilts. One gal was lamenting over this because she is a new quilter and doesn't have six quilts. To that I say, "WELCOME to the site!!! We want new quilters here!" Feeling her pain, here are a few suggestions you might consider if you find yourself in this situation.

1. The quilts do not have to be made by you. Perhaps you have a few family treasures or even access to some antique quilts. All quilts are welcome. Please just make sure your information is as accurate as possible.

2. How about making some kid snuggle quilts and donate them to a good cause? Wouldn't that be inspiring to see six quilts that were created specifically for the less fortunate - all in the name of fun?

All ideas have motives and ours is to create a deep and rich data base for quilters world wide. It is off to a kicking start, but we have just scratched the surface. That has become evident in the last 24 hours - nice work people!!

Also, as a side note, I can't WAIT to watch as Ricky creates the quilt and brings us along in the process. I spoke to hin this morning and he is having a blast! I can't wait to see his first installment...........Unplugged!

 

 

 

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Don't miss the June auction of Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts at www.alzquilts.org. There are 25 itty-bitty quilts raising money for Alzheimer's research, including one signed by Ricky Tims, along with 35 other teachers and designers from the world of quilting. The auction will end at noon on June 11.

While at the site, take time to purchase a copy of "Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece" by Ami Simms. This book features the quilts from the traveling exhibit of the same title. As with everything the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative does, all profit is donated to Alzheimer's research. The AAQI total is nearing $70,000! Ami is traveling with the exhibit and many "Priority Quilts" to sell at the National Quilters Association show in Columbus, Ohio this week. If you are in the area, stop by and give her a hug!

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We expected a flurry of quilt postings, but I just wanna say, "WHY HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING THIS WONDERFUL WORK?" I'm just blown away by all the great quilts that are being posted - and the stories behind them. And - to finally see your faces - it's just so great and personal. I love the diversity of quilts - some simple - some complex, some that are beginners (way to go!) some that are for utility and others used for art. It's all good! Thanks.

For those of you who may not know how to use the search feature, it's time to learn so that you don't have to go through all the quilts one at a time. Click on Search>Find a Quilt and enter in a field or two, such as a state, a country, or a style, -or evern a pattern. One field will narrow the thousands down to only those that meet the criteria. For example, enter Canada, then scroll down and tick Construction Method: Applique - and you'll see only quilts from Canada that are Applique quilts!

Don't forget to submit an email to those whose quilts you admire. You never know when your comment will brighten an otherwise dreary day for someone.

Finally, has anyone started a e-penpal relationship as a result of this site?

 

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Yes - That's Right! The quilt above is just a sample of Ricky's Rhapsody quilts. The first contest to be announced is a Post Your Quilts Contest. Even if you DO have your quilts posted you will want to read all of the qualifications so you don't miss out on the opportunity to win an original-every-stitch-made-by-Ricky Rhapsody quilt. If you have been using the spinning world on the right to access Chat, Search, Forum, etc - you will notice that the spinning globe is gone. In its place is the link to all the details about the contest.

To access Chat, Forum, Blog, Search etc - use the menu bar at the top of the page. 

To see other samples of other Ricky Rhapsody Quilts click the links below

Bohemian Rhapsody

Fire Dragon Rhapsody

Rhapsody in Green

We have provided great instructions and helpful information about digital images on the Contest Page. So - ready - set - GO!!!!!!!!

 

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The new show posts tonight at midnight on the US East Coast. Barbara Olson is our special guest, and the show is on Jump Starting Creativity. To see the show - click Watch a Show - scroll down to show 105.

Speaking of creativity. We are excited about implementing your comments and suggestions on the next round of tapings which are in three weeks! Wow - how time flies. We will shoot the final set of shows for Season One taking into consideration your most desired wishes for content as well as other technical suggestions.

Enjoy the show!