My Rapture over Rhapsody Quilts

Our local quilt shop has "Quilt Talks" once a week. The topic yesterday was "Rhapsody Quilts" as made by Ricky Tims. The presenter had taken Ricky's class, made a large quilt that we loved, and told us some stories. She said that Tim's idea about these quilts comes from his musical background. He want them to flow, like music.

Then she told us the meaning of 'rhapsody.' Apparently, 'rhap' means to sew, and 'yodei' means a song. Did he know that before he picked the name for these interesting quilts? I don't know, but I do know that I must make one of these.

The main part of the talk was instruction on how to design and do just that. I ordered Ricky's new book last week. It hasn't come yet, but I've got a few sketches already... and am totally side-tracked. No wonder my cupboard is so full of UFOs! I also picked up a bit of fabric... yikes.

The photo is not my quilt (wait a couple of years for that) but one of Ricky's. Click the link at the side to see more. This one is called Bohemian Rhapsody. If anyone has made one, I'd like to hear from you.

I might try with something smaller, and it will not be in these colors (even though I have a neighbor who loves this so much she'd serve me forever if I made one for her just like it). My design is fairly intricate, and piecing it will be a challenge. Yes, these are pieced... with applique on top, but put together without pins! Ricky strikes me as something of a quilting daredevil!

Back to the sewing machine...