Sunday, October 26, 2025

Rhapsody in Blue

The first part of the patchwork section from Rhapsody in Blue is quilted. Here are the pictures from the left side to the right side.

First is the feather border behind the applique.


Then we have the patchwork made from 9 patches. I didn't photo all of the section, just a few pictures because the blocks looked all the same.



The space between the diagonal lines is 2" which is wider than the diagonal lines in the outside border. This is a nice contrast to the border. Unfortunately the pictures don't show the texture. The blue squares puff up slightly and show a nice contrast to the quilted border.

Next is the right feather border.



Here is a picture from the side, across the quilt.

I keep the quilt covered when I'm not quilting to keep the dust from settling on top.

It's starting to cool off in northern Indiana. We haven't had frost yet but it will be happening soon. I've brought the Christmas cactus into the garage to quarantine. I've been spraying them with an insecticide so I don't bring any bugs into the house.

I keep them on the south porch up against the wall for the summer. Apparently this is the perfect place for them, they're blooming!





These are the same type of cactus. The 'old' cactus is a different type and is not budded yet. The white and yellow cactus are smaller then the pink and orange ones. Perhaps next summer I'll repot the smaller plants into a larger pot together.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your Christmas cacti are gorgeous! Ours does not get the right kind of light to bloom. Beautiful quilting, as usual! Gail at the cozy quilter

maggie fellow said...

It's Christmas cactus time at my house too - yours are lovely

Michele McLaughlin said...

Gretchen, I love Rhapsody in Blue! So pretty! I also love your cacti--such pretty colors! Have a great day!

Linda at Texas Quilt Gal said...

The quilting looks great! Every time I see Rhapsody in Blue in your title I hear that clarinet slide in my head then I'm hearing it all day - not a bad thing at all, I love that song. Look at those pretty cactus blooms! They certainly are thriving.

cityquilter grace said...

wow beautiful cacti....

Helenchaffin said...

The quilt is absolutely gorgeous,well worth the time it has taken,the cactus plants are beautiful! I've only ever seen them in red ,always learning something new is awesome 😄

Kathy S. said...

Oh that feathered quilting with the background stitched in is gorgeous!!! Way to make progress. I always love your scrappy blue quilts.

chrisknits said...

Such a gorgeous project to work on. Love your quilting.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Your hand quilting is gorgeous! Feathers and diagonal lines are working pretty well together. You have splendid blooming plants!
Thank you for sharing and linking up, hugs

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

Beautiful progress made on your Rhapsody quilt. Your hand quilting is so beautiful. The colors of your cati are gorgeous colors!

Maggie said...

Dear Gretchen, Wow the quilting is gorgeous and the feathers absolutely beautiful.😻

Karrin Hurd said...

Gorgeous quilt, and Christmas cacti!