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First Place:  Autumn Birch by dcrine

A big "thanks" goes out to all who entered our TQS "Quilter's Choice" Contest. The range and creativity of the entries was just astounding. The choice was very difficult, but--with the help of our TQS members--we're thrilled to announce that the top three winner's are:

First Place:  Autumn Birch by dcrine

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Second Place:  Cherry Thieves by EsterAliu

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Third Place:  Loving Nature by dreamquilter

Don't forget: we will, as always, be sharing the patterns with our members very soon.

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Not only is Yvonne our 2010 TQS Legend - but also a dear friend. Learn how this remarkable lady has had deep influence in our community as well as in life generally. Pass the word that this show is FREE for all to enjoy during the month of December- Go here to watch now!

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This time Ol' Saint Nick is bringing quite a gift from Berninaspecial financing for 48 months.  Yes, that's 4 years!  But you have to act fast.  It's one day only, Saturday, December 18.  You'll need to visit your participating Bernina dealer for details.   If you or your loved one has been wanting  a new machine, this is the time.  Head on over to Bernina and put a smile on someone's face this holiday season.

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3344_the_alzheimer_s_art_quilt_initiative_aaqi.jpgTQS just got a message from Ami Simms and the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative and...

One of the research grants the AAQI funded has yielded positive results!

Here's what Ami has to say:
 
"I'm stunned, delighted, and I burst into tears every time I think about it. My hands are still shaking. I'm not smart enough to know if this is a Big Deal in the scientific community or not, but at least 9,000 web sites are carrying the story. As with all research we're not "there" yet, but this is incredibly encouraging. And us quilters made it happen!
 
Basically, the University of Michigan, with our $30K funding, was able to create small molecules that can break up the clumps of amyloid plaque in the brain. (Many believe the amyloid plaques are responsible for cell death and the horrific memory loss. Smaller pieces may be more easy to remove. They think they can get these little suckers (molecules) past the blood brain barrier (a very big deal) and remove the broken up bits through chelation therapy. (That's the next step) It all has to do with copper and zinc ions, and I truly barely know what I'm talking about, so please don't quote me."

To get your update please go to http://www.AAQIUpdate.wordpress.com.
 
Ami would be more than happy if you'd like to share this wonderful news with your local TV stations, you can share this link http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101209130959.htm. And don't forget to read all the way to the bottom for who funded the study. QUILTERS! That's a little different.. and you can tell them all about raising money for this odd-ball nonprofit. Show them quilts, pictures of quilts, be part of the story. Just mention the AAQI five or six thousand times. 

P.S. and thanks to quilters, Ami also wanted you to know that they are closing in on $500,000 in donations. 

 

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You won’t want to miss this very special episode when quiltmaker Ami Simms visits The Quilt Show to share the touching story behind how she came to found the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative and how you can join the battle against this life-altering disease by making and donating a 9" x 12" Priority Quilt. In addition, Ami demonstrates a quick-and-easy technique for making Fast-Finish Triangles, the perfect vehicle for hanging a little quilt, and how to “build” the Puppus Doggus pattern. Even the audience is part of the program, showing and sharing the stories behind the Priority Quilts they’ve brought to the set. Watch, learn, create…and make a difference! FREE to view during the month of December - tell a friend!

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Spirit Stars

Spirit Stars by Karen Garth. Based on Pineapple Stars by Sharon Rexroad.

Ricky Tims Inc. is happy to announce that Karen Garth of Henderson, Nevada has been awarded the 2010 Ponnie Brinkman Retreat Scholarship. Karen receives free tuition and $500 towards her retreat expenses. 

Karen was nominated by the Desert Quilters of Nevada. The nominating board of directors for the Desert Quilters of Nevada state, "Karen's enthusiasm, willingness to volunteer, and desire to learn and to share what she has learned, in an inspiration to us all."

Congratulations to Karen Garth on being the first to receive this scholarship. Congratulations to all the Ponnie Brinkman Retreat Scholarship finalists.

Karen says about her quilt shown above:

I added digitized machine embroidery and applique to the setting blocks of this broken star pattern. The embroidery is from OESD's Spirit Song set, hence the name of the quilt. I entered this quilt in the "Ugly Fabric Contest" at Quiltique, my LQS. The "ugly fabric" was a Shibori-style commercial cotton fabric that I fussy cut for the center and point portions of the pineapple diamonds.

 

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Photo by Gregory Case Photography

You’ll no doubt want to be “front and center” as quilt artist Rosalie Dace brings us a touch of her native South Africa through her quilts and photos, shares the secrets of how she creates focal points in her work, and demonstrates how to stitch “super-skinny” straight and curved lines on a quilt surface using a 1/4" foot.

In another segment, we chat with best-selling author Jennifer Chiaverini about her Elm Creek novels to discover how she weaves her quilting knowledge into her novels and how the novels have led to a series of quilting books.

In addition, Alex uses the House block from her Welcome Home quilt to demo the flip-and-sew piecing method, and we go on location to visit artist and quilter Michael Cummings to see how he constructs his folk-art-style narrative quilts in the dining room of his 1860s “shotgun” home in New York City. 

Click here to watch the show.

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3276_inbox_on_my_computer.jpgThanksgiving here in the U.S. is fast approaching, and what better time for Ricky to say thanks than to have a fabric SALE! Get 15% off of all of Ricky's Red Rooster commercial fabrics at the Ricky Tims Online Store! The sale begins on November 20th and runs through Thanksgiving Day, November 25th, 2010.

Many of his early designs for
Red Rooster are discontinued and hard to find;  but you can get all his remaining designs while supplies last. The photo is from his newest fabric line:  Oodles of Doodles! So treat your yourself, and your stash with some of Ricky's Red Rooster fabrics today.

THANK YOU QUILTERS!!!!!

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Photo by Gregory Case Photography

Join us in Episode 710 as beloved quilt teacher, author, and designer Laura Nownes comes to Alex’s hometown, to show a selection of her charming quilts AND to share her simple, two-pin technique for stitching a Y-seam, a must for constructing the Tumbling Blocks block.

Laura also talks about her long-time collaboration with quilter and friend, Diana McClun, including the story behind their best-selling, quilt-library staple, Quilts! Quilts!! Quilts!!!

As an added bonus, Alex and Ricky draw upon the Alden Lane Nursery location to inspire you with tips on color and composition for quilts. Don’t miss it!  Click here to watch the show.

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RickyThe Houston Chronicle has defined the rock stars of the quilting world.  According to the Chronicle, "The rock stars of the world are artists who create quilts that hang on walls, not beds. They make a name for themselves by combining excellence and innovation, often winning big prizes such as the best of show award bestowed in Houston annually by the International Quilt Association.

Most also garner attention by teaching internationally, writing books, publishing magazines or hosting TV shows.

"Most of the rock stars of quilting are fine artists, and each of us has our own style," said Caryl Bryer Fallert."

 Sound like anyone you know?  Click here for the complete article.