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A message from Ami Simms:

Volunteers from the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) presented a check for $30,000 to Dr. Sylvie Garneau-Tsodikova at the Life Sciences Institute of the University of Michigan. Dr. Garneau-Tsodikova and her research team will be using the money raised predominantly through the sale of donated quilts to develop multifunctional drugs for Alzheimer's disease.

Pictured above (from left to right) are: Jacob L. Houghton, Todd J. Eckroat, Wenjing Chen, Keith D. Green, Rebecca A. Reed (kneeling), Joshua J. Bornstein, Dr. Sylvie Garneau-Tsodikova, Ami Simms, Pat Holly (kneeling), Sue Nickels, Debbie Chenail, and Ruth Langdon.

It is unusual for researchers and those who fund them to ever meet. AAQI volunteers have had this opportunity three times. It is an extremely rewarding experience.

We bring quilts to explain our mission of raising awareness and funding research through art. Dr Garneau-Tsodikova's grandmother and aunt have Alzheimer's. She is motivated by their struggles with AD to work towards a cure.

We also bring Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts to sell. They become tangible reminders of the hope we all share that some day there will be a cure for this horrible disease.

It was truly amazing how science and art came together as Dr. Garneau-Tsodikova explained the work of her research team to quilters Pat Holly and Sue Nickels using a quilt from the AAQI traveling exhibit ("Alzheimer's Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope") made by Mary Andrews. In the background are exhibit quilts by Mona Fallis and Gay Young Ousley.

For everyone who sews for the AAQI, I know you do so because you care deeply about finding a cure for Alzheimer's. Let me assure you that what you do matters.  Every single stitch counts. Your art touches people in a most special way. 

Together we CAN make a difference.

To everyone who supports the AAQI by making quilts, buying quilts, and through financial contributions to our nonprofit, please accept my personal and heartfelt thanks for the work you do to make the AAQI a reality.

Together we have raised more than $679,000 since the AAQI began in 2006. This is the 10th research project we have funded. 

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This week's puzzle comes from Barbara Olson, a TQS Guest artist in Episode 105: Jump-Starting Creativity. Barbara (TQS member name barbartquilt) is a renowned fiber artist, author and international teacher.  She is also the creator of this mesmorizing quilt, In the Beginning, which also happens to be one of the Twentieth Century's Best American Quilts.

It all started with a doodle and Barbara had the quilt on her design wall for over six months. It includes foundation piecing, machine applique, and machine piecing.  The quilt is made from cotton, hand-marbled fabrics and contains metallic, rayon, and satin threads.  It is 59" x 59" and was completed in approx 1994.  It is currently in the Collection of the International Quilt Association.

In The Beginning - 35 pieces non-rotating

In The Beginning - 100 pieces non-rotating

In The Beginning - 100 pieces rotating

In The Beginning - 255 pieces non-rotating

In The Beginning - 255 pieces rotating

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Betty Ann Seeman had one of her quilts, An Unaffacted Grace, exhibited at the Houston International Quilt Festival.  It was the first time one of her quilts had been accepted and she was quite thrilled to see it hanging there.  Here, Betty Ann talks about how it felt and offers encouragement for others who might need a little help.

Here is a little bit of background on her quilt from Betty Ann:

"Grace began with a pencil sketch study of flowing lines. I usually find a name for a my quilts during the creation process, not so with this quilt. When It was finished I looked up NATURAL in the thesaurus. "An Unaffected Grace" was a phrase suggested. My Grandmother, a quilt maker, was named Grace. The thought of Grandma's name on my quilt made me smile.

The low tech pencil sketch was scanned into high tech computer where I was able to decide on value placement before cutting one bit of fabric. The quilt is also embellished with original designed bead trim."

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A High School group shows how a silent monk chorus would sing at Christmas.

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Here are Alex's thoughts on Holiday music.

"Although the late Nancy Lamott has a wonderful Christmas album with songs presented in a way that makes it a Christmas favorite, my pick is Merry Christmas Darling by Karen Carpenter. This was a tough decision between her song and I'll be Home for Christmas. I have always treasured the time spent together with my family building lifetime memories. My heart has always hurt for those who can not be with precious family and friends due to uncontrollable circumstances during this special season, which made this my song second pick."

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As usual, the Houston International Quilt Festival has some amazing special exhibits.  This one, Prize-winning Quilts from International Quilt Week Yokohama 2010, contained the quilts which won top awards at the Yokohama 2010 contest.  It is one of the largest annual quilt festivals in Japan.  Look closely, the workmanship is astounding.

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TQS Legend 2011, Eleanor Burns, had the TQS crew up to her home, Bears Paw Ranch, oustide of Julian, Ca. It was full of down-home hospitality and an abundance of quilts. Settle in with Eleanor, Ricky, Alex, and friends.

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Lilo shares her favorite holiday song.

"My favorite Christmas Carol is "Kommet Ihr Hirten". As a child growing up in Germany Sunday evenings in Advent were enjoyed with the family gathered together to sing favorite Christmas Carols.  It was a special time to reflect on the season and built excitement of the much anticipated Christmas tree and gifts.  As our family reflected dual cultures, we sang both American and German carols with equal zeal.  But, to this day my favorite carol is still Kommet Ihr Hirten."

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"The First Lady of Quilting" and TQS Legend 2011, Eleanor Burns, has a collection and she keeps it everywhere.  It's in her store, Quilt in a Day, in her film studio, in her sewing studio and in her log cabin. And what a collection it is, sewing machines galore.  Some are miniature, some are toys, some really sew, and some are antique.  

See if you recognize any of these from your sewing past (or present).

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I was reminded yesterday (while talking to my buddy) that we have a secret language specific to quilting. If you said to a non quilter, " Wow, I really like your fat quarters" - most likely the recipient would be more than offended. My buddy and I started a list of expressions and now I am curious what our TQS community can come up with.....