One Black Square

One Black Square

framed 12"x12"

 

Since I ended 2012 with what has become one of my favorite quilts, 'One Yellow Square', I love starting the new year with, 'One Black Square'.  The inner black square is velvet, the surround is cotton satin.  Both are lush and exciting in their own way.  Totally opposite textures, they invigorate each other.  This quilt is composed of allsorts of fabrics: thin silk, uphostery silk, metalic varieties, polyester blends in both flat and dramatic textures.  In person the fabrics really command attention.

 

I started quilting because of my love of fabric.  I find it more difficult than painting; also more exciting.  Now I am on a quest to experience more of the 'lush', texture, and variety of fabrics.  The ideas are totally flooding my brain.  Sifting and ballancing and finding my true path will be the thrust of this year.

 

One Black Square detail

 

I think this is the only way to show some of the dimensions of this piece.  I used some selvages, folded sheer fabric and a needle felted piece of satin which now looks like wool.  The piece is mounted in a black metal frame. 

 

I have actually completed another quilt.  It is a twin size quilt for a boy which is slated for New Jersey storm relief.  It will be published shortly.

 

As I have been thinking more and more about this special year, I have decided to make 70 fiber constructions.  This number 70 is because I will become 70 the end of September.  This is the first birthday that has hit me between the eyes.  I wish I had thought about starting this after my last birthday. However, I do believe that when one decides on something, it is always at the correct time.

 

In order to finish 70 fiber constructions, I will include anything sewn, quilted, or finished UFO's.  I have several unfinished quilts and quilt tops.  I am hoping this self challenge will get me energized to finish them.  One thing I always get excited about is the idea and the start of the quilt.  However, I have several items that really are not 'ready for hanging or use'.  I have to push myself hard to do the finish work.  Because I am having thumb surgery for arthritis, this should make hand sewing possible.  I have just joined a group called FAT [Fiber Art Traders] for short.  I hope to make a bunch of post cards with this group.

 

Of course the proof will be in the doing.  This is 'seventy, number 1' = the start of my self challenge.

 

 

 

Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative

The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative will most likely reach the $1,000,000 mark in money raised for Alzheimer’s research some time in 2013!

The work of your hands and the compassion in your hearts has brought us to this milestone. I will be forever grateful to each and every one of you for your support and dedication.

Ami and her mother, Beebe, in 2006 shortly after the AAQI began.

What began as one person’s response to sorrow and frustration has grown into a national charity embraced by a large portion of the quilting community. More than 13,000 quilts have been donated, turning sweat equity into over $883,000 for research so far. For many donors these quilts were healing works of art which helped them grieve as they stitched for the greater good. Hundreds of thousands of people have seen the AAQI’s two traveling quilt exhibits about Alzheimer’s. Through this artistry came the realization for many that they were not alone on this journey of heartbreak; others understood, perhaps for the first time, what a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s really means. Together quilters have funded 11 research studies at six universities and a medical school. Three more studies will be funded this month and hopefully more throughout 2013. Because of the AAQI, scientists know a little bit more about Alzheimer’s than they did before. Hopefully this understanding will bring us all closer to a cure.

When I created the AAQI back in 2006, I never expected it to become so successful! I also never imaged how much work it would take to keep it going. As the AAQI blossomed, board members and core volunteers have had to increase our hours and pace to keep up. While I find enormous satisfaction in nurturing the AAQI, I much prefer sewing to administrating. I miss just being a full-time quilter.

For this reason, 2013 will be the last year of fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative. I hope you will help the AAQI reach our goal of One Million Dollars for research and then at the end of 2013 celebrate with everyone who made this tremendous achievement possible. Please review the important dates below:

February 15, 2013: All bookings for the traveling exhibit “Alzheimer’s Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope” must be finalized.

March 1, 2013: First online auction of quilts from “Alzheimer’s Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope” traveling exhibit. Twenty-six Name Quilts will be auctioned during the first 10 days of March, April, May, June, July, August, and September. Payment will be required at the conclusion of each auction with shipping in October 2013 after the exhibit retires. The 54 Priority: Alzheimer’s Quilts from the traveling exhibit will be auctioned during the first 10 days of October and December.

July 2013: Last month to participate in the Quilt-A-Month Club.

August 1, 2013: Last day to register Priority: Alzheimer’s Quilts. Quilts delivered to scanners after August 20 will be refused.

October 29 – November 3, 2013: International Quilt Festival. We hope to be invited back one last time to sell quilts in Houston, TX.

November 1-10, 2013: Celebrity Invitational Quilt Online Auction

December 30, 2013: Last day Priority: Alzheimer’s Quilts can be purchased online.

December 31, 2013: Quilts For Sale and Donation pages will be removed from the AAQI website and all solicitations will cease.

2014-2015: The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative will monitor research grants awarded in 2013. The AQQI web page will be left intact for at least six months. Any funds not needed to sustain the AAQI’s final expenses will be donated to research. Remaining assets will be disposed of according to IRS regulations after which time the corporation will be dissolved.

There is still much work to this year as we sprint to the finish line. I hope everyone who reads this will join in, either as a seasoned veteran or a first time quilt donor or quilt buyer. We will continue to make a difference until the very last quilt is sold. Let’s make 2013 the best year ever!

Thank you for your support,

Ami Simms
Founder & Executive Director
Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative