Lecture 2 June14, 2006

Ami was named 2005 Teacher of the Year by Professional Quilter Magazine.

Ami has joined #Fabric-Stash_Chat
<Lighthouse-MO> hi Ami! welcome to Fabric-Stash!
<JO-IN> hi Ami - Welcome to the chat room
<Ami> HI!
<Lighthouse-MO> we were just comparing days... how has your been?
<Ami> Anybody wants some chips and salsa?
<Lighthouse-MO> oh no, thanks... just finished dinner
<JO-IN> No thanks for food, Ami - just finished eating here, too.
<Lighthouse-MO> Ami..... we are thrilled that you joined us tonight.... Special things up your sleeve?
<Ami> Glad to be here too.
<JO-IN> Ami - are you from Michigan?
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Hello Ami, you made it, glad to have you here this evening, lots of people are late tonight, am expecting lots more to come in
<Ami> Yes, I'm in MI
<JO-IN> okay - thought so
<Ami> Y'know I've lived in MI nearly all my life and never been to Holland, at least not the tulip festival. I should go sometime.
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> think of the quilts you can make from those fields Ami, a Tulip Showcase
<Lighthouse-MO> Ami... I would recommend you do that! :- )
<Ami> I know....what do they say about seeing the sights in your own backyard...?
<JO-IN> What's the name of the town/city in Michigan that has C'mas year around - -
<Ami> Frankenmuth.
<JO-IN> Oh yes - Frankenmuth - gal in guild has DD living there
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Ami was a good student this afternoon learning about the fonts and the site. Still waiting for others who are on the way in
<Ami> Frankenmuth is about 30 minutes north of where I live. I do get there about once a year.
<JO-IN> I learned to increase font size after my first visit - LOL
<Lighthouse-MO> Ami.... Fields Fabric in Holland has a fabulous collection of tulip fabrics!
<Ami> I bet they do. That's a chain on the west side of the state. I have dress fabric I bought at a Fields about 12 years ago.
<JO-IN> Sounds like the type of fabric you'd hate to cut up - LOL
<Ami> Maybe I should cut it up and sew something.
<Lighthouse-MO> LOL... Ami ... the fabric is not a dress yet, right??!!
<JO-IN> I think 12 years is a good aging time span!
<Ami> Hardly, but I get two points for pre-washing it, don't I?
<Lighthouse-MO> right!
<GAquiltR> Hi Everyone, Hi Ami, so nice of you to come
<Ami> Happy to be here, GAquilt.
<GAquiltR> Ami, your NL[newsletter] is a hoot! Always learn something & get a few laughs too!
<Glenda-AZ> Yes Ami...so pleased to have you tonight.....
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> well I want to start this chat with Ami, if others come in they will miss a great speaker. If you have questions use ? and comments use ! I will call on you. So lets start with a big Hello from all of us and welcome her with a great big Hug
<Glenda-AZ> ((((((((((((((((AMI))))))))))))))))
<Lighthouse-MO> (((((((((((AMI))))))))))))))
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> ((((((((((((((AMI))))))))))))))))
<GAquiltR> (((((AMI)))))
<magicat> hugs from canada Ami!
<ajd> Hugs, Hugs, Hugs
<Ami> Big hugs right back at ya!

<Ami> I'll probably need help calling on people, so if I skip somebody, just yell.
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Ami give us a short intro about how you starting quilting?
<Lighthouse-MO> Ami ... do you have a new line of fabric coming out?
<Lighthouse-MO> oops! maybe I jumped the gun. Sorry!
<Ami> Lighthouse, I think you're first. Go ahead with your question.
<Lighthouse-MO> Do you have a new line of fabric coming out?
<Ami> No new line of fabric for me. At least not that I know of. I did two lines with Troy and that was good, but they weren't interested in the third line so, that's how the cookie crumbles.

<Glenda-AZ> When the must is working >>> how do you keep your ideas "racked" until you can work them?
<Ami> I lose a lot of them. It's rather frustrating some time. I get a lot of ideas in the shower; hard place to make notes. I do keep a journal of ideas, but I just forget to read it!
<Glenda-AZ> hehehe I try to sketch them out...but do not always make sense later
<Ami> I also get distracted easily. Oh, look! A bright shiny thing!

<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Ami you new project is Alzheimer's quilts, I know one of our members has donated a couple of quilts for the cause, can you explain what your quilts are about
<Ami> Sure.... the whole project is called the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. It has two major projects going on concurrently. The first is the 52-quilt touring exhibit, called Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece. That has been to Nashville, Harrisburg, and will be in Santa Clara, CA next month. It will travel for 3 years all over the country.
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Wow
<Ami> The other project is probably where your friend helped, that's the Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts project. These are small quilts. 9"x12" only that quilters are donating for me to auction or sell. All the profit goes to Alzheimer's research. I have to update the web page and figure out where we stand later this week, but I bet we're over $13,000 so far.
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> double Wow
<Lighthouse-MO> great!
<Ami> It's been more work than I ever imagined, but it's work that feels really good.
<JO-IN> Is there a site to go to that shows where the traveling exhibit will be?
<Ami> You can find out where the quilts are going to be and how to donate or buy a quilt at www.AlzQuilts.org

<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Ami we like to do lots of charity quilts for RPLOTN and where would you suggest we find where to donate these quilts for Alzheimer patients and how big should they be for them?
<Ami> Not quite sure; perhaps if you called your local Alzheimer's Association or Assisted Living Residence they would know where the need was.
<Ami> I'm not sure what size is best. From my own experience visiting Mom and seeing other Alz patients, I guess a lap size would be best.
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> okay thank you, sometimes we need assistance in determining the sizes.

<ClaudiaND> just a comment:....I remember a "few years ago" you were in Fargo, North Dakota.I really enjoyed your lecture...this weekend is the Indian Summer Quilt show here again.
<Ami> I remember Fargo! That was a fun time. I remember there was a mall across the street and I bought a suitcase because the wheels fell off of mine or something. Say hi to everyone from me.
<ClaudiaND> yes, that is the place...I will greet them from you.
<Ami> Thanks!

<QC> I met you when you was in Liberal, Ks years ago. I was the one who drove you all over Liberal. Kansas Quilter Organization
<Ami> Geez, I remember Liberal too. (And thanks for the lift!) We went to a really nice quilt shop if I remember right.
<QC> Quilt Basket

<Lighthouse-MO> Please tell us how you got involved in quilting.

<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Ami the first time I met you was in Vermont at the Quilt festival with all the Dear Janer's you had us rolling in the aisles, the following year you were the guest speaker and teacher at the Greater Hartford Quilt Guild Annual Meeting. And in the class you took photos and I still have it on my computer, and you taught some neat quilts which I have finished and is on your web site
<Ami> Apparently I get around. I remember Vermont. Hot as blazes, some guy selling featherweights off the back of his truck. I remember Hartford too as I had a friend from Boston(?) join me.
<Ami> See, you're famous!
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> not me, know way
<Ami> Hey, if you're on a web page....
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> thanks
<Ami> Thank you for letting me put your quilt up there.

<Cyn> Ami, what are you up to now? Do you do mostly lectures and workshops?
<Ami> Yup. I'm still traveling and teaching. I want to try some lecture/demos to see if I like that format.

<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> your are always welcome back to Connecticut anytime, I remember you drove from Michigan to be here, it was right after 9/11
<Ami> I also remember driving to CT after 9-11. I was so proud of myself. That was the longest car trip I ever took by myself. Was scared to death of getting lost, which I do here at home all the time.

<Glenda-AZ> I hear "older experienced quilters" say...I wish I could do creative quilts. What would you say to those folks?
<Ami> They're probably more creative than they think. If they want to "be more creative" they're the only ones stopping themselves.

<Glenda-AZ> Do you feel a few hours of study with the color wheel and perspective a benefit?
<Ami> I actually don't know how to work a color wheel. Don't have one. But that's not to say I couldn't benefit from using one. LOL!
<Glenda-AZ> Ok...thank you

<majikat> i've never met you or been to any of your talks, but as a new quilter years ago i read your book on how not to make a quilt, and it made quilting a lot less intimidating for me!
<Ami> You can learn new stuff from all sorts of tools and books, and other quilts and quilters. I'm glad the little green book helped. I think that's one of my best. I still like reading it from time to time.

<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Ami what is the best tool for quilting today, especially those new to quilting
<Ami> Best tool? That's a good question.... You need a good machine, good rotary rulers and cutters, FABRIC....best tool? Hard to say, perhaps curiosity and trying not to fear failure.

<Sally-IL> What is the name of the book mentioned & what is your web site
<Ami> The book mentioned previously is How NOT To Make A Prize-Winning Quilt.
<Ami> www.AmiSimms.com

<AuntJo> shape cutter has helped me
<Ami> what's a shape cutter?
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Aunt Jo, can you tell us what a shape cutter is?
<AuntJo> large ruler with slats in 1/2 and 1 inch increments. Mine is 12x12 but they do have 12x18 My strips come out so straight.
<Ami> Ah... I've seen students come to my string quilting workshop with that. Forgot the name of it.

<Glenda-AZ> Best circle found here is still a salad plate and a few wine glasses and a sharp rotary cutter.....(teasing here)...but they work swell.
<Ami> I've been playing around with a Pointless Compass. Those are fun. They make all sorts of circles.
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Oh that sounds interesting? It seems lately lots of quilt magazines are doing curves and circles. Do you think they got that from your Pizza Quilt? I have two of those which are still UFO's, but will get to them soon, since DH loves to eat pizza on the bed watching TV.
<Ami> Naw, I don't think my pizza fabric had anything to do with it, but curved piecing is quite popular.

<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Ami in hand quilting, do you use a hoop or frame or free hand it in the lap?
<Ami> I hand quilt in a hoop now, but years ago I only used a floor frame. Sadly, I don't do as much hand quilting as I would like. Heck, I don't spend near the time I would like sewing period!
<JO-IN> I make it a point to sew each day - if I miss a day - I make up for it on the next day! :)

<Glenda-AZ> Do you prefer a straight binding or a mitered one?
<Ami> If it's a small, narrow binding, bias is best. If it's curved at all---bias. Otherwise it' s much faster to make a "crossgrain" binding.
<Glenda-AZ> thank you

<Needles> Ami I have seen some of your quilts and I think they are beautiful
<Ami> Thanks!
<Needles> Right now I am in the process of making stuffed animals
<Ami> How do you like that compared to quilting?
<Needles> I like doing both. But everyone likes all of the frills I put on the clothes.
<Ami> I think it's just fun to make stuff.
<Needles> And all of the different animals I make.
<Ami> It's nice that people appreciate what we do.

<IowaLisa> forgive me if this has already been asked... but is there another picture play book in your future?!?! *S*
<Ami> Nope. Been there; done that. I think I said all I wanted to say in that book. Sounds like you enjoyed the book.
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> I love that book, it was a big help with 8 grandchildren
<Ami> Eight! Wow, you've been making loads of them, huh?
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> been there and done that, now the next quilts for them is when they marry, but not too soon thank you. I also love your photo quilt book Ami.
<Ami> Thanks!

<IowaLisa> i just finished my first quilt and am ready for the next one!! i do love it!!
<Ami> That's terrific. I hope you'll send me pictures for the web page. AmiSimms@aol.com
<IowaLisa> i've already sent in pics of the one i finished...
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Lisa do send your photo to her, she does put them up

<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> anymore questions or comments for Ami, we learn so much from great quilters.
<IowaLisa> I don't expect you to know who I am!!! You have enough on your plate with your Alzheimer's quilts!!!
<Ami> I try to remember to tell my students that I'll forget who they are by lunch. They think I'm kidding; I'm not.
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> unless you are the class clown then she remembers
<Ami> Not even then. Although there was that set of 80-year old twins...
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> oh do tell us the story Ami
<Ami> Let's just say they were....memorable.

<IowaLisa> You are doing something wonderful for Alzheimer's... my grandmother has it and my other grandma died from it..

<Glenda-AZ> Ami...I claim I have Partsheimers....not Altz the way there ....yet..LOL

<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> Do you still eat M&M's while quilting? or piecing?
<Ami> And other times too. Sugar Pops are still my favorite quilting snacks.
<JO-IN> I have to recommend Malted Milk Balls to eat while sewing/quilting - last longer than M & M's LOL

<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> well Ami I am very grateful that you could join us here in Fabric-Stash and RPLOTN Online Quilt Guild and for the girls from HGTV and the FFW group. We are really so glad to have someone with clout in the quilting world and help us make wonderful quilts for others. Are there anymore questions or comments for Ami?

<Glenda-AZ> Clap....Clap. Thank you so much
<Ami> Thanks for the kinds words. It was my pleasure to pop in tonight.
<Lighthouse-MO> Come back anytime, Ami!
<Ami> Thanks, I'll do that.
<IowaLisa> THANK YOU. i only wish i could have been here from the beginning...
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> We will have the whole lecture posted on our web site at www.rplotn.com for those who came in late.
<ClaudiaND> Thank You for coming to chat Ami.
<AuntJo> thanks Ami
<majikat> Thanks for coming Ami!
<Ami> My pleasure, gals.
<GAquiltR> THANKS Ami
<Ami> Have a good evening...
<Ami> Bye..
<JO-IN> Thanks, Ami - enjoyable evening! :)
<Needles> We have enjoyed having you Ami
<majikat> bye
<quiltDonalyn-CTYankee> We would love to have you back anytime Ami, if you want to use us as guinea pigs for a project just let us know
<GAquiltR> BYE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<Needles> ~~~~~~~~~
<Ami> G'night!
* Ami has left #Fabric-Stash_Chat

A VERY big RPLOTN Thank You to Ami Simms for spending her evening answering our many questions!

Be sure to send Smoky any pictures of your Ami Simms quilts for the newsletters!!

Check back at our main website from time to time to see when we have another lecture planned!