MORE PENTAGONS!
I found another pentagon! Next time you enjoy a handful of blueberries, see how many pentagons you can find. Hint: they’re hidden in the five-pointed star. They’re not all this perfectly formed. I kind of feel badly that I ate it.
Thank you for the wonderful comments after my last post. So many of you wrote in and shared that you had been making them for years. I haven’t seen any pictures yet (hint, hint) but when I do I’ll add them to the original mention.
If you enjoyed my “Have A Ball!” pattern and want more patchwork balls, there are quite a few books you might want to add to your “round and rolling” library.
And here I thought Scooter was ball crazy!
DYEING AGAIN
I’ve been dyeing up a storm. The last few sessions I felt like I was inside a snow globe! The cottonwood trees let loose their seeds and the air was thick with white fuzz.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cottonwood tree, wouldn’t know one if it bit me, but the summer snow is coming from somewhere! The wet clotheslines were like magnets. Since I’m not keen on picking off hundreds of them one by one, I’ve been working on a little machine that might do the trick. More on that next time.
Thanks for joining me today,
Ami Simms
Through The Eyes Of A Quilter 
I was at Houston years ago and attended a lecture. Also took part in the mini workshops where you showed several of your books and demonstrated a block. Your sense of humor appealed to me and I’ve been reading your newsletters ever since.
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Lucy, I remember that! I was demonstrating Twisted Sisters. In fact I recently came across all those blocks I made.
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I love your newsletters and Scooter’s posts. I had a golden and love to hear about him. I hope to attend a workshop sometime if you get back to my area.
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Thanks, Jerry! (I’ll tell Scooter.)
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Met you at a Texas Association of Quilt Guilds in Denton, Texas several years ago and fell in love with your humor and realistic view of quilting. Loved your story about the bed quilt that trailed into the bathroom and you cut it to fit. Since then, I have used that “technique” on a couple of my utility quilts and quoted to my husband “Ami says its okay!” Thank you for your friendship thru your wonderful newsletter. I look forward to reading it always!!!
…Karen Case
Granbury, Texas
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Karen, that was an amazing venue. If I remember correctly, I did a trunk show and they DROVE all my boxes into the arena stage area in a car! What a hoot! And about that trim job on my log cabin top, please remember the name of that lecture was “How NOT To Make A Prize-Winning Quilt.”
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Ami….when you come to TX ask to see cottonwood. They are quite common here. And yes, when they are letting loose their cotton the air looks exactly like your video. I would have thought it was cottonwood season in Michigan! LOL
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Barbara, we must have quite a few, nearby. I just have no idea where!
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Scooter’s page has no “Like” button. Could you set it up that way so he can be “Liked” ?
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Barb, Scooter is an individual. You have to “friend” him. If you smell good, he will friend you back. Or, you can just lick your monitor to show him that you like him.
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that is a great reply…..maybe my kitties can lick the monitor too…
I looked too, and thanks 4 hint about smelling good :-)
never met but somevvhere savv your blog…and like to read your stories
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Thanks, Gena!
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You might want to leave the cottonwood fluff on the clothesline — add some interesting texture to the bowls!
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I’m all for texture, but not that kind. Still percolating on my contraption to remove it.
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I would love to “like” Scooter on Facebook but I don’t have a Facebook account and no intention of getting one so please tell him that I like him very much and if he ever wants to emigrate to UK he can come and live with me! Thanks
BTW I like you too ;-)
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Maga, I totally understand. I just told Scooter. He wants to know if he went to the UK would he have to walk on the other side of the street?
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No, that wouldn’t be a problem at all. He’ll get used to the strange ways here in no time – I’ll hold his paw all the way! Promise
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I’ll let him know!
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I attended your String quilting/Indian Hatchet workshop way back in 2006 when you also spoke to the Berks Quilters Guild meeting that evening. What a fun day it was. We met Scooter’s predecessor who was quite a help carrying strips back and forth from the ironing board for you. Love your newsletters
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Barbara, that was a great day. I remember Madison would go around the room when called to hand carry strips up to me to iron. What a good dog, even if he wouldn’t deliver them once I ironed them. I think Steve took him the next day (a very hot one) and they visited every PetCo and PetSmart in the county to stay cool.
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Years ago, you came to Northern Virginia to give a lecture for our QU annual meeting. Your lecture was about your introduction to quilting in the Shipshewana, IN area. It has stayed in my memory as one of the best as I have relatives in Shipshewana. You dressed in plain clothes. I loved it.
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Hi Mary, I remember that too. In fact while I’m traveling Steve will be taking students down to Middlebury, IN for a short field trip. Friday is horse auction day and then they’ll visit our Amish friends.
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I heard you lecture several years ago in Glen Ellyn, IL, where I fell in love with the sinking ship quilt. I also bought the jacket pattern, and I really truly do plan to make it some day….
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Anne, glad you liked my Sinking Sailboat quilt and my Rag Jacket. When you do get them finished send a picture for the website!
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Ami, I met you at a lecture you gave for the New York State Consortium a few years ago. You autographed my copy of the Alzheimer book. My mother was suffering from dementia from Parkinson’s disease and we chatted for a few seconds about it. My mother has since passed but I felt the book with those beautiful quilts helped me to understand a little bit more about what she was experiencing. Thank you.
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Ann, thank you for remembering that. I’m so glad we had a chance to talk for a minute and that the book helped you understand. So sorry about your Mom.
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I attended your lecture at the Art Institute in Flint, but I have to admit I knew your husband before that! He taught my son at SJV. “Mr. Simms” is an amazing teacher and the kids all love him.
Donna Kurtz
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Boy, Donna, that was ages ago! I think I had just done the third or fourth book and did a lecture for the FIA. I’ll forward your comment to Steve, er “Mr Simms” so he can read your too! I’m sure he’ll get a kick out of it.
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I’ve never met you, taken one of your classes or anything! However, I have heard about you through quilt circles. People tell me you are clever, very funny and that your classes are a hoot!! (good and funny) I just had to look you up! Glad I did!! Love Scooter. I, too have a dog that I love dearly!
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Nancy, I’m glad you found me! And thanks to whomever said all those nice things about me to make you want to get my newsletter!
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I used to host the chat once a week on aol back in the “dark ages” where you were the featured lecturer and we were all just getting started on the internet. Have taken classes with you and reconnected in Houston at IQA several times. LOVE your humor and your newsletters always. See you in October???
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Louise, that was at the beginning of time, wasn’t it? AOL chats?! What fun we had. You took me by the hand and turned me loose on AOL. Back then it felt like rocket science, didn’t it? Good times. I sure enjoyed those chats, typing furiously in real time. This is close, but the pace is easier! Thanks for the memories. And YES!!! I sure will be in Houston where we hope to reach our $1 million for Alzheimer’s research.
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We get those around here (eastern Ontario) and they come from one type of birch tree. I know they are rather sticky and cover the sidewalks for about a week, each spring. Haven’t seen them yet, so maybe we are a couple of weeks behind you.
I “met” you when I found your book about “How not to make a prize winning quilt”.
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Kate, nice to meet YOU! I hope the cottonwood seeds go away soon. I’ll send them your way, OK?
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I also met you in Houston at a quilt guild meeting. You lectured and it was so entertaining. I love your Scooter updates. I read them to my Scooter and show him the videos. He doesn’t seem impressed but he’s probably just jealous.
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Patrice,
Another Scooter? Now we know THREE! Thanks for the kind words.
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Hey Ami,
I met you at a lecture and workshop in Pagosa Springs, CO many years ago. The 90’s or could it be 80′. As program chair I brought you and the Alzheimer’s Initiative show Forgetting Piece by Piece to Prescott, AZ where we raised the most amount of money. 100% went to the AI. You are the best! Kristi
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Hi Kristi! You guys were awesome hosting the first exhibit and you even helped by collecting names at the show on the purple patches for the current exhibit. I remember the lecture in the sanctuary and meeting so many people at the show. I don’t usually get to see the AAQI exhibits when they travel, so that was very special for me to be there. Thank you!
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Hi Ami,
I saw you on an early HGTV quilting show and liked your style very much! Also went to one of your seminars at the Pennsylvania Quilt Extravaganza many years ago. You asked us to name the quilts you displayed, and I was the one who knew “Ocean Waves.”
Enjoy your newsletters and learning what’s going on with you, your family and your quilting. Thank you.
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Diane, thanks for watching me on HGTV. That was a hoot! I know the quilt I asked you to name and believe me, there are very few who come up with it! You and I must share the same warped sense of humor. Thanks for sticking with me all these years.
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Ami, we met through Vickie Paulllus probably many moons ago in Paducha or maybe Houston.I have been to many of those Venues with her over the years. I love the way you communicate via your newsletter, pictures, books, patterns, etc. I particlarly loved your ongoingstory about your mother. It was a great help as my Al presented in much the same way. thanks for sharing that with all of us. I just wish I could get another copy of your book. I must have given mine away and it never got returned. Just enjoy your making fun for all of us. Of course there is Scooter. I believe it makes 4 now as my grandaughter has a Scooter also. also while I’m on my soapbox. Many thsnks to your loyal volunteers. they are truely wonderful. Nancy
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Nancy, you and Vickie are a treasure. I have been so blessed to meet people like you in my travels. It’s why I love my life so much. I remember our recent dinner together very fondly.
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I can’t remember for sure how I first “met” you – maybe on a TV quilting show? I finally got to meet you “for real” in Sarnia a few weeks ago – I brought my Twisted Sister quilt top and you signed my pattern. I brought my daughter too – hope I helped inspire a new generation to follow you!
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Jannette, I’m glad we finally connected in person. And how great that your daughter will follow her mother into the world of quilting!
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I met you when you came to Honolulu to teach Twisted Sisters at the Convention Center. I believe you were staying at the Ala Moana Hotel. I brought you a tuba rose lei on the second day of class. I have been a follower ever since. I’m not sure if I told you then, but my husband and I spent 3 years in the UP at Kincheloe AFB, so I can say I’m a little familiar with the State of Michigan!!
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That was a great trip! I cherished that lei and have told so many people how special that made me feel. Thank you so much. Someone gave me a lei needle too; was that you? Everyone was so kind. Thank you for the fond memory.
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The first time I ever saw you was at an MQN Showcase in Port Huron, where you came out with your daughter (?), dressed in Amish clothing. I also saw you twice at Evening Star Quilt Guild meetings and once at the Holiday Inn, where I won a quilt rack as a door prize. I beoieve that was when you had your book out about photo transfer items.
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Wanda, I don’t think that was my daughter, it was one of the women who worked for me. First day on the job, as I recall. Thomas Edison venue if I’m remembering right. Got horribly lost on the way there, me driving dressed Amish. I’m going to get in trouble for that…
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I feel I have known you forever…with your Mom and Madison years ago. contact was from an applique class you taught in Cleveland and from Houston and the Quilt Initiative probably back in 2001(?) Have suffered with you and more often laughed with you-you are one of the friends who make my life richer. Thank you.
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Nancy, your comment made me smile all over! Twice. Thank you!
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You taught me how to applique at a quilt Guild in Ogden,Ut.
yes, you were so funny, I have enjoyed your letters.
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Thanks, Darlene. I think I’m teaching in UT again next year.
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I was a “Teacher’s Pet” when you taught an applique class at the Quilt Festival in Houston years ago (we did dog heads). I got lucky, because I was an add-on at the last minute!
And I HATE cottonwood season!! I call it ‘summer snow’ because it does look like it has snowed, with the fluff piled up. I am quite allergic to it, which is why I hate it so. But not sure what the trees themselves look like.
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Bonnie, thanks for remembering that. Puppus Doggus! I’m with you on the cottonwoods. When will it end?! I’ve got more dyeing to do!
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We have never met, but we HAVE spoken on the phone. You were kind enough to speak with me about my dad and dealing with Alzheimer’s. I passed along the information, hints and tips you gave me to my sister with whom my dad lives. For your help we are forever grateful. One day dear lady, we shall meet so that I can thank you properly for all that you do!
Terri at the Drake’s Nest in Ossineke, MI
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Hi Teri, I’m glad I could help and I feel more than adequately thanked. I’m just sorry your dad had AD and you and your family had to live through it. So hard…
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I, too, heard your lecture years ago in Houston. I grew up in Ohio Amish country and loved your take on these wonderful people’s sense of humor. You had me at “Ami ryhmes with salami, but I’ll answer to any luncheon meat.”
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Mary, now I think THAT was my first lecture in Houston. Something like 400 people at the luncheon. I asked people to wave their napkin when they had a question because I couldn’t see their hands that far back. I still use the “rhymes with salami” line, and recently when my last name is misspelled (one M instead of 2) I tell them the second M is silent. OK, so it only makes me smile, but that’s not entirely all bad.
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I took your class on applique using the disappearing stitch; I think it is a ladder stitch. I love this stitch and use it in applique and hemming and other hand stitching. Love the stitch. I took the workshop several years ago in Bloomington, IN, at their quilt show. Thanks
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Nancy, so you’re an Invisible Applique-er! Fabulous. That’s my favorite stitch of all time.
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I was painting the approximately 25 bazillion deck railing post things when the cottonwoods let loose. I’ve decided to leave them and just add a 2nd coat and call it “texture”. I live in Lapeer Co so we were fighting the nasty fuzzies about the same time.
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Oh my, painting the deck when they hit. I feel your pain. Good solution however. Much better than burning it down which would have crossed my mind had that happened to me.
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I first “met” you through your book, ” how not to make a prize winning quilt”. Which is too funny. Actually met you a couple of years ago at Jabez, Ky. Where my daughter and I took your Twisted Sister workshop. I finally finished mine but have not sent you a photo yet.
Joann Holtzapfel
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Joann, I loved the Jabez venue. Great quilters! I learned about plastic coated fabric and bought a million fat quarters at the feeding frenzy in the hallway. Glad you finished your Twisted Sisters, and you know what’s coming next….. yup……send me a picture!
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First of all I enjoy your newsletter, love it, for all of the above reasons! We also contend with cottonwoods where I live on Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio. Very tickly sticky stuff.
I first learned about you and AAQI at an AAHSA (American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging) conference years ago and cannot remember just where or when (I’m an old 77). It was an AAQI exhibit with a small quilt auction. You were there doing some sewing. I bid on a little quilt that fascinated me and kept coming back to raise my bid because I was determined to get that quilt…and I got it hoorah!! It is my prize possession. I now have a collection of the little quilts and their stories as well as a couple of books. I LOVE them all. I just bid high on a quilt, am doing my best to help reach the one million goal. What a fantastic project this has been and I hope to read many more of your newsletters!
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That was Orlando, FL fairly early on. Maybe 2008? It was a wonderful event for the AAQI. We were able to reach so many non-quiters. Great exposure for us. Thanks for your enthusiastic and generous support!
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I met you at a Newtown Pa guild meeting, I was there as a guest with Kay Lukasko.
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Great time there. Loved seeing Kay after so many years. Glad I met you too!
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I met you many years ago at an MQN meeting in Pt. Huron. I have read your newsletter for years…I loved reading stories about your Uncle Bud. Since I am originally from Flint and attended the school where your husband taught I have always felt especially close to you. I admired your work with the Alzheimers Initiative. What a feat! Congrats on a job well done!
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Thank you so much for your comment, Marty!
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I have never had the pleasure of meeting you. I took a class from the owner of a local quilt shop for Twisted Sister and I fell in love with you and your humor. I have suggested more than once for our guild to have you as a guest speaker and do a work shop to no avail. Not sure why. I followed your newsletter/blog and couldn’t wait to see what Madison was up to. When I read your blog that you had lost your shadow I was at work and lost it. I immediately sent you the book “Dog Heaven”. You have dyed my under wear and I have your dyed clothesline without the unwanted cotton thingies! I love Scooter and you too! Keep me laughing PLEASE!!!! There is not enough humor in the world.
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Nancy, you are so kind. What’s the name of your guild? Maybe we can get a write-in campaign going to get me there. Thank you so much for Dog Heaven. It was so kind of you and what an excellent book! Thank you! Look in the mailbox for your panties. Debbie shipped them out last week. Hope you like them. I went a little crazy on a few pair. :)
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I enjoyed watching you on TV and then I had the opportunity to attend a workshop at the Quilting Circle in Bensalem, PA.
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Nancy, thanks for watching me on TV and for talking a workshop! Say hi to all the quilters in PA for me.
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Hi Ami, Many years ago you did a trunk show for The Heart of Ohio quilters in Newark, Ohio. It was my first time to attend a lecture by a “real” quilter as opposed to those fake ones. You picked me to be your helper:). I’ve loved you and your sense of humor ever since! Could you use quilter gloves with those little nubby things to get the cottonwood off? Diane. PS. The first quilt book I bought was How not to Make a Quilt. Love it still!
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Diane,
Thanks for remembering the Heart of Ohio guild. Thanks for the suggestion of the fancy gloves, but I think I figured out another way to get the cottonseeds off the clothesline. Stay tuned…
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We met in the ladies’ room at the Gem Theater in Detroit. Menopause, The Musical. Your sweet Mom and the amazing Madison were there, too. I commented on your Michigan fur and you wrote your e-address on my program so I could get the instructions. I then pointed you out to my Mom and Aunt at the end when you joined the ladies up on stage. Been “with you” ever since. Thank you for being such a bright spot in all our lives and for being so dedicated in ALL your endeavors. XOXXO
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Debi, no kidding?! Too funny. And yes I did go up on stage at the end!!! I can’t believe I did that! That was back when Mom could go places. Madison was her service dog, sweet thing. It was so fun taking him into the bathroom because he liked to give us our privacy. He’d just lay down and wait with his head under the door looking at whomever walked in. Really freaked people out.
Thank you for hanging out with me all these years.
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Ami, I met you at the Fort Washington Show back in Sept. 2001. It was right after the attack on our country. It was a very emotional time for us all and I know the quilters who attended the show so appreciated the teachers who were able to get there. I’ll never forget that show and meeting you.
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Thank you for your kind words. I won’t forget that show either.
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