"Shhhh...." I just bought a quilt.

The 10,000th AAQI quilt, "Shhhh...." By Kristin Shields of Bend, Ore.

The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative's (AAQI) May auctions just ended, and I am giddy about the outcome. "Shhhh...." by Kristin Shields of Bend, Oregon, was the 10,000th quilt received by AAQI. Being #10,000 is a significant milestone. AND the quilt was made in Oregon!

Had to have it.

This logo now has special meaning to me  :)

And yes, the quilt is coming back to Oregon.

If you haven't heard about AAQI, it's an amazing grassroots charity founded and directed by Ami Simms. AAQI has raised more than $713,000 for Alzheimer's research since 2006, and recently awarded a $60,000 grant to Dr. Domenico Pratico, a professor of pharmacology and immunology and microbiology in Temple University's School of Medicine. Dr. Pratico is investigating the role psychological stress plays in the development of Alzheimer's disease. It was the 11th grant AAQI has awarded for Alzheimer's research. In the last three years, AAQI has awarded research grants totaling more than $305,000.

"Shhhh...." has already received some recognition from being #10,000, but when you consider the magnitude of AAQI's accomplishments, the quilt is really an important piece of history. The quilt features a sleeping butterfly, and is dedicated "to the caregivers who might need a little extra rest." It is an original design, 8.5 inches square, made of linen, cotton, and silk fabrics, some of which are hand dyed. The sleeping butterfly started out as a sample for a class with Jude Hill. The butterfly is pieced by machine, hand appliqued, hand embroidered and hand quilted. At her heart center is a vintage bead.

Artist Kristin Shields has made 16 quilts for her $1000 promise, so far raising more than $800 for AAQI. In a story published on the AAQI Blog, She says, "I make quilts for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative because I like the work they do to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's research. I love to try out techniques in this small format, in fact my work is getting smaller all the time!" To read the AAQI press release about #10,000, click here.

Kristin, if you're out there reading this, I'll be in Sisters this summer for the quilt show. Hope to meet you! :) Time to go celebrate...