
Slowing Down
A Note from Director Melody Reels
I really appreciate everyone’s patience with me as I am still learning my job. Of course life is never about one thing. I feel like I have been constantly going since November with my attention being pulled in so many directions. As we plan for the new year at the museum, I will make sure that I work harder on keeping you updated on what has happened and what is to come. We are excited about the Iowa Quilt Festival in June, our current exhibit and our upcoming exhibits. We are looking forward to working with well-known quilters, and quilt collectors. We are hoping to make updates to our gift shop, as well as a potential classroom space. There are many things ahead for 2025 and I want to make sure I keep you updated.
A New Year, A New Exhibit!
Iowa Quilts! Now through April 20, 2025
Iowa Quilts! opened on Tuesday, January 7th with a opening day sneak peek “Morning Coffee at the Museum”. Community members were invited to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry on their way to work and get a sneak peek at our new exhibit. We had a handful of people show up, including Robert Van Scoy and his family. The Van Scoy family contributed to our exhibit in loving memory of Velma, a local talented hand quilter. This is the third exhibit the Van Scoy family has sponsored in honor of Velma.
Iowa Quilts! Gallery Reception
On Friday January 17th the museum, along with Tony Jacobson from Piece Works Quilt Shop, hosted a Gallery Reception. Again the Van Scoy family were in attendance, along with quilters, quilt shop owners, their family and friends. During the gallery walk, we were able to hear from the quilters themselves about their quilts on display.
Thank you to all the participating Iowa quilt shops in our exhibit. To learn more about who they are, I’ve include their websites for you to visit:
- Hen & Chicks: https://www.henandchicksstudio.com/
- Mashe Modern: https://www.mashemodern.com/
- Off The Rails Quilting: https://offtherailsquilting.com/
- Redfield Quilt Shop: https://www.redfieldquiltshop.com/
- The Quilted Forest: https://www.thequiltedforest.com/
- The Quilted Windmill: https://www.thequiltedwindmill.com/
- Traditional Primitive: https://traditionalprimitives.com/
- Woodside Quilting: https://www.woodsidequilting.com/
- Piece Works Quilt Shop: https://www.pieceworksquiltshop.com/
More Space for Quilting Fun
We have a great space upstairs above the gallery with a great view of our beautiful courthouse. We would love to house classes, retreats or even quilting camps up there, but it needs some additional electrical. Currently, we only have one row of track lighting, we would like to add another row, along with some pendant lights in the middle. Additionally we would need to add electrical outlets for machines, irons and table lights. No quilting space would be complete without adding some planning boards. If you would like to help contribute to raising funds for this project click on the button below.
2025 Exhibits
April 22 through August 3 – Tiny Pieces, Vast Visions
Quilts by Deb Cashatt, Irene Roderick, Niraja Lorenz, and Susan Lapham were on display at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah last fall, and we are thrilled to announce their next display location will be here in Iowa. The artists will also participate in the 2025 Iowa Quilt Festival!
August 5 through November 30 – Julie Silber’s Mother’s Blue & White Quilts
We’re honored to be working with Julie Silber, respected quilt collector, dealer, and appraiser, to showcase her mother’s antique blue and white quilts
December 2, 2025 – April 15,2026 – Rebound, Renew, Reimagine
The Manhattan Modern Quilters’ Guild’s post-COVID exhibit will make a stop here in Iowa at the end of 2025. We were fortunate enough to have 40×40@40 displayed in 2021 and looking forward to displaying the guild’s amazing work again.
2025 Events
Look for continued updates on our website and social media about what we have to offer in the coming year
- Iowa Quilt Festival – retreat tickets on sale soon
- 3rd Annual Share Your Stash Sale – taking donations now for the upcoming year
- Stitch In at the Museum – every 2nd Thursday of the month
Marianne’s Musings
Were you aware that Marianne Fons is now a part of the Iowa Writers Collaboration? You can follow her and read her weekly writings by subsribing using the button below. There is no cost. We love that she titles her missives, Reporting from Quitropolis.

Roberta Monte James
I enjoyed reading about your events and progress. Please add me to your newsletter email list. I hope to visit someday!
Melody Reels
Mrs. James! I will be sure to get you added!
Robert Van Scoy
It is so nice to be updated on the museum as to what is going on and what is to come. Please keep the information coming. It is very nice.
Melody Reels
Thank you for your continued support Robert. We really appreciate you and we are honored to shine a light on Velma.