From Tiny Pieces to Big Moments
A Note from Director Melody Reels
Our new exhibit Tiny Pieces, Vast Visions is up — and it’s absolutely wowing visitors! It opened April 22 and features art quilts that are both powerful and breathtaking. Even if your heart leans toward more traditional quilts, I encourage you to stop in. The craftsmanship, purposeful piecing, and stunning design in each work offer incredible dimension and depth. These are quilts that truly need to be seen in person. Created by artists Deb Cashatt, Irene Roderick, Niraja Lorenz, and Susan Lapham, these quilts push the boundaries of design while remaining deeply rooted in intentional technique and storytelling.
Looking ahead, we’ll return to our traditional roots in August with a striking display “Mama’s Got The Blues: Nineteenth Century Indigo Quilts”, Julie Silber sharing Merry Silber’s antique Collection — so be sure to catch Tiny Pieces, Vast Visions while you can!
Can you believe it? We’re just 4 weeks away from the 2025 Iowa Quilt Festival! There are still a few openings in our classes and spots available for the three-day quilt retreat — a perfect opportunity to create, connect, and recharge. Some class offerings have shifted, and I’m working hard behind the scenes to get everything finalized. We’re especially excited to welcome the incredible artists from Tiny Pieces, Vast Visions to the Festival this June!
We’re especially excited to welcome three of the talented women of Tiny Pieces, Vast Visions — Deb, Niraja, and Susan — to the Festival in June. It’s going to be a week to remember!
Lastly, I’m excited to share that I’ve been reviving our YouTube channel, which had been quiet for the past year — even transferring over past videos from Facebook to make them easier to access and share. And we’ve launched a brand-new TikTok account to bring fresh energy and visibility to the museum! Be sure to follow along and spread the word.
Hope to see you soon at the Museum and at the Festival!
2025 Iowa Quilt Festival
June 4 – June 6, 2025
Join the Patchwork of Passionate Quilters
RETREAT
Join Us for a 3-Day Quilt Retreat — Spots Still Available!
There’s still time to reserve your place at our 3-day quilting retreat, held right here on Winterset’s charming and historic courthouse square! Enjoy a cozy, creative getaway filled with quilting, connection, and inspiration.
Each day kicks off with morning coffee and pastries, followed by lunch provided for all retreaters. Expect surprise drop-ins from quilting experts sharing tips and techniques, plus chances to win fun prizes throughout the event!
During the retreat, you’ll also have access to a variety of classes and lectures at a special discounted rate with your retreat ticket.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your skills, spark creativity, or simply enjoy time with fellow quilters, this retreat is the perfect place to do it.
We’d love to have you join us!
Updates to CLASSES & LECTURES
We’ve had a few changes to our class lineup, and wanted to keep you in the loop!
👉 Millie Kehrli, Scott Flanagan, Tony Jacobson, and Sharon Wasteney still have space in their classes—don’t miss your chance to learn from these talented instructors.
🧵 Due to unforeseen circumstances, Irene Roderick will no longer be able to join us in Iowa to teach Dancing with the Wall. The good news? Exhibiting artists Deb Cashatt, Niraja Lorenz, and Susan Lapham have graciously stepped in to offer a new team-taught class: “Conversations in Improv.” In this exciting workshop, you’ll explore three unique improv techniques and create a small quilt composed of units from each instructor’s style—blended together with your own creative touch.
Unfortunately, Pati Fried is also unable to travel to Iowa. Her classes, Log Cabin Improv and Design Journal, have been canceled. At this time, we don’t have plans to replace these classes, though the committee is considering one potential idea—we’ll share more if that becomes a reality.
We appreciate your flexibility and enthusiasm as we shape a vibrant and inspiring festival experience. Let us know if you’d like help switching classes or if you have questions!
Airing of the Quilts
Saturday June 7, 2025
Step into a patchwork of color and creativity as Winterset comes alive with hundreds of quilts displayed in the most unexpected — and beautiful — ways. It’s the grand finale of the Iowa Quilt Festival and a heartfelt celebration you won’t want to miss!
Quilts will be everywhere — draped over historic bridges, hanging from balconies and buildings, tucked into parks and gardens, and showcased in charming indoor venues all across town.
Each quilt has a voice — telling stories of heritage, artistry, and love stitched into every inch.
🧵 Your Ticket Includes:
- ✨ Access to 10+ indoor exhibits throughout Winterset
- ✨ Community quilt displays at iconic sites like our covered bridges
- ✨ Special Meet & Greet with artists at the Iowa Quilt Museum
- ✨ Local quilts in shops, wineries & more
🎟️ Tickets on sale now!
Add the Covered Bridge Quilters Guild Show for just $5 — a fantastic local exhibition packed with creativity.
Want to Get Involved? Be part of the magic! We’re looking for volunteers to help with:
- Hanging quilts across town
- Welcoming guests at key locations
- Helping visitors make the most of their experience
It’s a great way to meet quilters, support the museum, and be part of something truly special.
Interested? Sign up on our website: https://www.iowaquiltmuseum.org/events/madison-county-iowa-quilt-festival/
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 – Mama’s Got the Blues: Nineteenth Century Indigo 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, classes, lectures and Airing of the Quilts Tickets on sale now
- 3rd Annual Share Your Stash Sale on November 8, 2025 – we are taking donations now for the upcoming year
- Stitch In at the Museum – every 2nd Thursday of the month
Marianne’s Musings
Founding IQM Board Member Marianne Fons is a member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative, a collection of over 70 professional writers and journalists. She writes a (mostly) weekly Substack column titled “Reporting from Quiltropolis.” (Quiltropolis = Winterset.) Check out Quiltropolis by clicking on the button below, and subscribe if you like.
