Sharon Wasteney
Teaching two classes: Artful Collage & Faux Cathedral Windows
Join Sharon’s Quilting Classes: Where Tradition Meets Creative Expression
After 37 fulfilling years as a professional educator and facilitator, Sharon has transitioned into the world of creative quilting. Her passion lies in preserving family traditions by sharing stories across generations, and keeping this in mind when designing quilts for others. Inspired by personal memories, nature, and rural life, each quilt she creates is a reflection of heritage and creativity.
From childhood, when she first attempted to sew a dress for her doll to leading 4-H sewing projects and teaching youth and adults, her journey with fabric has been lifelong. Now, she focus’s on designing both traditional and artistic quilts that celebrate family heritage. Sharon’s patterns are simple enough for beginners, yet can challenge seasoned quilters. Encouraging connections across generations.
Quilts tell stories, capturing the joys of friendships and the memories of loved ones lost. They preserve our family histories, and Sharon believes in the power of quilts to connect us to our roots. Her designs incorporate creative techniques and unconventional flair, blending the elements and principles of design that she had learned many years ago. Whether traditional, modern, or art quilts, she infuses each piece with the same passion for teaching and learning that has guided her throughout her career.
“I look forward to sharing my love of quilting with you, whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your craft.” Sharon Wasteney
You can sign up for Sharon’s classes now! Click on the link to see Sharon’s classes as well as 5 other instructors who are collectively teaching a total of 9 classes and two lectures in the three days of the 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 – 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, classes, lectures and Airing of the Quilts Tickets on sale now
- 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.
