Irene Roderick
Teaching “Dancing With The Wall: Improv”
Join Irene’s Quilting Class on Wednesday June 4, 9am-5pm
Irene Roderick’s artwork is rooted in textile arts, with a focus on quilt making and fabric dyeing. Trained as a painter, she has always been fascinated by the power of pattern and color, and how these elements can evoke both emotional and political responses. A few years ago, Irene discovered modern quilting and was inspired by the concept of creating a “utilitarian painting.” As she learned to quilt, she accidentally stumbled upon improvisational quilting—a spontaneous and intuitive process she calls “dancing with the wall.” This technique unlocked a new level of creativity for her, and her work has since become highly intuitive and visceral.
Irene’s creative process starts with placing a scrap of fabric in the center of her design wall. From there, she builds the quilt piece by piece, responding to each new addition. The process involves trial and error, as she moves fluidly between the design wall, cutting mat, sewing machine, and iron—literally “dancing” through each step until the quilt feels balanced, engaging, and joyful. With no predetermined outcome, Irene fully embraces the spontaneity of creative intuition, finding joy in trusting the process.
Her book, “Improv Quilting”, offers step-by-step guidance on how to “Dance with the Wall.”
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.
Information about upcoming Quilt Show!
Covered Bridges Quilters Guild Quilt Show
Friday, June 6 – 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday, June 7 – 9 am to 4:00 pm
Visit our local quilt guild’s 2o25 Quilt Show at the Winterset Elementary School.
On display are a variety of quilts made by the members of the guild and they’ll also have their show garage sale to purchase great quilting supplies at a discount.