Season’s Greetings from Iowa Quilt Museum: Wishing You Joyful Holidays & Creative Adventures!

December 2023 Iowa Quiltscape

Greetings,

As we celebrate the holiday season and look forward to the New Year, we have exciting updates to share from the Iowa Quilt Museum! Our new exhibit, ‘Pixels, Photos, and Pizzazz’ by the esteemed Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry, awaits your exploration. Please note that we will be closed for the holidays, but we’re gearing up for a special Facebook Live event on Thursday, December 28th, at 9 AM CT, where you can delve into the stories behind these extraordinary quilts.

Additionally, if you’re considering a resolution to clean out your sewing room, we invite you to participate in our Share Your Stash fundraiser. Donate fabrics or tools that no longer suit your needs, and your contributions will play a pivotal role in curating upcoming exhibits and supporting the sustainability of the Iowa Quilt Museum.

As we embrace the holiday spirit, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyful and festive holiday season filled with creativity, generosity, and the joy of discovery.

Happy holidays,

Carissa Heckathorn, Museum Director


Journey into Textile Excellence: Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry’s Stunning Quilts on Display in the Midwest!

Experience the breathtaking fusion of artistry at the Iowa Quilt Museum with our latest exhibit, “Photos, Pixels, and Pizzazz” by Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry. Each intricate piece invites you to witness her detailed craftsmanship and captivating designs that define her creative journey.

For nearly five decades, Caryl has devoted herself to quilting, earning accolades and recognition for her exceptional talent. Her remarkable work is found in numerous quilting publications. Seize this exclusive opportunity to witness the brilliance of an award-winning textile artist right here in the heart of the Midwest.

Join us at the Iowa Quilt Museum and marvel at her visionary creations. Don’t miss this chance to explore the artistic legacy of a true luminary in the realm of textiles.


Holiday Hours

It’s that time of year when we close our doors to let our employees enjoy time with their families. The Iowa Quilt Museum is closed on the following days:

  • Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023
  • Christmas Day, December 25, 2023
  • New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2023
  • New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024

We wish everyone a happy holiday!


Facebook Live Programming

Immerse yourself in our ongoing Facebook Live program every Thursday at 9 AM, where you can delve into the enchanting world of our exhibits. Discover the exquisite ‘Pixels, Photos, and Pizzazz’ exhibit by Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry starting on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 9 AM CT, and uncover the stories behind these remarkable quilts.

Can’t attend live? No worries! Our videos remain available indefinitely on our Facebook page under the ‘Videos’ tab. Join us at your convenience to explore these extraordinary quilts and catch up on previous exhibits!


Don’t Miss Out! – Group Tours at the Iowa Quilt Museum

When you plan your visit, remember to schedule a tour at the Iowa Quilt Museum! Our guided tours, led by Megan Barrett, make your experience unforgettable.

Every Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., you can join us for an enriching journey through the world of quilting.

It’s simple! Just call 515-462-5988 to reserve your spot at least 10 days in advance. Megan’s expertise will bring the quilts to life, making your visit truly special.

If you’re looking for a tour on a day other than a Friday, please email Carissa Heckathorn at director@iowaquiltmuseum.org.

Explore the artistry and history of quilting with us. Your adventure awaits!


Make Room for Creativity: Donate Your Unused Fabrics and Tools Today!

Looking to declutter your sewing room in the new year? Consider donating fabrics or tools that no longer serve your needs to the Iowa Quilt Museum’s Share Your Stash fundraiser.

Your generous contributions will make a meaningful impact by aiding in the curation of future exhibits and ensuring the sustainability of the Iowa Quilt Museum.

Items to consider for donation:

  • Odor-free fabric
  • Gently used books
  • Gently used tools
  • Quilting rulers
  • Working sewing machines
  • Scraps no smaller than 2.5″ x 2.5″
  • Odor-free Orphan blocks

Drop off your donations at the Iowa Quilt Museum by October 6, 2024! If you need assistance or reside further away, feel free to mail your donations to us at 68 E Court Ave, Winterset, IA 50273.

We also extend our assistance for quilting estates. Should you wish to donate an entire quilting estate, we’d be delighted to arrange pick-up (within a reasonable distance) at your convenience. Additionally, we’re pleased to offer a tax deduction for your generous contribution.


Memoriams and Honorariums

In this section, we take a moment to pay tribute to those whose lives have left indelible imprints on our hearts and to honor those whose legacies continue to inspire us. Through the gentle passage of time, we fondly remember the cherished memories of individuals who have touched our lives profoundly. Simultaneously, we celebrate the enduring legacies of those whose impactful contributions and unwavering spirit continue to shape our communities and beyond. Join us as we reflect on their remarkable lives and honor the lasting influence they’ve had on us all.

Vicky Lynn Carroll Honorarium – Vicky is a quilter extraordinaire, as well as a veteran who served 30 years in the US Navy. Our connection began with a shared love of feed sacks and grew to include my admiration of her many beautiful quilts. My appreciation for her service, quilting skills, and kindness inspired this gift to the Iowa Quilt Museum in her honor.  

Donation made by Linzee McCray

Linda Martindale Memoriam – Linda Martindale of Humeston, Iowa died on October 23, 2023 after a fierce battle with cancer. Linda began quilting in the early 1990s. This passion for designing, piecing, and quilting manifested in her active membership in two quilt guilds, as well as teaching quilting skills to others and collaborating with other quilters about the latest patterns and quilting trends. She loved every aspect of quilting, including shopping for fabric, reading about all aspects of quilting, and developing her skills as a long-arm quilter. She will be missed by all her quilting friends.

Donation made by: Linda Dawson, Sue Williams, Kris Thomas, Glenda Rickert, Kim Brown, Cathy Johnson, Linda Beyer, and Sharon Banks.


In addition to keeping you up-to-date on all of the happenings here at the IQM, we also use our Iowa QuiltScape messages to share quilt-related news and events happening across our great state. Check it out!

Quilt Happenings

If you have any future Iowa quilt events, please be sure to send them to us so we can share with our audience in this section of our newsletter! Email: director@iowaquiltmuseum.org.


Thank you for reading Iowa QuiltScape.
Please share us with a friend!

Iowa QuiltScape is a feature of the Iowa Quilt Museum’s periodical e-newsletter, and will highlight quilting events happening all around the state. The goal of Iowa QuiltScape is to provide a central place for Iowa quilting organizations to share upcoming events and help quilters and quilter lovers across Iowa reach a broader audience.

If you have an event you would like to share via Iowa QuiltScape, send your information to
Museum Director Carissa Heckathorn: director@iowaquiltmuseum.org.

If you’re reading this but it didn’t come to your inbox, use the Email Signup form on the top of this page to make sure you’re on the list and don’t miss out on any Iowa QuiltScape news!

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