Festive Fun at the Iowa Quilt Museum: Explore Kaffe Fassett and Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Specials!

November 2023 Iowa Quiltscape

Greetings,

If you haven’t had the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Kaffe Fassett quilts at our museum, I encourage you to plan a visit soon!

As we gear up for the holiday season, please note that the museum will be closed on Wednesday, November 22, and Thanksgiving Day, November 23. However, we eagerly anticipate welcoming you back for an exciting experience on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, offering a special $5 family admission. Take this opportunity to share your love for quilts with your family by bringing them to the museum for an unforgettable exploration.

Share our newsletter with your friends so they can also stay up to date on all of the developments at the Iowa Quilt Museum!

Warm regards,

Carissa Heckathorn, Museum Director


A Thank You to Our Incredible Community

Wow! When we initially planned our Share Your Stash sale a few months ago, our goal was only half of what we ultimately achieved. None of this would have been possible without the incredible generosity of all of you!

This message is a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated items to our sale. Whether your items were labeled with your name or not, please know that we are immensely grateful for your support. Your contributions made a significant difference.

Additionally, a huge shoutout to all who attended the sale, purchased items, and generously donated to the museum. Your presence and support meant the world to us. We genuinely hope that the sale lived up to your expectations.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity exhibited at multiple levels, we’ve successfully raised enough funds to help us navigate through the slower winter months with greater ease. Your support truly makes a difference, and we cannot thank you enough.

Once again, a massive thank you to our wonderful community for making our Share Your Stash sale an incredible success.

Mark your calendars for November 2, 2024, for our second Share Your Stash sale. We’ll accept donations throughout the year.


Unleash Family Fun this Black Friday and Small Business Saturday at the Iowa Quilt Museum!

This Black Friday and Small Business Saturday (November 24 & 25, 2024), embark on an enriching family experience at the Iowa Quilt Museum. For just $5 per family on these special days, delve into the mesmerizing showcase of “Kaffe Fassett: 85 & Fabulous!”

Immerse yourselves in the captivating world of the “Kaffe Fassett: 85 & Fabulous” exhibit, a breathtaking display of 28 quilts that promises to inspire and captivate visitors of all ages. Create cherished memories with your loved ones as you explore the wonders of color, pattern, and creativity at the Iowa Quilt Museum.

Join us for an enriching experience and celebrate the joy of art and creativity with your family!


Experience the Colorful Genius of Kaffe Fassett

Ending December 10, 2023

Renowned as the undeniable genius of color, Kaffe Fassett has carved an unparalleled legacy in the realm of textiles, patchwork, needle arts, and beyond. His journey, from crafting intricate, multi-colored knitwear designs alongside Bill Gibb to being the first living textile artist with a solo exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum, spans over 50 remarkable years.

Having recently marked a significant life milestone, Kaffe has curated a collection of the most iconic and meaningful quilts that reflect his extraordinary journey. This remarkable assembly serves as a testament to his profound influence, inspiring quilters worldwide to embrace the vibrancy of glorious colors and the allure of bold designs, infusing these elements into both their craft and their daily lives.

Join us as we celebrate Kaffe Fassett’s remarkable legacy and the profound impact he has made in encouraging a global community of quilters to revel in the brilliance of colors and integrate striking designs into their creative pursuits and everyday existence.

View recordings of our Facebook Live events to learn more about select quilts in this exhibit:

kaffe fassett exhibit at the iowa quilt museum


“Photos, Pixels, & Pizzazz: Recent Quilts by Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry”

December 12, 2023 – March 10, 2024

Embark on a mesmerizing journey of quilt artistry in the upcoming exhibition, “Photos, Pixels, & Pizzazz: Recent Quilts by Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry.”

With a career spanning 48 years as a quilt artist, Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry has consistently embraced bold, graphic designs, vibrant hues, and the mesmerizing play of light and shadow—manifesting what she fondly terms as ‘PIZZAZZ’. Over this span, the tools available for achieving these effects in fabric have transformed dramatically.

This captivating exhibition showcases recent quilts infused with ‘PHOTOS’, some captured by her husband, Ron Gentry, and others by Caryl herself. Many of the quilts featured in “Photos, Pixels, & Pizzazz” were created in the last decade, serving as a testament to Caryl’s ongoing evolution and innovative artistic journey.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry’s captivating narrative through fabric—a celebration of artistic progression and technological innovation in “Photos, Pixels, & Pizzazz.”


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!


Happy Thanksgiving!

As we gear up for the holiday season, please note that the museum will be closed on Wednesday, November 22, and Thanksgiving Day, November 23. However, we eagerly anticipate welcoming you back for an exciting experience on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, offering special $5 family admission. Take this opportunity to share your love for quilts with your family by bringing them to the museum for an unforgettable exploration.


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.


Stitching Together Hope: Your Donation, Our Shared Vision

Empower the Iowa Quilt Museum in multiple impactful ways! Your support fuels our mission in vibrant ways. Select a meaningful gift from diverse options or contribute to our general fund, making a lasting difference today.

Label Parties – $200

Empower the legacy of quilts! Join our Label Parties today by investing $100 towards vital label-making expenses. Picture this: a world where every quilt is honored with its maker’s identity. It’s possible, and you can be a catalyst for change! Our Label Parties offer you everything needed – fabric, artists’ pens, printers, and boundless creativity – eliminating the hurdles of label making. Take action now to contribute to this profound initiative. Your participation matters. Let’s together transform quilts into timeless stories. Donate now and be part of shaping history!

Online Classes with Quilting “Stars” – $1000

Unlock the world of quilting mastery with your support! Your generous contribution of $1000 helps bring top-notch Online Classes to life, featuring esteemed quilting experts. Your donation plays a vital role in crafting an enriching learning experience for aspiring quilters everywhere. Imagine delving into exclusive insights and techniques shared by these revered quilting stars. Your support not only ensures access to invaluable knowledge but also enables fellow enthusiasts to embark on their own educational journey. Your donation isn’t just an investment in personal growth; it’s a gift that fosters a vibrant quilting community. Take action now and empower the next generation of quilters to thrive!

Exhibit – $2,000

Fuel creativity and innovation by supporting our exhibits! Your contribution directly funds essential aspects like shipping and curator costs. Your support ensures that captivating exhibits thrive, engaging audiences with unparalleled artistry and storytelling. With your donation, you’re not just sustaining exhibits; you’re fostering a dynamic platform for cultural expression and artistic exploration. Join us in making a profound impact—your generosity shapes the artistic landscape, enriching lives and inspiring countless individuals. Donate now and become a vital part of bringing captivating exhibits to life!

Exhibit Opening Night – $3,000

Your generous donation of $3,000 makes these special nights possible by covering travel costs for our curator or artists. Your support transforms barriers into opportunities, ensuring that these captivating events inspire and uplift others. Join us in making a lasting impact—your donation brings art to life and fosters a vibrant culture of inspiration. Donate now and help us inspire others through these exceptional events!

The Ultimate Connection – $5,000

Sponsor an entire exhibit for $5,000. Your support covers the exhibit, curator or artist travel for opening nights, and an online lecture. Your contribution ensures a complete and immersive experience, fostering connection and insight for all. Join us in making this impactful exhibition possible. Donate now and be part of shaping artistic conversations and enriching communities!

Contact our director, Carissa Heckathorn, for more information, or purchase your sponsorship online.


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!

Winterset Holiday Events

Winterset Festival of Lights, November 24

Visit Winterset’s courthouse district starting at 5:00 PM for food, music, free horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping, and live and lighted window displays. The parade starts at 7:15 PM and ends with an appearance from Santa!

Holiday Lights On The Hill, November 24, January 1

Enjoy lighted displays throughout the Madison County Historical Complex.

Small Business Saturday, November 25

Shop Small, local businesses and enjoy special holiday festivities throughout the day including horse drawn wagon rides and a pancake breakfast at the American Legion Hall by the Winterset Kiwanis.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

The Winterset Stage presents this holiday classic at the Iowa Theater in Winterset. More information and tickets available at www.thewintersetstage.org.

15th Annual Community Band Christmas Concert, December 3rd

Winterset High School, Henry Miller Auditorium. Followed by a free-will soup supper in the cafeteria.

The Nutcracker, December 9 – 11

Enjoy the festive performance of the classic ballet. Performed by Winterset Ballet & Dance Studio at the Iowa Theater. Tickets at wintersetdance.com.

Winter Solstice Market, Friday, December 8 – Sunday, December 10

Shop for handcrafted gifts from 25 curated vendors, at this festive holiday market located in the restored Winterset Livery, Named “Best Holiday Festival in Iowa”, by Food & Wine.

Christmas Tour of Homes, December 9th

The crowd favorite is back, this time all proceeds benefit CRISP. Take tours of Winterset homes. $20 a ticket.


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.

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