August Iowa Quiltscape: Marti Michell

It’s August! Summer is so fun at the Iowa Quilt Museum because we get such a variety of guests here. The museum Board President, Randall Parkin, is no longer shocked when I meet people I knew back in Washington or people who know people I know. To date, I randomly met the in-laws of one of my high school classmates from Poulsbo, WA, met a young man from Seabeck, WA (same county I grew up in), got to catch up with a Kitsap Quilters Guild (also WA) friend, Kathy Beach. I’ve met two Hamline Pipers (my undergrad) and others connected to my home county. Who do you think we’ll meet in August?

We’re still enjoying the beauty of Marti Michell’s quilts featured in our “Yours Truly” exhibit. A great time was had by all who attended the Trunk Show and Gallery Walk. We learned quite a bit about Marti and I’m sharing some fun facts below so be sure to check those out.

Believe it or not, we’re already starting to plan for the 2023 Airing of the Quilts. Keep an eye out for our Save The Date and more information about our plans to make it a memorable and valuable experience.

Until Next Time,

Carissa


Marti Michell – Yours Truly

Trunk Show & Gallery

We had a full house on July 21, 2022 for our Marti Michell Trunk Show. To be honest, we lost count as to how many quilts Marti showed us, but let’s just say it was a lot and they were beautiful. She did a great job helping us visualize certain blocks of different sizes by showing us samples in each size and telling us which of her templates would make each of those blocks. I’m positive everyone walked away inspired to create when they got home!

The gallery walk was also fun as we got to hear more about each of the quilts in the exhibit and more fun facts about Marti. Such as:

  1. Do you know Marti’s favorite quilt block? Log Cabin
  2. Geometry was Marti’s favorite subjects in school.
  3. Marti was raised on an Iowa farm settled by her great grandparents in 1865.
  4. At last count, Marti had taught in 28 other countries.
  5. There is only one state where Marti has not taught.
  6. Christmas isn’t Christmas without a jigsaw puzzle.
  7. Marti was the Grand Champion Baby health girl at the Iowa State Fair in 1941.
  8. Marti is a graduate of Iowa State University
  9. Yours Truly started in 1972 and Marti and her family worked out of their basement cutting quilt kits.
  10. Marti’s Quickest Quilt in the World made 1.25M in 1977.

Take a look at the photos from our two events and follow us on social media to see more fun facts about Marti and her quilting career.


Upcoming Exhibit

Fiber Art Now – Excellence in Quilts 2022

September 27 – to December 18, 2022

Be the first to see the winners of Fiber Art Now’s 2022 Excellence in Quilts. Nancy Bavor as the juror for Excellence In Quilts chose 30 quilts from hundreds of entries. Of those 30 quilts, the Iowa Quilt Museum will exhibit around 28 winning entries.

The winners are:

Ellen Blalock, Sarah Blanchette, Peggy Blei-Hracho, Shinhee Chin, Judith Content, Sue LaWall Cortese, Cheryl Costley, Elizabeth Danish, Karen Duling, Lisa Ellis, Sandi Goldstein, Heather Hager, Brooks Harris Stevens, Rowan Haug, LeAnn Hileman, Jean Howard, Bill Keller, Lisa Klofkorn, Paula Kovarik, Eunhee Lee, Fuzzy Mall, Lena Meszaros, Phyllis Petrillo, Michael Ross, Sandra Sider, Patty Simmons, Kathy Suprenant, Mary Ann Tipple, Deborah Weir, Marian Zielinski

Artist: Paula Kovarik “Morph”

Gift Shop: What’s New?

Meet Louisa, Eleanor and Abigail. These cute Ashton Drake Heritage Porcelain dolls were donated to the museum. Each comes with a stool or bench and a quilt with a stand. All are in good condition and Abigail is the only one missing her sewing project. You can purchase these cuties in our gift shop or 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!

Garden Quilt Show Reiman Gardens

August 26 –28, 2022

The annual Garden Quilt Show is back, and the quilts will be spectacular. Reiman Gardens and the Iowa Quilters Guild will be hosting the three-day show which encourages the art of quilting through beautiful displays of garden-themed quilts created by talented Midwesterners. This juried show will award prizes from central Iowa sponsors in several categories. Vendors demonstrating, displaying and selling fabric art will also be available. Come experience the quilts along with 17 acres of living beauty throughout the Gardens, the indoor tropical Conservatory, and our enchanting Butterfly Wing.

Friday – Sunday, August 26 –28 Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Iowa State University Reiman Gardens

East Iowa Heirloom Quilters “Just Roll With It”

September 9-11, 2022

East Iowa Heirloom Quilters “Just Roll With It” Quilt Show features over 400 quilts on display by local quilters. Featured Quilter – Lynn Stansbery, Silent Auction, Quilts For Sale, Vendors. Food on site. Hawkeye Downs

AQS Quilt Week Des Moines

September 14-`17, 2022

Join AQS in Des Moines, Iowa for a week of quilts! Take quilt classes, enjoy lectures, and shop fabrics, notions and more at the Vendor Merchant Mall. Most of all, be inspired as you explore beautiful quilts, from award-winning and semi-finalist contest quilts to special exhibits. While you’re enjoying QuiltWeek, be sure to check out the local area. Take a break in the Botanical Garden and shop at the local boutiques. There’s so much to see and do, you’ll want to stay the week! Registration will be available at QuiltWeek.com. Members get a two-week head start, plus discounts on admission, classes, lectures, and special events. Wednesday, Sept 14, 2022 – 9:00 am–5:00 pm Thursday, Sept 15, 2022 – 9:00 am–5:00 pm Friday, Sept 16, 2022 – 9:00 am–5:00 pm Saturday, Sept 17, 2022 – 9:00 am–4:00 pm Iowa Events Center 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA

Great River Quilt Show

September 16-17, 2022

Great River Quilt Show Over 400 quilts made by members of the Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild will be on display. Vendors, Second Hand Treasures, Quilting Demonstrations, Opportunity Quilt, Gift Basket Chances. Featured Quilters: Beulah Spaulding (2020) and Gloria Kloos (2022), Charity Auctions benefiting Quilts of Valor, Pregnancy Resources, and One Eighty. Admission: $10 for 2 days; Age 10 & Under Free Hours: Friday Sept 16 9 – 6 Saturday September 17 9 – 4 For more information: MVQG.org; Facebook: MVQGuild Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

Quilt Show 2022 A Quilter’s Journey

September 22-24, 2022

Iowa’s Largest Quilt Show hosted by Des Moines Area Quilters Guild More than 600 Quilts on Display… Dozens of Vendors Including Gold Level Sponsor, Bernina – Woodside Quilting Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door, ages 12 and under are free. Purchase a 3-day pass for $20! Buy tickets in advance at: bit.ly/3uDcSS2 Thursday, Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM Rastetter 4-H Building at Iowa State Fairgrounds


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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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