Greetings From Des Moines

Sue and I traveled to Des Moines to the AQS Quilt Show last week. Seeing the Iowa Capitol Building always gives me a sense of homecoming. This is where my father and his brothers were raised. My grandmother still lives in Des Moines. Many summer days were spent here in my youth. Some fond memories from those days were trips to Younkers Department Store back in the days where department stores had many levels and an elevator attendant. I also remember a trip to the history museum. When you entered the floor that contained displays about the early history of the Iowa prairies you could hear the sound of running buffaloes. I could have spent hours there. Sue and I took a trip down Grand Avenue to see Terrace Hill, the Governor's mansion, and all the other old mansions from the days before taxes changed the lifestyles of the rich.



This show was fabulous. Rumor had it that there were 900 quilts on display. The Des Moines Area Quilt Guild had their quilt show along side of the AQS juried quilts. There are so many talented quilters in Iowa. The quilts of Judy Martin and Sandra McMillan were featured in two one woman shows. Simply stunning work by these two ladies. There was also a display of vintage aprons from Mary Jane Butters, how fun. I'm subscriber to her magazine Mary Jane's Farm.

One of my recent favorites is Run Birdies Run by Julie Duschack. I fell in love with this quirky quilt in Madison in September and was pleased to see it again.

I also love Millie Sorrells' Past to Present quilt. Can you believe she quilts on a regular sewing machine? Her hand quilting is wonderful too. Here is her Phantasy quilt. Much of the hand quilting is 1/8" apart. Amazing! Millie taught this applique pattern in August at the WQI meeting.

Next stop on the way home, FiberWorks in Grinnell, Iowa. So many marvelous fabrics, fibers, paints & beads. One small room is set aside as a quilt gallery. This is another shop I will definitely visit again.
Almost an entire wall of batiks!!!! I'm in heaven.
These are the items that made it home with me. I love the Bali Pops. Great idea! Shrink wrapped, no fraying. Sue and I found these at the Quilters Quarters in Lamont, IA. I have been to this shop once before on a shop hop. She has every fabric line your heart desires. This shop is located in the country down a gravel road.