Saturday, October 18, 2008

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.

14 comments:

Jackie said...

You talk of Des Moines and all I know of it is from films. Its nice to actually see pictures of a place I've heard of. (Was it'Terms of Endearment' ? It rings a bell.)

Greenmare said...

great time!!!!! good job, I love the Bali!!

Finn said...

Hi Chris, looks like it was fabulous! Love the links *VBS* Hugs, Finn

raining sheep said...

That wall of fabric is amazing. I went to a teeny tiny country quilting store this weekend. A small town about an hour from Calgary - the woman who owns it is an amazing quilter and the small space was jam-packed with wonderful fabrics...what a treasure.

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

Thanks for all the links...amazing quilts you saw! Glad you and Sue 'found' all sorts of goodies :)

em's scrapbag said...

What a fabulously fun trip. Thanks for sharring the fun with me. I loved all the links and pics. Have a great day!

bindu said...

The batik prints are lovely. I like them too. Looking forward to seeing what you create with them!

Faith said...

wow I love seeing the fabrics all so yummy and gosh dont I wish these shops were just next door to me. Thankyou for the birthday greetingsxxx

Cheryl said...

Hi Chris, I noticed you have been following my blog, and I am so glad I found yours! I almost went to the Des Moines show this year, but had family health issues so I had to cancel.
Thanks for sharing a peek of what its like for me!

Bethel of Bethania said...

Ohhh Chris, what yummy yummy fabrics ... so neatly displayed too ... looks like you have had a wonderful time of it all ... OOroo ... Bethel

Mermaid's Purse said...

I would have been in heaven too .............. in the meantime I'll just dream!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all the links and for sharing pictures of all the beautiful quilts.
Millie

ArtPropelled said...

Oooohhhh how delicious. I love the things you brought home with you!

ArtPropelled said...

P.S. I love Run Birdies Run. Thanks for the link.