Stitching something different

Intricate patterns within structured spaces is what defines traditional quiltmaking. Stitching together layers of fabric and batting is a process which has been passed down for eons.

The Creston Arts Depot’s October exhibit showcases a variety of quilts made with tradition in mind, but with a few catches in either the methods or structures of quiltmaking. The shape of the quilt might be different, or the materials used or even how it’s painted. No rules of the process are stringent enough to be broken.

Each quilt is made by a member of Quilt Rebels of Iowa, a group originally started 20 years ago in Creston as the Arts and Fibers club. The group meets monthly in Winterset to discuss the quilts they’re currently making. Members from all over Iowa, including as far as Des Moines and Osceola, give advice and demonstrations to help guide their fellow quiltmakers.

The Rebels meet in the Piece Works Quilt Shop, managed by Joyce Franklin, who welcomed those visiting the Creston exhibit during an open reception on Friday. Franklin has owned a quilt shop for 42 years, including previously in Creston with Quilts & Other Notions. Her job titles on her business card, which she says were named by co-owner Tony Jacobson, read “Chief / Quilting Queen / Top Gun.”

Quilt Rebels get their name from how they challenge the traditional way of making quilts to challenge themselves and “have some fun.” The exhibit has been a yearly tradition for the club, beginning in 2011, to showcase both quilts and ideas. Showing quilts during the meetings can take upward of an hour due to how “prolific” the group is, according to Franklin.

“We do what makes us happy,” said Franklin. “We each do our own thing so we have different people with different skill levels and certainly people that like to do different types of art. Some are very modern, some are more traditional, though funky traditional.”

The time it takes for each quilt to be made varies, but mostly depends on how a quilt is designed. “It’s more thinking process than it is actual making,” said Franklin.

A couple sculpture pieces transform the medium of quiltmaking into something almost completely different. A witch, made by Karen Grimes, sits on a pillar, with clothing made from the fabrics and stitching associated with quilts.

Getting close to the quilts is recommended to see intricate details such as detailed stitching. Each quilt is delicately hung with pins to not damage the material.

Quilt Rebels of Iowa meet every second Thursday of the month from 6-8 p.m. at Piece Works Quilt Shop on 54 East Court Avenue in Winterset. Franklin encourages quiltmakers of all skill levels to participate, even if they don’t have a quilt to show on a particular day.

Members of Quilt Rebels of Iowa who contributed pieces to the October exhibit include: Susan Banks, Joan Meyers, Mary Cecil, Martha Henrichs, Dian Wakefield, Kathy Wonderlin, Janet Pittman, Eva Marie Evans, Karen Grimes, Joyce Franklin.