As we stayed home this spring, making masks or quilts or sourdough bread, we watched events we were planning to attend get canceled or postponed, and rightly so—it’s clear that limiting travel, wearing masks, and physical distancing have definitely helped slow the spread of the COVID19 virus.
As spring became summer, we learned that the outdoors is a safe place to be, and people went outside to walk, jog, and bike, benefitting greatly from exercise.
Here in Winterset, the Iowa Quilt Museum postponed its annual “Madison County Airing of the Quilts” from early June to late June, transforming it into a fully outdoor affair.
Now in its third year, “The Airing” is a community-wide display showcasing quilts against the backdrop of picturesque Winterset and Madison County, known for our charming town square, tree-lined streets, and the countryside’s famous covered bridges.
With your pre-purchase of a $20 ticket, available here, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Closer to June 27, you’ll receive a second email and a printable map showing all the outdoor locations where quilts will be on display (plus safe restroom locations). Included is a several-block area of beautiful homes where homeowners will display quilts on their porches, all viewable from car or sidewalk! (We have a discount if you purchase tickets for a carload.) Exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Restaurants are open for spread-out indoor dining or carry out. Picnic tables will be in place on the courthouse lawn under the shade trees.
Your map will also serve as your ticket to the Iowa Quilt Museum, where you can see the current exhibit, “Man Made,” featuring quilts made by male quilters, before it comes down in early July. The museum has social distancing guidelines and sanitizing procedures in place. “Man Made” was curated by IQM board member Tony Jacobson, who is also manager of Piece Works, our town’s wonderful quilt shop just steps from the museum. You’ll also want to visit Ben Franklin, next door to IQM, which offers a great selection of cotton fabrics and sewing notions. If you’re a knitter, don’t miss Heartland Fiber on the west side.
Our live auction has traditionally been part of a sit-down dinner, but in a way the online one is even better, because you can bid from anywhere! This year’s auction offers both antique and contemporary quilts in a variety of styles, as well as a few other quilt-related items. Many of this year’s auction quilts were made or collected by former Winterset resident, the late Peggy Freligh, and donated for the auction by her husband Dave. Start your viewing and bidding here!
I’ll be working all three shifts at three different locations, and my husband Mark is giving me exactly what I want for my birthday—working two shifts as well. Hope to see you Saturday, June 27!
Leave a Reply