When asked to exhibit a quilt at the Iowa Quilt Museum reflecting Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa, my thoughts immediately went to my maternal grandmother, Maurine Moore of St. Ansgar, Iowa. Her passion for quilting not only inspired me but also laid the foundation for the creativity we celebrate at Hen & Chicks Studio.
Maurine (1914-2001) hand-stitched over 165 quilts in her lifetime, beginning as a teen and continuing into her retirement years. Her work with traditional blocks, like Jacob’s Ladder, and her signature prairie points instead of traditional bindings showcased her artistry and dedication.
Our Quilts in the Exhibit
The quilts I exhibited featured the Jacob’s Ladder block, symbolizing movement and connection—central themes in my grandmother’s style and our studio’s mission. Inspired by this, we created a free downloadable pattern called Holiday Chain Reaction, which I showcased at a September 2024 holiday event. Recently, after a new Lori Holt collection arrived, we updated the pattern, demonstrating how fabrics can transform classic designs into fresh, modern creations.
Through these quilts, I hope to honor my grandmother’s legacy and highlight Hen & Chicks Studio: a place where creativity thrives and quilting traditions are reimagined. These pieces celebrate both personal history and the shared joy of quilting.
Remembering Iowa’s Quilting History
The Iowa Quilt Museum’s Iowa Quilts! exhibit, curated by Piece Works Quilt Shop, may be over, but the featured quilts from across Iowa, including pieces by award-winning quilters, remain forever a part of Iowa’s history. Velma Van Scoy’s quilts, sponsored by her family, were also displayed on the mezzanine.
We invite you to experience Iowa’s rich quilting heritage in any way you can, and come see our Hen & Chicks Studio quilts—may they inspire your own quilting journey!