Des Moines Area Quilters’ Guild History

The Des Moines Area Quilters’ Guild (DMAQG) organized in 1983 after quilt shop owner and teacher, Mike Wigg, suggested quilters in the area should organize. The first afternoon and evening meetings were in February at Westminster Presbyterian Church. More than 60 quilters were in attendance.  Monthly meetings continued and featured Show and Share and a time for asking quilting questions and resolving quilting problems. Dues were $5. The first DMAQG newsletter was printed in March 1983. When Westminster Presbyterian Church was unavailable during the summer months, the guild continued to meet in members’ homes average attendance was 70 to 75 quilters! The first DMAQG quilt show was at Village Square Mall in September 1983. An annual fall quilt show continues to be a highlight of the guild’s activities.  

Since 1983, Des Moines Area Quilters Guild members have encouraged and challenged countless women and men in the Des Moines area to expand their quilting knowledge.  By sharing with one another what we learn, sometimes through trial and error, everyone benefits.  And, no matter what quilting level we claim -- from beginner to advanced--there's always something new to learn about quilting. Please consider becoming a member!

At the end 2010, The Des Moines Area Quilters Guild has about 500 members who participate and display their work and accomplishments at our annual quilt show.

The 2011 quilt show theme “A Community of Quilts and Quilters” showcases the wide variety of interests and talents of our members. See the Quilt Show 2011 pages for more information.

This year the Guild’s community service projects include making placements for individuals receiving Meals on Wheels and making adult and children’s quilts for residents of New Directions Shelter and St. Joseph’s Family Shelter. In past years, quilts have been made by members and donated to Orchard Place, Mercy Hospital neonatal unit, Ruby Van Meter and Smouse schools, the AIDS Project of Central Iowa and other area charities.

DMAQG holds an annual charity auction each August. The August, 2010 auction raised almost $13,000. These monies were distributed among the Susan G. Komen Foundation/Race for the Cure, Hospice of Central Iowa, and the American Heart Association. Please stop by the 2011 Community Service exhibit at our quilt show and see our 2011 projects.