We are thrilled to welcome Iowa State Fair Fabric and Threads Superintendent, Dorothy  Faidley, speaking on her experiences of -“20,000 later”. 

Dorothy Faidley became superintendent of Fabric and Threads in 1982. She began  working in the department at the age of 16. With the exception of a few years off to  spend time with her young children she has been there every year. When Dorothy  became superintendent, Fabric and Threads was housed east of the grandstand. During  her 40 year tenure Fabric and Threads has expanded in just about every way. Not only  are the quilts now displayed in a wonderful, air-conditioned space in the Varied Industry  Building but the number of exhibits have grown significantly. Fabric and Threads  exhibits feature quilts, embroidery, needlepoint, crochet, knitting, weaving, tatting,  hooked rugs, sewn clothing and home décor. 

Dorothy grew up in Prairie City, Iowa. She graduated from the University of Iowa and  has worked as a nurse for 35 years. She lives on a farm southeast of Colfax where she  and her husband, Don raised 3 children. Husband Don has coordinated hanging the  quilts for more than 30 years along with the help of other family members. They are  truly an Iowa State Fair family! 

Jean Nolte joins us again, this time as Editor/Creative Director of the book: Quilt Blocksof the Iowa State Fair.  

This book features patterns for the 102 quilt blocks that are showcased on the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Jean will have books for  sale at our guild meeting. Proceeds from the sale of this books go to the “Fabric and  Threads” department at the fair.