About Us

It all started with a text between two friends…
“Curse you! Now you’ve got me dreaming about living in Ankeny and opening a quilt store. Oh the fun we could have!”

Turns out, that dream had legs. Jenny moved back to Ankeny in August of 2015, and just over a year later, she and Ann opened the doors to a brand new quilt shop.

Why “Off the Rails Quilting”?

We’re located just one block south of the trailhead for the Chichaqua Valley Trail, part of the Rails to Trails project. One block north, you’ll find Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company. And somewhere in the middle of it all…two friends who may have gone just a little “off the rails” chasing a dream built on fabric, friendship, and creativity.

Over the years, that dream has grown and shifted. Ann has since retired, and while she is still a cherished part of our story, the shop has evolved into a primarily online experience led by Jenny. Today, we connect with quilters near and far through our website, with a couple of in-person open house days each month for those who still love to browse bolts and soak up the inspiration in person.

Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just found your way here, we’re so glad you’re part of our story.