The Quilt Connection in downtown Ames is a great place and The Iowa Quilt Block in West Des Moines (AKA: Valley Junction).
Woodside Quilt Store: 5360 NE 14th, it's a small shop, easy to drive past, on the west side of NE 14th. St.
While you are on NE 14th stop in at Todds Premium Foods and pick up a couple of jars Papa Joes Spaghetti sauce. 4413 NE 14th 50313 (east side of street.) Yummy stuff!!
There is Off the Rails in Bondurant that is a fun place, they are currently having a going out of business sale, not sure when their last day is.
My top 3 places: 1) Quilt Connection in Ames, 2) Iowa Quilt Block in Valley Junction (West Des Moines) 3) Woodside Quilt Shop
Ames is 40 miles north of Des Moines.