I was recently reminded of a fascinating, but historical, practice that is keeping the love of quilting alive in a very big way. And, I mean big literally.
Many barns scattered across the United States are distinct in one common way: Quilt blocks so big you can see it for miles around.
Some of you may be familiar with these barn quilts. Others – perhaps those living along the west coast – may be discovering this rich and beautiful tradition for the first time today.
There is some discrepancy about how the American Barn Quilt movement began. Some claim it started in 2005 in Adams County, Ohio when Donna Sue Groves painted a quilt block on her tobacco barn to honor her quilting enthusiast mother. But, she didn’t stop there. In an effort to boost the economy of Adams County by drawing tourists to the area, Donna enlisted the help of others to create a “Clothesline of Quilts,” which included at least 20 squares mounted on barns or other buildings. It didn’t take long for other counties in the area to begin calling and asking how to replicate the idea.
Others say the barn quilt movement is much older and traveled here with European immigrants from Austria, Germany and the Netherlands. After immigrants settled in Pennsylvania, the painted quilt squares began popping up on barns in the area. They not only provided some authenticity and charm, but acted as guide posts of sorts. Marilyn Anderson gives a fascinating take on the more historical roots of barn quilts on her web-site American Barn Quilts.
Usually painted in vibrant hues on 8’ x 8’ wooden blocks, the singular quilt block pattern (as opposed to a cloth quilt with many quilt blocks pieced together) often represents the agriculture in the area or a family pattern from a beloved quilt. Volunteer groups have organized councils to oversee responsibilities such as deciding what patterns are used and what barn owners would willing to display the quilt squares.
So, where can you see some of these quilt trails? Concentrated mainly in New England and the mid-western states, quilt trails appear in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Iowa and Michigan.
For a map linking you to the states and counties with barn quilt trails – or to read more details about this gorgeous art form – visit author and barn quilt aficionado Suzi Parron’s website. Better yet, plan a trip to go barn-quilt hunting. (Psst: Some counties even provide virtual tours on their web-sites.) Perhaps you’ll find inspiration for your next quilt along the way.