Barn Quilts: Blazing a Trail of Artistry, History, and Community

Barn Quilts by Suzi Parron as seen on Sewing With Nancy Zieman

Barn Quilts: Blazing a Trail of Artistry, History, and Community

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By Roxanne Nickolie: Nancy’s Notions guest blogger

Barn quilts are a growing phenomenon in the United States and Canada, forming trails of roadside art—and scores of heartwarming stories—all across North America.

Author Suzi Parron explains that a barn quilt is “a replica of a quilt block painted on plywood, usually eight-by-eight feet, and hung on a building for a passerby to see. Most of them are mounted on barns, so they are called barn quilts.” Each block is chosen for a reason specific to the creator/creators. They stand as an impressive way to tell stories that pull entire communities together.

Barn Quilts by Suzi Parron as seen on Sewing With Nancy Zieman

An Italian Tile barn quilt located in Green County, Wisconsin. Owner Yvonne Devoe designed it to energize her when she gets up at 3:45 every morning to work on her dairy farm.

The “official” tradition of barn quilts is a short one, starting with Donna Sue Grove’s Ohio Star tribute to her mother in 2001. This initial block quickly expanded into creating an entire trail of barn quilts, which would help to bring attention to local artists. This new goal was supported by many others: “everyone thinks of agriculture and the men hard at work; we wanted to recognize the women’s role and remind folks that we have always produced art as well” said Belinda Holland, a Kentucky resident with her own barn quilt proudly on display.

Barn Quilts by Suzi Parron as seen on Sewing With Nancy Zieman

Belinda Holland's barn features a Flying Geese quilt pattern.

On a beautiful October day in 2001, the quilt trail dream came true and the very first barn quilt, Donna Sue’s vibrant Ohio Star block, was unveiled in Manchester, Ohio. Nichola Moretti, a member of the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, described it as follows: “I remember people lining up for pictures like enthusiastic kids lining up for school photos. It spoke to us. Standing on that mountaintop with all of those people—there was not a dry eye. I knew I was looking at a legacy.”

Nichola wasn’t wrong. Today, over 7,000 barn quilts trail across 48 states and into Canada. Farmers, woodworkers, homemakers, artists, and masses of volunteers have gathered rain or shine, paintbrushes and nails in hand, to commemorate the treasured stories and beloved members of their community.

Barn Quilts by Suzi Parron as seen on Sewing With Nancy Zieman

This barn quilt was copied from an eighteenth-century Williamsburg sampler made by an 11-year-old girl. The log cabin home pictured behind was built in the 1780s, and acts as a perfect backdrop for the historic design.

For road travelers, the barn quilts bring a welcomed touch of artistry to the landscape. They give the eye a break from the scrolling fields, dotted forests, and bounding hills that go whizzing by. But that’s not all.

Suzi Parron, author of the fascinating memoir Barn Quilts, best describes the appeal of these artworks in her book: “standing alone in a strange place, four hundred miles from home, I felt that I belonged and was welcomed… It was as if I had family scattered throughout the countryside, waiting for me to come by.”

Barn Quilts by Suzi Parron as seen on Sewing With Nancy Zieman

See the first barn quilt ever made, and read more captivating stories in Suzi’s book, available now at Nancy’s Notions.

Thanks for the guest blog, Roxanne.

I recently interviewed Suzi Parron on Sewing With Nancy.  Learn more by watching the interview.

Barn Quilts as seen on Sewing WIth Nancy Zieman

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

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15 Comments

  • Jana
    December 30, 2014

    This leaves me wishing I had a barn!

  • Lisa
    December 30, 2014

    I wonder if this could become a new trend with exterior decoration of a house.

  • Ann
    December 30, 2014

    I made a “garage” quilt out of real fabric, 4 x 4′ and waterproofed and framed it. It is in my favorite team colors with mascot.

  • Winnie
    December 30, 2014

    The Barn Quilts are great for those who have large buildings to display them. Let me share a 24″ square plywood painted with craft paint in your favorite pattern makes a wonderful indoor barn quilt. I have done two and really enjoyed them.

  • Jessie Fyfe
    December 30, 2014

    Can these be displayed on the side of the house? I don’t have a barn, but would love to do a painting of the quilt I am making for my bed. It is a Dahlia Quilt.

  • Starla
    December 30, 2014

    I love looking at and photographing old barns. One a few miles from my house has a quilt on its side.

  • Karen
    December 30, 2014

    Without a barn, you can paint or attach one to a smaller shed side in your yard

  • Connie Pluger
    December 30, 2014

    I can see myself doing something like this some day. I don’t have a barn, but I can think of 3 places to put one.

  • Bev
    December 30, 2014

    My wonderful husband bought me a copy of the barn quilt book for Christmas!

  • Susan
    December 31, 2014

    I’ve been painting them for 3 years and the interest is growing swiftly. They are used inside, outside, on barns, sheds, you name it. Most people choose colors and patterns to represent a special moment in their lives.

  • Berenice
    December 31, 2014

    We have a large two-story wall that faces a major intersection. I wonder if I have to have a city permit to put something like this up. I think it would be nicer to look at then a blank beige wall.

    • Susan
      January 1, 2015

      Always check with your local building inspector about ordinances that concern signs. Some cities have crazy rules.

  • Mo L
    January 1, 2015

    Is the size specific to a Barn Quilt?
    Back in the 70’s “Hex Signs’ were always displayed on homes, barns and garages. Aren’t hex signs of the Amish recreated from quilt blocks?

  • Nancy Lipking-Dodds
    January 1, 2015

    I start my week (Saturday) watching Sewing with Nancy. I’m going to order the book on barn quilts. I’m also an artist and have been painting barns for years and am now going to add quilt blocks. I live in Missouri and have been quilting for four years concentrating on quilts of valor. We live in the country and I can hardly wait to hang a block on our pole barn.

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