The History of Barn Quilts

Barn quilts are painted quilt squares-usually fashioned on boards and then mounted on a barn or other building. While cloth quilts are usually made up of a series of squares of the same pattern placed together, a barn quilt is almost always a single square.

The pattern for a particular barn quilt may be chosen for myriad reasons. Often the barn quilt is a replica of a painted quilt that resides on the property or honors a loved one. A pattern may be selected because of its name--Corn and Beans is popular among farmers. Sometimes, the barn quilt is simply one whose pattern is appealing to either its creators or its owners.

Last week, I reached out to an artist in Ohio that makes custom barn quilts.  I picked out a pattern called Star Puzzle, an intricate design with several colors.  Becky, the artist, started my quilt made of wood, and is keeping me updated on its progress (when it was painted, drying time, etc.).  It's a fascinating process, and I will be mounting the barn quilt on the west side of my Maltby home.

It should arrive next week, and I'll capture it on the Slow Life blog.