Barn quilts have been around since the colonization of Pennsylvania. They were brought to the new world by Mennonite farmers. Originally they were “hex” signs hung on their barns to bring good luck and protection. But since the late 1990’s these colorful symbols have evolved into painted quilt blocks. This art form spread to Minnesota and then to the rest of the US. Usually they are 36″ to 48″ inches square without much detail that would get lost from a distance. You don’t need a barn–I have seen them on homes, garden shed, garages and store fronts.
We will have two versions of this popular art form at the October Quilts Etc Sale. Four large ones, 32″ squares and painted, will be for sale. These will be featured in a later post. We will also have 8 “mini” barn quilts that are pieced from stained wood. These mini-barn quilts could be hung outside but I already have a spot picked out in my home!
The smaller barn quilts are created by George Stover. George has a workroom full of lumber scraps, chairs in need of TLC and recycled wood. George’s skill was highlighted in a video clip our minister used last spring in a series about RESTORING. We saw his workshop and some of the chairs he brought back to life. When he offered his mini-barn quilts for the Quilts Etc. Sale in October, we didn’t wait for him to finish his inquiry. Yes! We wanted them for the sale and –Yes, I want one for me!
No two are exactly the same. And the measurements are exact, after all, George is a woodworker!!
Based on the “economy block” or “square in a square” or “diamond in a square”, #1 block is 8 3/4 inches square.
The “pinwheel ” quilt block is very popular. #2 block is 9 13/16 inches square. SOLD
This block is appropriately called “log cabin”. #3 measures 10 1/2 inches square. SOLD
#4 is based on the “bear claw” block pattern. If the bottom brown square had been a stem instead of a solid block , it would be a “maple leaf” block. This block measures 8 3/4″.
#5 block is the another paw on that bear. It measures 8 3/4 ” also.
There are three blocks like the one seen here. They are 12 9/16″, 13 1/6″ and 13 1/4″ (he is exact!). This star block pattern has many different names–from simply “eight point star” to “flower star” and “Sarah’s choice”. The 13 1/4″ Two are SOLD.
Each block is $45. You can put in your order now if you want it hanging on your wall sooner than later.
All the $$ we collect goes to our two ministries at First United Methodist–the TV Ministry and the Adult Religious Nurture Center for disabled adults.
Quilts, Etc. 