The Charming Barn Quilt Square

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The Charming Quilt Square

In rural landscapes across the country, an art movement known as “quilt trails” has been quietly stitching together communities through vibrant displays of barn quilt squares. These painted wooden squares, resembling traditional quilt patterns, adorn barns and buildings, transforming the countryside into a colorful patchwork of art and heritage. The Appalachain Quilt Trail is no different. It’s high on our lists of favorites that we recommend to our log cabin farm stay guests.

Except one amazing thing the other quilt trails don’t have is OUR barn quilt.

Yep. That’s right. We’re on the quilt trail and our Red, White and Blue Snow Crystals is one of the first things you’ll see when you arrive at our farm. It’s like a first-hand look at the roots of this farm and others in our area. 

The Roots of Quilt Trails

Quilt trails originated in the early 2000s as a way to celebrate the rich history of quilting and its cultural significance in rural America. The idea was to create a trail of quilt-inspired artworks on barns, fostering a sense of community pride and preserving the tradition of handcrafted quilts.

Truly Works of Art

Each barn quilt square is a unique masterpiece, telling a story through its carefully chosen quilt pattern, colors, and symbols. They take time, dedication and attention to detail to ensure the patterns are accurately depicted.  Ours was assembled and painted by Lauren and Bryan (my sister and brother-in-law) and it is just so lovely and welcoming. It pays homage to the patriarch of this family, Retired Lt Col Lyle Weems. It is Red, White and Blue for our American hero and is the Snow Crystals pattern. Snow Crystals pattern features intricate geometric patterns that look like … well you guessed it, Snowflakes. 

Preserving Heritage

Beyond the fact that they are so pretty to look at,  quilt trail barn quilt squares preserve local heritage. Many patterns have historical significance, representing the area’s agricultural roots, familial ties, or cultural identity. A few years ago we held a barn quilt square painting class and had so much fun. Everyone chose colors and patterns that mattered to them. 

We might have to bring that back when there is warmer weather.

Quilt trails have become a unique tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to explore the rural landscape adorned with these charming squares. Bonus: you get to stay in your car.

These picturesque squares are weaving together the stories, heritage, and community spirit of rural America. If you haven’t checked out the quilt trail, I encourage you to. Next day you crave a drive, have cabin fever, or are just looking for a nice way to spend an afternoon check out the quilt trail. You’ll be checking out a neat little part of Appalachia.