They are fun, they are beautiful, and they are an
Iowan connection to its pioneer quilting heritage.
Grundy County
Iowa was the first to use barn quilts as a way to invite
residents and tourists to “take the road less traveled.”
Grundy County began their promotion of these wonderful paintings
in 2003 and now the idea has spread to a number of other Iowa
counties. Clay County joined the grass-roots movement in 2005.
Pictured to the
left is innkeeper Mary Nichols of the Hannah Marie Country Inn
outside of Spencer, Iowa, celebrating the completion of her
"Overalls Sam" barn quilting painting. The writing to the
left of Overalls Sam is the signature of every guest or
Clay County resident that helped to paint this adorable barn
quilt.
Overalls Sam has a counterpart,
"Sunbonnet Sue," who decorates the opposite side of the Hannah
Marie barn!
Nichols is now on a campaign to encourage and
promote the painting of quilts on other
Clay County barns, corn
cribs, and other older buildings.
"This is an exciting, inexpensive, never-to-be-forgotten
summer-fall project that families, friends and neighbors can
come together to enjoy," said Nichols. She is joined by Everly
barn owner Marilyn Meyer who also encourages locals to plan a
Quilt-Painting-Bee.
Nichols says, "Any side of a
building will do, rural or in town. To preserve an historic
family event, quilt paint it on a building. You'd be pleasantly
surprised at the loving interest of appreciation shown towards
your creative efforts when shared with others."
For more information on the barn
quilts of Iowa:
