While out on an errand today, I noticed this simple yet graphic quilt-square attached to the gable of a horse barn. I quickly pulled over to take a photo of this beautiful old pattern as my camera travels with me most of the time.
The idea of placing quilt-squares on barns was in part to honor women who have contributed their skills as quilters both historically and presently. They made and still are making quilts of all sizes for use in homes for warmth or decoration. Here in Central Kentucky the movement to place the quilt-squares on barns has grown exponentially since I moved here five plus years ago. It has even spread to placing them on commercial buildings, fences, and farm outbuildings.
I don't know the name of this pattern but I am sure someone out there might know it. I used to have a great quilt pattern identification book but no longer.
Anyhow, as I was taking this above photo I moved around toward the side of the barn to get an angle shot and -- surprise, I found another quilt-square. This was a first for me -- seeing two on one barn.
This blue and white quilt pattern is also unknown to me. It really doesn't matter -- it's enough that they are symbols of the great artistic skills of women quilters.
Oh, as I left I wondered if possibly there was another quilt- square on the other side of the barn -- or the back side? Couldn't walk around to see as this barn was on private property. Now, my quest is on -- to find a barn with three quilt - squares. Hmm . . . . .
Ooh what a find that was! The colors are absolutely vibrant!
ReplyDeleteturquoisemoon -- The quilt squares that have become so popular on barns in KY just pop against most of the barns as they are black or a natural patina. thanks for the comment.
Delete... and love those striking red doors.
ReplyDeleteBirdman -- the red doors are a nice contrast against the black barn. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteWe're definitely on the same quilt-themed wavelength lately! I just posted Part 2 of the Quilt Show yesterday!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a pretty barn, and I love the quilt squares. I admit, I think my curiosity would have overwhelmed my law-abiding goodness and I would have trespassed to see if there were more on the other sides. :-) (And if I'd been busted, I would have used the ironclad defense, "But my blog readers will want to know!" LOL) Good luck in your 3-Quilt-Block-Barn quest!
Oh Oh -- don't know if my comment went through??? -- barbara
DeleteLaloofah -- Oh no -- don't trespass. On this occasion I ran into a rare situation that could have ended badly if I went over the fence to check. No details am I providing but I will say that I learn something about people every day. thanks -- barbara
DeleteGreat picture Barbara. I first came across your blog by looking for an example of a 'Kentucky Block' for a quilt project and have enjoyed all your posts. Good memory joggers.
ReplyDeleteclaggle -- yes I appreciate your past comments as well as today's. I have a feeling you are a photographer or one that enjoys the art. Also, a quilter. Both of these artistc pursuits are so satisfying to work in or study. thanks -- barbara
DeleteThat eight pointed star (if it has a traditional name I don't know it) is perfect on the black and red end of the barn. Gorgeous! The blue and white square is even more complex although not as visually dynamic. Again I don't know a name. I find it interesting that it was placed right in the middle of that side even though that meant painting part of it on the door and part on the side of the barn. (at least I assume that's a door). This barn's owner surely has a quilter in the family.
ReplyDeleteJune -- I agree, the blue and white does not pop on the black barn like the star. I am not sure if that is a door on the barn but it does appear so. When I took these photos I was working under a bit of duress so I didn't hang around very long. Rarely does this happen -- and for now I won't mention what happened. thanks for the nice comment -- barbara
DeleteBarbara, your readers are wondering about the other two sides of this barn. What a find! I agree with Laloofah....am pretty sure my curiosity would have taken me over the fence. Really cool blog.
ReplyDeleteNature Weaver -- On rare occasions one runs into a situation that runs chills up your back and this was one. So if I were you I wouldn't go jumping over a fence onto someones property. I stay on the public side and play it safe. But even then one can be challenged. -- barbara
DeleteI logged on just as you changed your banner to the dog in the creek. Nice. Really is fall out there, or autumn as you call it.
ReplyDeleteThis folkloric restoration and re-invention of women's crafts is so fascinating. It is a large part of the economy in Mexico and Peru: place that I know a little about, and certainly elsewhere.
Hattie -- The photo of the dog in the creek was my old lab Lil that passed over a year ago. You are right the photo was taken in the fall/autumn. She loved water and I took the photo from a bridge over the creek. I am intrigued by international craft skills of women. There is a store near me that deals in fair trade international items that carries wonderful, colorful, artful items. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteI too would have been braking hard and swerving right to capture this pic. It's a great one. Love Lil soaking her paws. It stopped me in mine. I'm sure she's missed.
ReplyDeleteRaining Iguanas -- I understand that you travel with your camera. Its the best way to capture that unexpectedness. If I don't have my camera, I most certainly run into something that would make an interesting photo like a huge live snapping turtle blocked in the road by a man who is calling his friend on the phone to come help him get the turtle loaded so he can take it home and make turtle soup. Not my ideal recording but a shot of reality in these parts. thanks for the nice comment -- barbara
DeleteI apologize, Barbara, for saying my curiosity would have taken me over the fence.....didn't realize you were in what could have been a "situation." My comment reflects my often quick humor. I know better than to trespass. Spent my life in the legal realm. I'm in full agreement that one has to be careful where we go. Thank you. I so enjoy your posts.
ReplyDeleteNature Weaver -- Oh don't give it another thought. I hadn't planned on telling of being challenged but thought "oh heck" might as well mention it. I have read of photo-journalists taking all kinds of risks to get "that picture" but I am chicken to do that. Rather be safe than sorry is my motto when out taking photos. Nice that you were in the legal world -- that background surely would be handy to have. have a great weekend -- barbara
DeleteThat was a new one to me - I have never seen nothing like it. Very charming and decorative.
ReplyDeleteRuneE -- This is rather a new tradition in Ky and a few other surrounding states. It honors women that have sewn the thousands of quilts since our early history. thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteThat is a striking shot of the black barn with red doors! Well captured!
ReplyDeleteVicki -- thanks for the nice comment. It was a lovely day when this shot was taken. -- barbara
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