Alabama Barn Quilt Trail What started as an art of necessity has become art on the country roads of Alabama
Dallas Balch Barn Killen, Alabama “Tumbling Star”
D
o you have a beautiful, old quilt in the back of your closet? The kind that has a quilt pattern unique and special to your family? When you think of a quilt that has been passed down from generation to generation, you may not realize the history behind it and patchwork itself. “Patchwork can be traced as far back as medieval times. It was brought to this country by immigrants and popularized out of necessity,” said Dale Robinson, Alabama Barn Quilt Trail President. “They fulfilled the need to stay warm on cold winter nights. It wasn’t until late in the 20th century that quilting began to be recognized as an art form.” The Alabama Barn Quilt Trail is bringing this art form to the country roads of Alabama to give new life to historic barns. These classic, old barns have unique and colorful quilt squares painted and displayed on them for the public to enjoy. “The purpose of the Trail is to promote agriculture and agritourism, as well as preserving the history and architecture of the old barns,” said Regina Painter, Founder of the Alabama Barn Quilt Trail. “We want to promote the art and history of the old quilts.” The idea originated in Adams County, Ohio by Donna Sue Groves in 2001 and spread to other states. “The first time I saw these blocks was in Tennessee around 2013 when I visited a quilt show and saw them on some barns,” Painter added. “As a fabric quilter, I loved them and wanted to see them in Alabama.”
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Cooperative Farming News
BY JESSIE SHOOK
Bill and Vickie Pruett Barn Cullman, Alabama
Rick and Rhonda Moultrie Barn Tuscumbia, Alabama “Patriotic Star”
Ricky Aycock Barn Tuscumbia, Alabama “Log Cabin”
