Crazy for Quilts Part Three

Continuing from my post yesterday,  here are the rest of the barn quilts that are displayed in the main street store windows where we are currently staying. Under each photo is the pattern name of the quilt, then a brief description (taken directly from here), along with the artist(s) name.

MONKEY WRENCH

On the Underground Railroad, the Monkey Wrench was a signal to gather all tools required for the fleeing slave’s journey—physical, mental, and spiritual.

As for how it got its name, that’s pretty self-explanatory, isn’t it? This is a good example of a block that forms many fascinating patterns when made into a quilt. Artist: Ellen Brunschon

NAPA BURST

From “Crazy Quilts” back in the 1800s, to the striking art being produced by contemporary quilters, designs based on nothing but the quilter’s imagination are everywhere.

This original design is based on the logo for the national Napa Art Parts Company, founded in 1925. Artist: Woody & Pam Woodruff and Harmony Corvettes

BEAR PAW

On the Underground Railroad, the Bear Paw was a visual reference telling the fugitives to follow the actual trail of a bear’s footprints.

The footprints would indicate the best path to food & water. Artist: Hollie DeRose

SOUTHERN STAR

For some Native American tribes, the Milky Way is known as the "Pathway of Departed Souls." They believe that the spirit of the deceased follows this pathway to the Southern Star, the abiding place of the dead.

In their beliefs, the Great Spirit gave stars the power to watch over us here on earth. The Star Quilt is given today as a reminder of this belief. Southwest tribes call this pattern "God's Eye.” Artist: Sarah Janes

NORTH STAR

On the Underground Railroad, everyone knew that North meant freedom. Some believe the design originated during the days of the Railroad. This pattern is very popular for Barn Quilts, and lends itself well to being made in bright colors. Artist: Eve Shunick

PINWHEEL

Pinwheel, a very popular design for baby quilts, must be based on the toy of the same name. It’s considered a type of whirligig, which was what passed for an action toy back in the days before wind-up coin banks, foot-powered fire engines, and of course, plastic dolls that are supposed to look like movie stars.

This block makes a fun quilt, and if the right colors are chosen, it will appear to spin right there on the on the bed. Artist: The TSC Design Team 

ROSES RED AND BLUE

An original design by the artist. Artist: Brett Batchelder

SNOWFLAKE

What better way to pass the frigid days of winter (in a log cabin with little heat) than tucked under a cheerful quilt pieced in this beautiful pattern? Artist: Glenn Ritchey

STAR BLOCKS

This “Folk Art Sampler” is a collection of stars from the German-Bavarian, Norwegian, Swedish, American, French, and French Rococo traditions. Artist: Rebecca Cleghorn 

TWISTING STAR

A popular design for Barn Quilts, the Twisting Star is a neat optical design, creating an almost-3D effect. It is a pinwheel-type block, often compared to a spinning fan. Artist: Woody & Pam Woodruff and Harmony Corvettes  

WAGON WHEEL

On the Underground Railroad, this was a signal to a slave to pack the items needed to travel by wagon or that could be used while travelling. It could also mean to pack the provisions necessary for survival, as if packing a wagon for a long journey, or to actually load the wagon in preparation for an escape.

Some records indicate this symbol meant a wagon with hidden compartments in which slaves could conceal themselves, would soon be embarking on the trip to freedom.  Artist: Carrie Risse

WHEEL OF VALOR

This patriotic design was a summer project for the kids at Zion Summer Daze Camp. Artist: Zion Summer Daze Campers & Staff


 THAT'S ALL I have on the barn quilts. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did!