Patriotic and Other Barn Blocks

Barn Block in Kentucky

So, when you travel, do you keep an eye out for “barn blocks”?  These giant quilt blocks are showing up all over and have become very popular – and they aren’t just for barns anymore! 

Once only found occasionally in rural countrysides, these painted blocks are now seen not only on barns, but also on businesses, homes, garages and public buildings.  Take a swing over to a fantastic blog that allows you to take a virtual barn block tour of their many documented blocks.

The Osceola Quilt Trail is part of a volunteer public art movement extending across the United States, celebrating our rural heritage and traditional arts, involving area residents in making art, and promoting agri-tourism.  Here’s an example of one of the patriotic blocks:

Robert and Janet VanderPloeg chose the Americana Star block for their barn to commemorate Robert’s military service during the Korean War.  This block is featured in Eleanor Burns book “Quilt Blocks on American Barns”.  The barn is located in Marion, MI.

Check out lots of barn blocks at:  http://osceolaquilttrail.wordpress.com/
But I do warn you, get yourself a cup of coffee or tea before you go over to this blog – you’ll spend a bit of time viewing all of the blocks!