Iowa Barn Quilts

Entering Iowa, one of the first things we noticed were squares painted on barns. It reminded us of quilt squares – colorful and well designed. Driving the highways, we enjoyed the various designs and colors. Our thought was – wow, Iowa celebrates their barns!

We were correct; Iowa celebrates and cherishes their barns. At one time Iowa had more than 200,000 barns. Today it is estimated less than 60,000 remain. Many counties participate in “Barn Quilt Project”. The quilt squares not only showcase the barn but also honor the area’s agricultural heritage as well as Iowans love of quilts and quilting. Butler County says it best, “the barn of today shelters the livestock and their needs as the quilt continues to warm the hearts and souls of the residents”.

The Barn Quilt Project is not unique to Iowa. Barn Quilts began in Adams County, Ohio in 2001. It was a way for Donna Sue Groves to honor her mother who was a master quilter. In doing research, we found that over 40 states and Canada participate in some form of the Barn Quilt Project, Iowa was the first place we saw the squares.

In fact, Kalona, Iowa not only has barn quilts, they also have sidewalk quilts and RV Park quilts. Kalona was the first place we stopped in Iowa and learned how important quilts and barns are to the state.

We took some pictures, but mostly we enjoyed the journey through Iowa as we viewed the many colors and designs of the squares.