For the Love of Grey Barn Quilt Tour

Judi McWilliams

by Judi “Scoop” McWilliams

“A Moment in Time!”

The Magic of Barn Quilts

It was a dark and stormy night, and the… well, that not really how it happened, it was Barn Quilts time!

Barn Quilts 101

Actually, we received a call asking us if we would like to know about Barn Quilts and a new project that was taking place in our area.

Designing Barn Quilts

We said yes, and arranged to meet the projects originators at our local “Tims” (Tim Horton’s).

Meet the designer, Hilary

We met with Lorraine Irwin and Kimberley Lewis and our interest became a mission.

The final proof

After explaining their Barn Quilts project, they invited us to see how the Barn Quilts were made.

Hard at work

I had originally envisioned a number of ladies sitting around a table, sewing pieces of cloth together!

It takes a team to create Barn Quilts

Boy, was I in for a surprise!

Scoop tries her hand at making Barn Quilts

Instead, there were sheets of plywood (8′ x 8″) scattered about the building.

You half to have a steady hand

A few of the Barn Quilts were on table were being worked on.

Almost finished

So, in as few words as possible, here’s the process of making a Barn Quilt.

There were a lot of Barn Quilts being worked on

The family, and I mean family, that is going to hang the Barn Quilt on their barn, decides what theme and type of design they want.

The whole family was there

Then the designer, Hiliary Breadner, make a computer drawing.

It's tough work hanging Barn Quilts

Once the design has been approved, the work begins, taping and painting.

The hanging was successful!

Everyone pitches in, I told that it was a family affair!

Off to hang another one at the Lewis's

Once the Barn Quilts are completed, there’s a “hanging“!

Scoop pitched in to help

I even got to participate in one of the “hangings“!

It's hard work

To tell you the truth, it was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun!

But worth it!

The satisfaction, after the “hanging“, was amazing!

The "Love the Love of Grey" Barn Quilts team

Once the initial part of the “For the Love of Grey Barn Quilt” project was completed, it was time for the unveiling.

Barn Quilts completed and on display

This was just the start of an on-going project. Since that initial unveiling, other Barn Quilts have been completed and hung.

Amazing!

The next time you take a drive in the country, take a closer look at the barns and their Barn Quilts

Making the countryside more beautiful

Barn Quilts, now, can be seen everywhere!

There are different designs

They add so much to the countryside!

Different shapes

And, what so great about Barn Quilts, is that they have great meaning to the families who own the barns.

Different colours

Remember, it’s not a “craze“, it’s a “hanging“!

Exploring Ontario

Ontario Visited is Ontario’s premier information hub, promoting Ontario’s tourism and communities since 2007. With our websites and apps, we invite you to explore the captivating beauty, culture, and events that define this incredible province. Join us in celebrating all that Ontario has to offer!

Find Your Next Adventure with our Ontario Event Directory website and APP, Keep Informed by logging onto either our Ontario Event News website or APP and share a Moment in Time through our Ontario Videos and Stories website.

It’s time to experience and enjoy Ontario’s Barn Quilts!

For more Exploring Ontario, “Moments in Time”, go to https://ontariovisited.ca/videos-and-stories/

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