Folk Art From the Heart

Katie built a side business as a result of her love of handmade barn quilts.

“I have always loved the classic designs of old quilts,” Katie says. “They are true pieces of American art that tell our nation’s history from a woman’s perspective; and, being a former history teacher, I was especially drawn to those stories.” She had seen pictures online of large quilt squares painted on wood and hung on barns, and she fell in love with the idea. However, she had concerns about the large barn size fitting into her home. “I realized the need for smaller, more practical versions of the barn quilt for the majority of us that don’t have barns,” Katie says. “I started making barn quilts for my own home, and after posting pictures to social media, the response I received was overwhelming. This popularity led to my side business of making barn quilts, teaching classes locally and writing DIY pattern books. I have lectured and instructed classes at national fairs and for the American Quilter’s Society.”