Barn Quilt Making Classes Offered in Northeast Indiana

ANGOLA — Not to be confused with fabric quilts, barn quilts are outdoor decorations painted on wood and typically displayed outdoors.

Barn quilts are found all over the country and can be very expensive…unless you make your own in a group setting!

Barn quilts sell for $125 to $250 or more at Shipshewana, but a creative, high-quality series of do-it-yourself barn quilt workshops will be held in five northeast Indiana communities in November with the Purdue Extension, just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Whether you are an experienced crafter or interested in trying something new, this workshop will provide a fun and relaxing experience for all skill levels. No previous experience is necessary and everyone is welcome to express their unique style and creativity.

Four classes will be held over two weeks, equipping participating youth and adults to beautify barns, homes and businesses in Northeast Indiana. The Barn Quilt Making Course features demonstrations, educational content, and lots of fellowship in a creative atmosphere. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 5:30 pm, from November 12th to 21st.

Registration closes on Monday, October 21st. All supplies are included in the $50 registration fee. Specific wood planks and high-quality exterior paint will be purchased, allowing each participant to bring charm to their favorite indoor or outdoor spaces.

A “menu” of quilt square design options is available to choose from, or participants can choose their own design, providing easy choices for beginners but also flexibility for more advanced barn quilters. All participants will take home a colorful, geometric masterpiece measuring 60 by 60 centimeters.

Hosting sites include:

• Adams County: 4-H Fairgrounds, 160 W. Washington St., Monroe;

• DeKalb County: County Office Building, 215 E. 9th St., Auburn;

• Huntington County: Extension Office, 1340 S. Jefferson St., Huntington (maximum 10 participants);

• Noble County: Public Library — Albion, 813 E. Main St., Albion; and

• Steuben County: Community Center, 317 S. Wayne Street, Angola.

To reserve your spot at the host site of your choice, visit https://bit.ly/barnquiltcreation2024 by Monday or sooner.

The series was last presented in February when 22 youth and adults participated in the Barn Quilt Making Workshop Series, hosted in Adams and Steuben Counties only. Of the participants, 93% felt that the finished piece was a reflection of themselves and/or told a story; and 100% were proud of the finished piece and have a plan to do something with what they learned.

An unintended result was the social growth and self-confidence that most participants experienced. After the series, one participant shared, “We recently lost my sister and my parents moved to Decatur to be near me. They are new to the community and are trying to make friends. Their pain is great and sometimes overwhelming. But things like this class are a respite. A time to create and do new and beautiful things. You have no idea the impact this class had on her.”

For more information, contact Tami Mosier, County Extension Director, at Purdue Extension in Steuben County, 668-1000 ext. 1400 or [email protected] or contact Abigail Creigh at Purdue Extension in Noble County, 636-2111 or [email protected].