The Tree of Life Barn Quilt

I have always been intrigued by and loved the

quilt pattern called

"The Tree of Life"

To me, trees signify stability, deep roots, shelter, and hope

for generations to come.

They enrich the air we breath and provide fruit for us to eat.

Many years ago, in 2003, we had a very large international family

reunion and I was inspired to make a Tree of Life quilted wall hanging

to be auctioned off at the event.

Years later, as in a couple of years ago, I incorporated that same

pattern into a small quilt I pieced for our RV trailer.

This pattern was also the inspiration for me to paint 

a very large "barn quilt".

A Sunday drive in Middlesex County, Ontario helped me decide to do this!

2 4X8 pieces of plywood were set up in our driveway and painted with 4 coats of primer.

The process had begun!

The "quilt" took up most of the garage which was a good incentive to keep working at it because we do like to park our car in there!

The basket of my old folk art paints was hauled out of the upstairs closet and the colours were chosen.

I hadn't used these paints for a long, long time and some were completely dried up.

This was a great project for using up these colours.

The summer flies and mosquitoes also made their "impressions" on this work in progress.

The intention was to mount it on the West side of our old barn

(the side that faces the house and just for us to see)

The other 3 sides of the barn had been covered with steel soon after 

we moved here (36 years ago).

As we talked about where to hang the "quilt" we realized that perhaps

this side of the barn should be sided with steel too before we do that.

The mounting was delayed and the very heavy 8 foot X 8 foot Tree of Life

was moved into the barn till further notice!

A couple of weeks ago, the end of December 2015, the workmen came to remove

the old worn barn boards and to put up the new steel siding.

The weather was perfect - unusually mild for this time of year.

They came with the self propelled boom and we asked them if they would do one more thing

for us before they leave - you can guess what it was.

I was super excited!

These young, strong and fearless Amish workers were willing and able.

We just stood back and watched as they hoisted that heavy quilt and bolted it into place.

On the last day of the year 2015, my barn quilt has finally been mounted.

It will aways remind me of the year our darling Granddaughter was born

and of how blessed we truly are.

This is my "YES" picture ....

Now - what can I make with those beautiful old and worn barn boards?

I think the farmer is worried.

This is the first day of 2016, the snow is falling, the wood stove is glowing,

and I'm still in my PJs (and it's 5:30 5:53 p.m.).

Oh, and there's a quilt outside my window!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!