Barn Quilts of Grundy County, Iowa

The 2012 Barn Quilts of Grundy County wall calendars are now available – hot off the presses just this week!  The calendars showcase each barn quilt that has been a part of the project from 2004 to present.  That means 65 quilt blocks in ONE calendar!!
The calendars are again being sold for $10 each and can be purchased at a few locations throughout Grundy County, such as:
Grundy County Development Alliance/Barn Quilt office – 705 F Ave., Grundy Center
Grundy County Extension – 703 F. Ave., Grundy Center
Grundy County Farm Bureau – 602 8^th St., Grundy Center
Brick Bungalow – 504 W. 4^th St., Wellsburg
Something to Share – 127 N Main St., Conrad
Grundy County Heritage Museum – 204 4^th St., Morrison
Country Closet – 427 Main St., Reinbeck
Fountain on Main – 413 Main St., Reinbeck
Grundy County Welcome Center and the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Visitors Bureau.

Also new is the updated Barn Quilts of Grundy County Travel Guides.  These guides are a must have if you are traveling around Grundy County.  A large map including each of the 65 locations – includes barn quilt name, address and owner’s name.  There are also “points of interest” and local Grundy County business ads so travelers will know what is available for shopping, dining & recreation!

If you are interested in purchasing a 2012 calendar or would like a new travel guide, please be sure to call our office at 319-825-3606 or email barnquilts@gcmuni.net!

I had the honor of  presenting the Barn Quilts of Grundy Co. to the Mid-Iowa Antique Power show in Marshalltown this past Friday.  The ladies and I had to laugh at how  the breeze kept knocking down my display board.  I had a great time answering questions and listening to the comments about barn quilts.  Thank you to all of the ladies who participated and shared with me on Friday I truly enjoyed my time with you!

The Barn Quilts of Grundy County is pleased to announce the arrival of its 2^nd Edition Cookbook!  The Barn Quilt themed cookbook features over 300 recipes from barn quilt owners, board members, and anyone that has helped make the Barn Quilts of Grundy County a successful project.  The cookbook also features the Barn Quilt project history, mission statement, merchandise, tour map with owner & quilt name, and many photos. Get yours for only $15 by calling 319-825-3606 or contacting me at barnquilts@gcmuni.net

I would like to start by thanking Deb K. of Lennox for inviting me to present the Barn Quilts of Grundy Co. on June 23rd 2011.  I truly enjoyed our luncheon meeting and would also like to thank those who attended.  The presentation consisted of a power point presentation and  a display of  barn quilt photos and the barn quilt map.  I also had travel guides and brochures available to anyone who wanted them.   The 2011 calendar was available for purchase and I had a sign up sheet available for anyone interested in purchasing a 2nd Edition Barn Quilt Cookbook. (Available early July 20110.)   Again I want  to thank everyone who participated in the presentation.  I would be glad to present to any group or organization who might be interested. Simply contact Kisha at 319-825-3606 or barnquilts@gcmuni.net  The only cost is mileage, depending on the location, and if you wish a donation to the Barn Quilts of Grundy Co.

I would like to thank Shelley Barron of the Pioneer Heritage Public Library in Le Grand Iowa for inviting me to present the Barn Quilts of Grundy County on Thursday the 19th. Shelley had the library all decorated and ready for visitors to view some of our work and books out about quilting  for some good reading. I appreciate the time and effort put forth on her part.  It was wonderful to meet the those who participated. Although I was nervous, being my first presentation, you were all very friendly. I hope that everyone had a great time and will stay in touch and I look forward to working with any of you in the future.

I want to give you a brief introduction. My name is Kisha and I am the new Barn Quilts of Grundy Co. project coordinator. I grew up in Marshalltown and now reside in the Gladbrook/Reinbeck district. I am married and have two wonderful children. I am excited to be a part of the Barn Quilts of Grundy Co. and look forward to meeting new people and giving presentations and tours. Feel free to contact me at 319-825-3606, email me at barnquilts@gcmuni.net or stop in the office at 705 F Ave. in Grundy Center to introduce yourself or for tour information.

Hello all barn quilt lovers! I just want everyone to know that there are still Barn Quilts of Grundy County calendars available. Feel free to contact me at barnquilts@gcmuni.net or call 319-825-3606 for your 2011 edition. They will add beauty and inspiration to your home and make great gifts.

Check out this link to see clips from a Barn Quilt Presentation done in Clarinda, IA in August!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM8bCLDDO30

By the way – the 2011 calendars will be out and for sale October 1, 2010!  Pre-order yours now!  Just email barnquilts@gcmuni.net with your order!

For the second time in just a few months, the Barn Quilts of Grundy County project was highlighted on a local television station.  One of Eastern Iowa’s news stations, KWWL, inquired about doing a piece on our project for their “Your Eastern Iowa” segment.  KWWL meteorologist, Jeff Kennedy and camera man came through Grundy County last week and I took them around to quite a few quilt block locations.  They interviewed me as well as a barn owner that graciously decided to be on camera!  I think she liked being on camera and interviewed by a local “celeb” more than she thought!  Last evening the piece was aired on the 10 o’clock nightly news and here’s a link – http://www.kwwl.com - just go to videos on the site and you will find one for Grundy County Barn Quilts.  Its fairly short, but most importantly, showcases our unique project and the beautiful quilt blocks we have. 
I understand that you and many other travelers have seen other Barn Quilt projects in Iowa – yes there are over 35 counties in Iowa with the project now.  We do not say we have the most quilt blocks, because we definitely do not, but we do pride ourselves in saying this is what Grundy County tourism is about.  We ARE Iowa’s “Original” Barn Quilt Project and are proud to start such a phenomena in the state of Iowa!  Congratulations to ALL Barn Quilt projects in Iowa – keep up the good work!  And a big thanks to KWWL for helping us promote the project and make it visible to more people in Iowa!

http://www.kcci.com/video/23022711/ - take a look at the Barn Quilts of Grundy County segment on KCCI Channel 8 News!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of taking around two KCCI Channel 8 Iowa News reporters to view a few quilt blocks.  Steve Karlin, KCCI Anchor/Reporter, does a segment called “Karlin Covers Central Iowa” and came to cover the unique Barn Quilts of Grundy County Project.  We drove around the countryside, KCCI taking video shots and I explaining this and that about the project.  We even had a couple curious barn owners venture out to see what we were up to.  Little did they know that they’d be interviewed.  The short segment on the ten o’clock news gave a brief synopsis of the Barn Quilt Project and gave a taste of Grundy County’s rural, agricultural heritage. 
A big thank you to KCCI and Steve Karlin for taking the time to meet myself and the Barn Quilts of Grundy County Project.  We may not be the only project in Iowa, but we are proud to be the “original” barn quilt project in Iowa!