Karen Weiland is a local Artist and the Project Manager for the Expansion of the Barn Quilt Trail throughout LaGrange County in 2024. You can read more about the project here. We asked Karen for a quick interview so people can learn a little more about her, and she kindly agreed.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your life and background, family, etc…?
A: I have been married for 45 years (yes, to the same person, lol). I have two married daughters, 4 grandchildren and am a fur parent to a German Shepherd named Nova. I have always lived in LaGrange Co. and my Father “jumped the fence” when he married my Mother so I have some Amish blood running through my veins, which I am very proud of. I can understand the Amish language, when spoken, well enough to get the jest of what’s being said but conversing in it is another matter. I have so many interests and sometimes feel like a “jack of all trades, master of none”! I love being outdoors. I am a Master Gardener (inactive) so my landscape reflects that. I also am a fan of raised beds where I grow vegetables and fruits. I also love to decorate, whether it’s outdoors or inside my house and I love making Barn Quilts. It’s so addicting!
Q: How did you get started painting designing and making Barn Quilts?
A: I got started with Barn Quilts because of a CVB board meeting I attended nearly 13 years ago. At the time I sat on the Tax Commission Board and so was able to attend the CVB board meetings. One of those meetings included a verbal presentation by the CVB director from Marshall County, Mike Wolfington. He shared information about their Barn Quilt Tour. Our Director at the time, Beth Thornburg, leaned in, looked at me, and said “Karen, I think that would be a good project for you”! After a huge amount of research, here I am today, still making Barn Quilts and I love it!
Q: What is your favorite thing about living in LaGrange County?
A: My favorite thing about LaGrange Co. is not the upcoming weather, that’s for sure! It is the ruralness of it! The lakes, rivers, fields, open spaces and friendly people. I am NOT a city girl!
Driving the scenic country backroads of Northern Indiana, you’ll likely see many Barn Quilts adorning historic barns, family homesteads, Amish farms, and public spaces. Similar in design to traditional quilts, Barn Quilts are constructed using wood, and painted with heirloom or newly designed quilt patterns, chosen by the owner or artist.
Barn Quilts are either geometric patterns, or a geometric pattern with an image in the center, such as a flower, or horse. There are various sizes available, and the size chosen is determined by the size of the location where it will be displayed, and how large it will need to be, to be easily visible to passers-by.
Many Barn Quilt patterns tell stories about the family, history, and culture of the area, so these prominently displayed, colorful designs are remarkable combinations of traditional art, history, and familial connection. Visitors love to seek out these wonders of classic woodcraft, that continue a centuries old public art tradition.
Barn Quilt history begins nearly 300 years ago in central regions of Europe; Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, and the tradition traveled here with early immigrants. They were quite common among the Pennsylvania Dutch, not only as expressions of family and place, but additionally served as points of navigation for travelers.
Visitors to Shipshewana will find plenty of maps and tours to guide them to the local Barn Quilts on display throughout LaGrange County, as well as all the fun stops along the way, that could include produce stands, country restaurants, Amish cottage shops, nature trails, buggy rides, and so much more.
ALSO NEW in 2024 will be updated maps of the Off the Beaten Path Self-Guided Tour (including the expanded Quilt Barn Trail) as well as a new audio component! Choose either a CD or streaming option, and your tour will now be narrated with info, directions, anecdotes, and local folklore, to make your experience even greater.