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Donna Sue Groves never planned on creating a cross-country community, but she is humbled and grateful, for it is this very community of beautiful friends and strangers that has helped her put the pieces of her life back together as she fought through job loss, breast cancer and numerous health concerns.
It all started with a simple idea: pretty up an old barn for her mother, a celebrated quilter, by hanging a wooden square painted to look like a traditional quilt block. But why stop with just one square? So Donna Sue got together with her neighbors in Adams County, Ohio and created a driving trail of squares hung on barns thinking it would attract tourists looking for a day trip who might then stop and spend money on gas or food or crafts made by local artists. The idea sparked a grassroots phenomenon and a new form of American folk art.
Now over 10 years later, almost 40 states and parts of Canada have organized quilt square trails; and across the country there are countless squares on barns, garages, and fences. And Donna Sue is forever comforted by the love and support from her friends, as if wrapped in a quilt made of fabric and thread; only this quilt is special, it is made of plywood and paint.
© Pieced Together - All Rights Reserved
It all started with a simple idea: pretty up an old barn for her mother, a celebrated quilter, by hanging a wooden square painted to look like a traditional quilt block. But why stop with just one square? So Donna Sue got together with her neighbors in Adams County, Ohio and created a driving trail of squares hung on barns thinking it would attract tourists looking for a day trip who might then stop and spend money on gas or food or crafts made by local artists. The idea sparked a grassroots phenomenon and a new form of American folk art.
Now over 10 years later, almost 40 states and parts of Canada have organized quilt square trails; and across the country there are countless squares on barns, garages, and fences. And Donna Sue is forever comforted by the love and support from her friends, as if wrapped in a quilt made of fabric and thread; only this quilt is special, it is made of plywood and paint.
© Pieced Together - All Rights Reserved
MAY 21, 2015 ~ Nina Maxine Groves left this earth today. Beloved mother, teacher, and quilter. While my heart aches for Donna Sue, it is still so very full of love, admiration, and joy. Yes, joy. Because until the very end, Nina Maxine loved Donna Sue, loved her farm, loved quilting, and loved what had become of the barn quilt trails. Nina Maxine not only inspired the quilt squares but she was an integral part of the creation of the first trail.
So I ask that you please keep Nina Maxine and Donna Sue in your thoughts and prayers. If you don't already, I also ask that from this day forward when you spot a quilt square, please smile. Smile and remember Nina Maxine. Smile and remember all those special people who have brought love, friendship, and joy into your life. Smile.
So I ask that you please keep Nina Maxine and Donna Sue in your thoughts and prayers. If you don't already, I also ask that from this day forward when you spot a quilt square, please smile. Smile and remember Nina Maxine. Smile and remember all those special people who have brought love, friendship, and joy into your life. Smile.
