Quilt trail leads to Newcastle

Alexis Barker
NLJ Reporter
 
The Wyoming Quilt Trail is coming to Weston County thanks to the Strawberry Patch Quilt Shop, Weston County 4-H and the Weston County Fair. The three entities are teaming up to make, create and paint barnwood quilt blocks with the help of local businesses and individuals interested in being part of the trail. 
On March 18, Bev Lliteras, owner of the Strawberry Patch Quilt Shop, presented the idea to the Newcastle City Council, asking for the city’s blessings and support in the project. Lliteras said she hopes the project will bring people to Newcastle as part of a larger trail project that extends through Wyoming. 
“The Wyoming Quilt Trail is an extension of the American Quilt Trail movement that is alive and well throughout the United States and Beyond,” Lliteras said in an engagement letter to local businesses. “We are hoping the tourists will be inspired to visit the Wyoming Quilt Trail. They will stop and visit Newcastle where the blocks are found and discover some of the wonderful things Newcastle and Wyoming have to offer.” 
“We feel tourists will be impressed with the warm western welcome of Newcastle,” she said. 
According to barnquiltinfo.com, the concept of barn quilts began with Donna Sue Groves of Ohio and her wish to honor her mother and her Appalachian heritage by having barn quilts painted and hung on her barn in Ohio. 
“Quilt trails are created by quilt guilds, civic groups, local arts councils, 4-H clubs, school groups and other organizations. Most are a county wide effort, which allows for a distinct trail in a single area and creates local pride in the project,”
the website says. “The simple idea has spread to 48 states and to Canada, and the trail continues to grow. Over 7,000 quilts are part of organized trails; dozens more are scattered through the countryside waiting to be discovered.” 
“Donna Sue Groves’ idea continues to inspire folks across the country to join what has become the largest grassroots public arts movement in our history,” the website says. 
Lliteras told council members that she plans on bringing that grassroots public art movement to Weston County beginning in April. 
According to Lliteras, she plans to begin the movement with 10 businesses or individuals who would be interested in making and displaying the “attractive advertisements.” 
“After the project is completed, we would like them to be visible to tourists,” Lliteras says in a letter to businesses. “A brochure will be published for the location of each barn block. As more blocks are added, they will be added to the brochure.” 
The brochure, according to Lliteras, will include the location of the quilt blocks, along with pictures on a map with a personal note from the quilt block’s owner. 
She noted, in both the letter and to the council, that a competition will be held at the Weston County Fair for the 4-H participants after their project is completed. It will be displayed at the fair and judged by the public. 
“The winner will be given a reward, and the block will be placed on a barn at the fairgrounds,” the letter says.
Members of the council, including Mayor Deb Piana and Councilwoman Ann McColley, expressed support for the project. 
“That sounds great, Bev. I see it when going down south (through Lusk), and it is almost like a game to make sure you find them all,” McColley said. 
Lliteras would like any interested businesses or individuals to come to the Strawberry Patch to “assure you have a spot” and get all the necessary information. Patches of various sizes and costs are available. 
The first class, according to Lliteras’ letter, will take place on April 7, at which time participants will design their blocks.