Full Blown Rose can be viewed from Hwy. 29 at Mile Marker 36, located near Renfro Drive, Kelseyville. The red and white barn stores hay for Robert McIvor, a cattle rancher from the Bay Area. The 100 year old building was part of the original pioneer Harry Renfro Ranch. In 1950, Oscar and Theresa Holdenried, another Kelseyville pioneer family, bought the ranch from the Renfro family. In 1956 the Holdenrieds constructed a house using wood from the original Renfro home. In 1994, McIvor bought the ranch from the Holdenried estate. He is happy to be part of the Lake County Quilt Trail because his late wife enjoyed quilts and created a collection. McIvor has recently painted the barn all white and re-roofed in eye-catching red.

The Full Blown Rose quilt barn square was donated by Pamela and Gary Maes, M.D., in memory of Gary’s mother, Arline Rose Maes. The pattern and colors were selected to honor Arline’s middle name and her long love of roses. GPS location is: 38° 59’ 07” N, 122° 51’ 36”W. Directly across the highway at Hill Creek Ranch passersby can view Square in a Square which is the very first quilt barn in the Lake County Quilt Trail project started in 2010.

Sid McCloud and Patti Lyndall are the owners of Blazing Sun, another quilt block that joins the Lake County Quilt Trail.  Located on the northern corner of 3rd Street and Main, Kelseyville, the Brick Tavern was established by pioneers in 1872.  A popular tavern since Gold Rush days, it was also an important stage stop near Clear Lake and a Post Office.  GPS location:  38° 58’ 39” N, 122° 50’ 15”W.

Blazing Sun falls into the category of quilts relating to nature.  Facing due east, nestled into a vine that hugs the historic brick building, the quilt block greets each new day with colors as beautiful and striking as the sun itself.
The Lake County Historical Society put its #10 marker on the building in 1961.  The marker can be seen on the front wall between the Brick Tavern and Puesta Del Sol restaurant.  The Virginia  Creeper  vine framing the quilt block turns red in the fall and greens up again each spring.  The owners smile and state that locals believe if the creeper was ever removed the building would collapse in a matter of minutes.  The new quilt block is sure to lend support to the historic structure.

The Lake County Quilt Trail project is nearing completion of Phase II.  Anyone considering adding a quilt block to the trail can find details at the new website: www.lakecountyquilttrail.com or contact Bethany Rose, 707-263-5744.
Save the date for the 19th Annual Kelseyville Pear Festival – Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9 am – 4 pm.  The annual Main Street Parade starts at 9:30 and provides new delights every year .  2011 is no exception.  By festival time, Main Street will display four quilt blocks! Stroll all through Kelseyville and catch the small town magic.

Steele Winery has chosen quilt block pattern ’54- 40 or Fight’ to be included in the Lake County Quilt Trail. It was recently installed on the northwest corner of the wine tasting building facing the street and parking area. Anytime tasters arrive or weekly shoppers that attend the farmer’s market, all can enjoy the intense quilt block colors during shopping time. What a great location to spread out a blanket under the trees and enjoy a picnic comprised of locally grown produce, locally made bread, fresh goat cheese and the beautiful quilt block ’54-40 or fight.’.

In 1970, Mt. Konocti Winery built the building located on the corner of Thomas Drive and Highway 29. In 1996, Jed Steele became the owner. Products and their names were changed. Names can be significant, some even say an omen.

Jed Steele’s middle name is Tecumseh. The great American Indian Chief, Tecumseh, was born in the Midwest in the late 1700’s. During the time of his birth a great meteor shower occurred. Because of this omen, the Chief was always considered to be very powerful and lucky. Often he would be introduced in tribal councils as “the Chief who was born under the “Sign of a Shooting Star”.

These facts played a part in choosing the design quilt pattern, ‘54-40 or Fight’. Selecting the right Star was a primary factor, as was the carefully chosen colors. Shooting Star is the second label of Steel Wines. This label is also used for some wines that are not bottled under Steele.

The quilt pattern, ’54- 40 or Fight’ harks back to the 1840’s. It was a campaign slogan used by James K. Polk to become the 11th President of the United States. The phrase refers to a controversy with Great Britain over the recognized boundary between Oregon country and Russian America – 54 degrees, 40 minutes north latitude. Quilt historians will also note that this pattern is similar to ‘Tennessee Waltz’.

The Lake County Quilt Trail will continue to expand all thru the month of June. If you have any questions, or would like sponsorship information, please contact Bethany Rose, 263-5744.

The Lake County Quilt Trail project places painted quilt squares on highly visible barns and buildings throughout Lake County. It’s an agricultural and tourism project designed to promote and celebrate our community pride.

Floraine Saderlund Chalk selected Farmer’s Daughter to hang on her barn located at 5455 Renfro Drive, Kelseyville.

In 2007 she inherited a home and old barn, circa 1900, plus 5 acres of land from her mother, Louise Saderlund. Her brother, Floyd Saderlund, received a barn, walnut orchard and 45 acres that were all part of the original tract of land owned by their grandfather, Ernest Rentsch. The family farmed pears and walnuts and raised three generations on the ranch.

Mrs. Chalk is proud of her farming heritage and is especially happy that Farmer’s Daughter hangs on the homestead’s barn. The barn is located at the intersection of Bell Hill Road and Renfro Drive. GPS location: 38° 58’ 28” N, 122° 51’ 27”W.

The LeMoyne Star, a variation, hangs on the north side of 401 North Main Street, Lakeport. Peggy Campbell is the building owner and conducts her CPA business there. A long-time quilter, along with her own mother and daughter, she worked with Kerrie Hershey, LCQT Adviser, to determine pattern and colors. She chose black and white which reminded her of a checkered flag, and blue for the sky and lake. She has received many positive comments from folks about a once dull blank space that is now a bright spot! Peggy says, “The quilt trail is an exciting adventure and I am happy to be on the trail’s historic journey in Lake County”.

The classic building is 103 years old, dating back to 1908. It is the first structure on Lakeport’s Main Street to host a quilt block square. The Lakeport Redevelopment Façade Program partially assisted with the recent exterior renovation of the building. Campbell likes the color combinations because they are a real compliment to the new grey exterior of the building. Check out the striking LCQT jewel that faces toward the fire station. GPS location is: 39° 02’ 41” N, 122° 54’ 55”W.

A classic barn sits amid a beautifully maintained vineyard, lush in summer. The barn is located at 2505 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville and owned by David and Bonnie Weiss. The Lake County Quilt Trail artistic team has created a two color quilt block called Hawaiian Pineapple. The block was purchased by Debra and Rian Sommerfield to honor and remember Debra’s late mother, Jacqueline Raelene Araujo Myers.
Jackie Myers was a true ‘island girl’ born and raised in Hawaii. An inspired and gifted artist, she nurtured her creative spirit as an avid crafter, in her love of baking, and through a passion for travel that sparked visits to many historic and religious sites around the world. She and her husband, Phil, retired to Lake County.

Hawaiian quilts have traditionally been made with much reverence for ancestors. They also employ the Hawaiian tradition of using only two colors in their execution. Hawaiian Pineapple was chosen especially carefully and lovingly.

The Lake County Quilt Trail began with seed money from the Kelseyville Pear Festival committee in 2010. Each quilt block pattern is chosen to connect with the history of the building, honor farming, or celebrate the family, as well as pay tribute to the generational history of beautiful quilts. The all-volunteer project team consists of quilters, graphic artists, painters, writers, carpenters, and videographer.

Currently, there are 24 quilt blocks hung on unique buildings throughout Lake County. A total of 25 will be installed and Phase II will be complete. Applications for Phase III can be found online at www.lakecountyquilttrail.com or contact Bethany Rose at 263-5744.

GPS location: N39°00’51” W122°51’56”

Slow down and enjoy the countryside view on Highway 29 between Kelseyville and Lakeport. A new and unique burst of color now hangs on the Hill Creek Ranch barn amid 4 ½ acres planted with wine grapes and 48 olive trees. On Saturday, March 27, 2010, the Kelseyville Pear Festival committee marked the launch of the Lake County Quilt Trail by hanging a vibrant “quilt block” on the barn owned by Lou Ann Bauer (a San Francisco Kitchen & Bath Designer; also, the owner/operator of the popular LuLu’s Ice Cream and Dessert Shop, Main Street Kelseyville) and Nancy Yost (a San Francisco Architect). The barn features the pattern “Square on Square” in bright red, white, and blue. The pre-built eight foot wooden square block was hand painted by Konocti Art Society member-artist Annette Higday. Framing and installation was provided by local craftsman/contractor Ben Mitten.

The Lake County Quilt Trail is the very first for the state of California. This Lake County Project is part of the rapidly spreading National Quilt Trail throughout over 24 states.
Hill Creek Ranch is easily recognized along Hwy. 29. As you drive along be sure to look to the west and see the “Quilt” block hanging on the barn. The rustic animals in a rural, farm setting create a sense of history, creativity and folklore.
Marilyn Holdenried, the founder/chairman of the Kelseyville Pear Festival, discovered a grass roots movement that has quickly spread to over 24 states in the East, Midwest, and South. Marilyn states, “While I was attending the International Storytelling Festival last fall in Jonesborough, Tennessee, I was introduced to and further discovered the concept of the project of the Quilt Trail. I was totally hooked! We needed this project in Lake County!”

Quilt Trails were first started in 2001 in the state of Ohio by Donna Sue Groves who was honoring her mother, Nina Maxine Groves (a well known quilter), her rural heritage and the five generations of her family that shared a love of quilting. Her idea led to colorful quilt patterns with names such as Friendship Star, Bow Tie, and Brown
Goose. Passed down generation to generation, artistic talent created beautifully crafted quilts out of both necessity and to pass down to others. Underlying all is the belief that combining a barn with a quilt square pattern honors quilting and farming, two important aspects of American life since colonial times.

Based upon the founding values of the Festival, the quilt trail is designed to continue the celebration of our agricultural heritage. The Kelseyville Pear Festival Committee agreed to provide the seed money to initiate the county-wide project. Supporters feel it is a wonderful way to bring public art into a rural community and make it accessible to all.

The Lake County Quilt Trail provides opportunities for individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to work together much the same way that traditional quilting has through the generations. Each project site will capture the spirit of place using ‘art’ for community celebration and economic development.
The Quilt Committee is seeking volunteers with community spirit to help in the creation of future quilt blocks. This could be a stimulating project for scout troops, senior centers, church groups, quilt guilds, 4-H members, class projects, and art societies. Painted “Quilt blocks” can be hung on vegetable stands, wineries, any barn or business building.

The LCQT Committee has the quilt block designs, colors, and materials in place for you to make selections. Artist, Annette Higday shares, “I would encourage anyone who likes to paint to be involved.” Let’s keep this interconnecting clothesline of quilts on-going from coast to coast.

Applications to sponsor your own quilt block design on a barn or public building may be obtained by contacting:Bethany Rose, 263-5744 There is a nominal fee of $225 to keep the project sustainable.

Big Valley Properties and Peter Windrem Law Offices have joined the Lake County Quilt Trail project. The 17th quilt block of the LCQT county-wide project is “Amish Center Diamond.” Kathy Windrem and Anna Macomber selected the pattern and chose deep red, black, and gold colors to reflect the colors of the building. Installation of the 8’ x 8’ painted wooden panel was provided by Myron Holdenried, Jerry Goff, and Gary Olson.

“Beautiful and dramatic” Mr. Windrem proudly describes the new addition to the building.
The word “Amish” brings a picture to mind, one of horses and buggies, barn raising, living off the land without modern conveniences, and of quilts. This quilt pattern is famous among quilters and the pattern dates back to the 1870’s. Reflecting a modest way of living, this pattern is simple with deep and bold swathes of color.

Located near the corner of Main Street and Highway 29 in Kelseyville, the building has been owned by Tom and Anna Macomber since 1989. It was originally built by Rusty Parle who operated a crafts shop there. The Kelseyville Unified School District then rented the building for the continuation school and later the District Office.

Since 1998, Big Valley Properties has leased the building as their main office. During 2010, the building was separated and now also houses the law offices of Peter Windrem.
The Lake County Quilt Trail project places painted quilt squares on highly visible barns and buildings throughout Lake County. Every block is specifically designed and hand-painted entirely by volunteers. It’s an agricultural and tourism project designed to promote and celebrate our community pride.

The quilt block is located at 5716 Main Street, Kelseyville, near the intersection of Hwy. 29. GPS location: 38° 58’ 17” N, 122° 49’ 46”W.

Brian Fisher and J.B. Ballesteros, owners of Big Oak Ranch, have added their rustic barn to the Lake County Quilt Trail. Located at 4595 Gaddy Lane, Kelseyville, the quilt block can be seen from the road as one drives north on Gaddy Lane. The quilt block, named Big Oak Ranch Blazing Star, is a variation of the traditional Lone Star design.

The ranch was built around the time of the great depression by the Trailor family. Mr. Trailor was the lead engineer on the Hopland Grade (Rte. 175) road construction. The house was built from a kit sold by Sears & Roebuck, the Hollywood version. The Trailor’s large family lived on the ranch until just after the barn was built in 1935. The barn is currently used for feed and hay for the cattle that are raised on the ranch.

The quilt block pattern chosen for the Big Oak Ranch barn is in honor of Brian’s mother, Carolyn Beehe. She gifted many of her handmade quilts to Brian throughout her life. He says, “My favorite is a small yellow and white quilt, the Rising Star design. Today that quilt adorns the guestroom bed.” Brian and J.B. chose the Blazing Star pattern because it looks like a conglomerate of all the quilts that have been passed down to them.

Like most quilt patterns, this old multi-pieced star block is known by many names with variations of 6 points, 8 points (the most common design), or even more. Blazing Stars are made with small stars that cover the entire quilt top surface.

Lake County News:
http://lakeconews.com/content/view/14578/919/

“KELSEYVILLE – “Peace and Plenty,” the latest quilt barn block to become part of the Lake County Quilt Trail hangs on the historic Old Gaddy Ranch barn located at 4550 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville. The vibrantly colored quilt block pattern faces west, overlooking the original Gaddy Ranch home that was built in approximately 1864. The pattern was chosen by sponsors and artists Susan Martin and Gerri Groody because of its meaningful name. The color selections were meticulously measured and the finished block is a bright, beautiful surprise from any angle. Current home owners, Tom and Suzanne Blavet, purchased the property when they were married in 2006. They have recently completed a second restoration of the house and have salvaged the sagging, time-worn barn. Michael J. Auer, author of “The Preservation of Historic Barns” writes, “From the days when Thomas Jefferson envisioned the new republic as a nation dependent on citizen farmers for its stability and its freedom, the family farm has been a vital image in the American consciousness. As the main structures of farms, barns evoke a sense of tradition and security, of closeness to the land and community with the people who built them. “The LCQT’s goal is to marry that sense of history and love of the land to the time-honored tradition of quilt making. Robert Gaddy, a cattleman, came to Lower Lake in 1852 and lived there for one year. In 1853, he came to Kelseyville where he rode into Big Valley, stopped his horse and threw off the saddle onto the ground. That property has been known ever since as the Gaddy Ranch. In 1874, he married Annie O’Brien and together they raised four sons and three daughters. The current owners, the Blavets, also have seven children together, four sons and three daughters. They’re proud of their stewardship of this historical property. “We feel very blessed to have purchased this beautiful place,” they said…” Read more