The quilt is a symbol of comfort, family, heritage and community. Based on similar projects in other states, the Toe River Arts Council (TRAC), along with Handmade in America and the Blue Ridge Heritage Area, sponsored the launch of the Quilt Trails Project for Mitchell and Yancey Counties. This resulted in the production of 33 quilt blocks of various sizes which were hung on barns and buildings around Mitchell and Yancey Counties. The project grew so fast that a new organization, Quilt Trails WNC, was formed to continue the project. More than 70 blocks are currently in the hopper.

Each square is connected, by its pattern name, to the history of the land, the building or the family. Click here to see a map and learn the stories by clicking on the locations on the map.

Community members are invited to get involved in several ways:

• Be a part of a painting team
• Help with frame building or installation
• Become a sponsor of one or more blocks or painting groups
• Volunteer to assist with the project
• Help write one of the stories
• Help move blocks when needed

Themed trails are already being developed. For instance, Burnsville has star blocks, Bakersville has flower blocks, Bee Log community has traditional blocks.

We hope you will send in an application and join us in this warm and caring project that allows us to celebrate our great community!

Some of the Rules for Entry:

• The block must stay up for at least 2 years.
• You cannot alter the block once it is chosen and painted.
• You must agree to allow your building to be photographed by the public and allow photos to be used in advertising of the quilt trail.

For more information, email info@quilttrailswnc.org or phone 828-682-7331.

Installation of NC Star quilt square
on Burnsville TRAC Building