Weaving a quilt trail through the backcountry

Julian Backcountry Quilt Trail founder to present idea to Ramona on Sept. 18

By Pixie Sulser

“The historical significance of the backcountry in addition to the active arts communities, the strong interest in quilting and the numerous tourism aspects make Julian, Ramona and neighboring areas an extremely viable option for a quilt trail,” says Julian Backcountry Quilt Trail Committee chair Nancy Weber,

who will host an informational meeting in Ramona

The meeting is for anyone interested in learning about quilt trails in general and, more specifically, about a trail in and around Ramona. It will be in the Ramona Library on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 6 to 7 p.m.

A quilt trail is a driving route, typically through rural areas, along which property owners display colorfully painted wooden quilt squares, usually on their barns or outbuildings, although some blocks find their way onto residences. Neighborhood quilt blocks are generally not part of the advertised driving trail, but are part of the community effort.

The main purpose of any quilt trail is to promote tourism and economic growth in rural areas as well as to reflect community pride.

Quilt trail blocks are usually placed on the outside of a structure where they can be easily seen from the road, although some businesses not along a roadway create small blocks to display inside their place of business. Each block along the driving trail is

featured in a brochure and/or online so drivers can plot their travels. As visitors drive along the trail enjoying the various quilt designs, they are introduced to areas and businesses they may not have known about.

The Julian Backcountry Quilt Trail is the first of its kind in Southern California and only the third in the entire state. The other two trails are in Northern California in Lake County and Plumas County.

In the Midwest and southern regions of the United States and into Canada, however, there are approximately 130 quilt trails covering 43 states and decorating approximately 3,500 structures.

The Julian Backcountry Quilt Trail started when Julian homeowners Nancy and Jerry Weber lost their cabin in the 2003 Cedar Fire, prompting a move to eastern Tennessee. Not long after relocating, a quilt trail started in her new community, and Weber was intrigued.

“I am not a quilter, but I have always loved the patterns,” said Weber. “The architectural beauty of barns is also a favorite, and an American quilt trail marries the two interests.”

After seeing the enthusiasm in her new community for the Quilts in the Smokies Trail, Weber did a bit of research into the quilt

trail phenomenon, which started in Ohio in 2001 and quickly spread over the eastern and southern parts of the United States and into Canada.

When she and her husband decided to rebuild in Julian, the quilt trail idea seemed a natural for the backcountry. A member of the Julian Woman’s Club, Weber brought the concept to the Woman’s Club board, who invited her to put together a proposal. That was in June of 2013, and by November of that year the proposal was approved and “away we went!”

The Julian Backcountry Quilt Trail Committee started in Julian with the vision of a pinwheel-like growth spreading to neighboring areas, Ramona being one of the first.

Property owners can choose from among three sizes of quilt blocks, 2 feet by 2 feet, 4’ x 4’ or 8’ x 8’ and can either paint their own designs or, for a materials fee, commission the committee to paint it for them. Each participant pays a $25 annual fee for inclusion in the quilt trail. The annual fee helps to support the julianbackcountryquilttrail.org website and to publicize the trail.

Designs often reflect historical connections to the land, business or family such is the case of the block titled “Boots” hanging on Betty Anne and Bill Tulloch’s barn, visible from Highway 78, and designed from a wall hanging sewn by their granddaughter, Sarah Drown, and her paternal grandmother.

Travelers heading down Highway 79 right outside of Santa Ysabel can easily see the “Indian Rug” block adorning the side of the Ponchetti barn on the Santa Ysabel Indian Reservation. The Native American design is from a family owned rug honoring the Ponchetti heritage.

There are seven blocks on display between Lakeside and Julian with five more in the works. The Julian Woman’s Club hopes to have at least 10 blocks hanging by the official Julian Backcountry Quilt Trail ribbon cutting ceremony with Supervisor Dianne Jacob at 11 a.m. on Sept. 25 at Wynola Pizza and Bistro in Julian.

“The history of Ramona, the growing wine business, the antique stores and just the nature of a small town make Ramona a wonderful place to expand the Julian Backcountry Quilt Trail,” shared Weber. “Ramona might want the quilt trail to include any paved road and not just routes 67 and 78. With the numerous barns and outbuildings in and around Ramona, the potential for a large quilt trail is great.

“Our committee has researched many other quilt trails and borrowed ideas to make the JBQT the best it can be. We have prepared detailed instructions and guidelines for painting and installation and are available for advice and assistance in all stages of production. I hope to see many interested community members, business owners and local organization representatives at the meeting on the 18th!”