It might seem difficult to think about Fall - especially when we are still deep in winter and looking forward to spring (and dare we think summer...), but for those who love working with wool, fall projects are loved year round.

I have lost track of how many years I have worked with my good friend Debbie Welch on a variety of projects. Debbie and her husband live in New Jersey, are retired from owning their own quilt shop (Quilting Possibilities) and now focus on an amazing wool business. Debbie hand dyes the MOST luscious colors of wool!

Anyway... Debbie created the project called "It Takes a Village" now in its 2nd year. It's like a virtual shop hop for wool lovers! Each shop chooses a part of an imaginary village to represent in their block. Last year, we chose the church where Melonie grew up. The block was so popular! (and still available!)

This year Melonie - who does all of our wool samples at Calico Gals - suggested we go with the farm where I grew up as our block for the fall theme. I loved this suggestion as we lost my Dad last spring. What a way to honor his memory! 

Another friend, the uber-talented Debra Gabel, designed all of the blocks for all 9 participating shops. {Side note - I call the two of them, Debra Gabel and Debbie Welch, "TEAM DEB" because they are so fun together, bouncing ideas back and forth!} Here's a selfie of Melonie, Lynn and I with Team Deb!

So... Debbie created the program, Debra designed the block pattern, and Melonie stitched it together. Now I get to enjoy it! It is so meaningful to me.

Did you notice the barn quilt on the barn block? Did you recognize it as the same block that hangs on the front of Calico Gals? Our barn quilt was painted by our friend June Weber. My mom has smaller version hanging on her house and I think we should have one on the barn too!

You can order Dad's Barns block pattern, a kit including the pattern and a fun finishing kit designed by Melonie right here!

Here are images of all 9 blocks and list of where you can find them.

Enjoy the hop!