by Rachel Petty, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
On Friday, May 23, 2025, eleven Smith County 4-H’ers and 4-H Agent Rachel Petty celebrated the end of the school year with a 4-H Youth Barn Quilt Class at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. The class was led by Karen Young, the owner of Stonewall Barn Quilts, and her sister Sheryl Hankins.
Karen and Sheryl shared some information about the history of barn quilts and the Smith County Barn Quilt Trail before leading the group through a fun and engaging art class.
Students were able to pick their pattern from a number of beginner-friendly options and customize them with whichever colors they wanted. Through a step-by-step process that required precision, painter’s tape, and a bit of patience, each student was able to make a unique project they were proud of.
Karen typically teaches classes for adults and has partnered with Smith County FCE to offer several barn quilt classes recently, but this is the first time she had worked with a youth audience. We are so appreciative of her sharing her time and talent with our group of 4-H’ers!
If you would like to learn more about the many opportunities available to our local youth through the Smith County 4-H program, please call 615-735-2900 or email rpetty@utk.edu.
