The first of what county economic developer Teresa Huffman hopes will be many “barn quilts” went up last week when Bob and Flo Rahn of rural Hillsboro put a 16-square-foot metal quilt block on an outbuilding at their home, 1431 Holly Rd.

Meanwhile, Cathleen Fish of rural Hillsboro is waiting for a day when the wind dies down to put up her 36-square-foot block. Huffman said eight other county residents have expressed interest in joining the program. Her goal is to have at least 15 in the county.

The dyed metal quilt blocks are available at sizes from 2 feet by 2 feet for $34 to 8 feet by 8 feet for $540. As part of the program, the county pays half of the cost from its hotel guest tax fund.

When the project is done, Huffman plans to contact quilt guild throughout Kansas and neighboring states, inviting them to tour the county.