By Terry Wilson
The tranquil setting beside the Crooked Creek in Old Fort known as “Taproot Farm,” the home of David and Judy Rozzell, is the site of the latest addition to the McDowell Quilt Trail. The installation of quilt block number 43 on the McDowell Quilt Trail was held at 9 a.m. on Friday morning, July 9, to take advantage of the cool temperatures offered at the creekside.
Taproot Farm is a horse-centered farm with riding lessons, clinics, and boarding offered in a quiet setting next to the slow-moving Crooked Creek; therefore, it seemd appropriate to the Rozzells to plan for a horse-featured quilt block. The Rozzells searched countless patterns for their quilt block, but after a long search, they decided that no pattern available suited their desires. Then, they realized that the actual profile of a horse currently on their farm would indeed be what they wanted, and their design was soon in hand.
Mrs. Rozzell stated that the theme of the block was not planned to honor one horse; instead, it was to honor the horses they have worked with throughout their lives. The design features a customized horse’s head with a full sun background. The Rozzells further stated that only when the plans for the quilt block was completed did they realize that the design did indeed appear to honor one horse, Midnight Sun, World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse of 1945 and 1946. Mr. Rozzell stated that all Tennessee Walking horses of today can trace their lineage back to the champion horse.
The horses at Taproot Farm are Foxtrotters, but they can also lay claim to this animal’s heritage. With this in mind, it became obvious to the Rozzells that the name of their quilt block, “Midnight Sun,” would honor this champion horse in particular, and all horses they have worked with over the years, in general.
The quilt block features the profile of a horse’s head and flowing mane etched against a brilliant sun. The block was constructed and painted in the studio of the McDowell Quilt Trail at the Historic McDowell House by dedicated volunteers.
“Midnight Sun” is one of the latest additions to the McDowell Quilt Trail. Beautiful, hand-crafted quilt blocks are making their presence known across McDowell County this summer as members and volunteers of the quilt trail and individual property owners seek to add a special touch of beauty to the landscape, and tell the story for each block.
Anyone who would like to arrange for a quilt block to be created and displayed on their property can obtain pricing and design information from the McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) by visiting www.mcdowellarts.org or call MACA at 652-8610. For more information on the McDowell Quilt Trail, go to www.mcdowellquilttrail.org. For more information on quilt trails throughout Western North Carolina, go to www.quilttrailswnc.org. To keep up with the activities of the quilt trail on Facebook, search “McDowell Quilt Trail.”
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