Quilts from the Civil War: Nine Projects, Historic Notes, Diary Entries (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Quilts are an integral part of the picture of this tumultuous period of American history because they tell the story of the other half who lived through it: the women of the North and the South. Quilts from the Civil War combines intelligently written text and excerpts from diaries and letters with archival photos, engravings, and color photos of period quilts to offer new insight into both the quiltmaking of the time and the lives of the women. In addition to the engrossing historic angle, there are complete instructions for nine quilt projects adapted from original quilts of the era and tips on using reproduction fabrics. These projects--including "Underground Railroad," "Northern Lily and Southern Rose," and "Log Fence"--have a very authentic look to them and allow modern quiltmakers to enter into the spirit of history. --Amy Handy

From Library Journal

History buffs as well as quilters will enjoy these accounts of quilting-related experiences during the Civil War from women in both the North and the South. Brackman (Kansas Quilts and Quilters, Univ. of Kansas, 1993) also includes instructions and full-size patterns for nine projects adapted from Civil War quilts, as well as suggestions for using today's reproduction fabrics. Recommended for historical textile collections.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: C&T Publishing (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571200339
• ISBN-13: 978-1571200334
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #387,476 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #60 in

  Books > History > United States > Civil War > Women

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than just a quilt book, November 20, 2002

By	"seasidewanderer" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews

"Quilts from the Civil War" not only contains project for reproducing numerous quilts of the 1850s and 1860s, it also contains an excellent discussion of the role quilts played in people's lives. Barbara Brackman describes quilts made for freedom fairs, by the Sanitary Commission for use by soldiers, and quilts made to express patriotic fervor. Brackman goes beyond a mere discussion of quilts, however, to discuss the development of chemical dyes, women's involvement in the war effort in general, the effect of the blockade on southern textile production, the need to hide quilts from occupying Yankee forces, and even the relationships that developed between quiltmakers and soldiers who received the donated quilt.

Brackman also examines the argument that quilts were used as clues for slaves escaping on the Underground Railroad, and concludes that these tales likely were a myth. (Nevertheless, she includes a Jacob's Ladder-style quilt that honors the Underground Railroad.) In evaluating this theory, she discusses the history of the Log Cabin quilt.

Period photographs of women and children, engravings of Sanitary Fairs and other gatherings, photographs of original and reproduction quilts and original dresses beautifully illustrate this book. Excerpts from journals, letters and newspaper articles and reprints of ads calling for the production of items for soldiers add further interest.

Brackman provides a unique timeline that combines both traditional historic events, such as "March 4, 1864 - Grant becomes Commander-in-Chief of the Union Army" with social or women's history, such as "August 1864 - Ladies Christian Commission of San Francisco sponsors a Grand Fair" and "October 5, 1864 - Mary Jones of Georgia records paying $16 a yard for calico."

Footnotes provide directions for those interested in further research.

One drawback is that the projects contained in the book do not faithfully reproduce the historic quilts. Some are fairly easy to adapt to make more authentic, such as the Underground Railroad quilt, which adds 8-pointed stars to a Four Patch in a Strip pattern. Since the book contains a picture of the original, a quiltmaker can easily see that by leaving off the stars, she can make a quilt that's closer to the original. Other patterns will take a little more ingenuity to adapt, but again, pictures of the originals should help.

Those mostly interested in southern quilts would probably do better with "Southern Quils: Surviving Relics of the Civil War." Brackman concludes that few quilts were produced in the Confederacy due to blockade-caused shortages of fabric, needles, thread and other necessities.

For those interested in trying some of the projects contained in the book, the directions are clear and easy to follow. Brackman provides strip quilting directions for some of the quilts (such as the Underground Railroad) but not for others where this technique could speed production (such as the Log Fence). The appendix contains excellent information on batting, quilting styles, binding and other details to give quilts a more period look.

Overall, despite projects that are more inspired by historic quilts than faithful reproductions, "Quilts from the Civil War" is an excellent source of information about textile production during the 1850s and 1860s.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for historic quilt lovers, August 6, 2000

By A Customer

I purchased this book over a year ago and since that time I have referred to it repeatedly for ideas on historical fabrics and patterns. The text gives details about quilts and quiltmaking that can not easily be found elsewhere. The author's perspective on the subject is invaluable whether you make quilts, collect them or both. The historical quilts and newer quilts are beautiful. Quilts from the Civil War is my favorite among a collection of several dozen quilt-related titles.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ..., July 26, 2001

By	Judy "historyofquilts" - See all my reviews

In "Quilts From the Civil War" you will find that glimpses of news items, letters, and diary entries blend with facts and myths to tell the story of quilt making surrounding the Civil War. Beginning with abolitionist quilts and ending with commemorative quilts Barbara Brackman tells the story that changed the course of our country. In this comprehensive book even the patterns are provided. You will find complete instructions for Underground Railroad quilts, patriotic quilts, Sanitary Commission quilts and many more. So your fascinating journey just begins with reading the history found in this book. That only prepares you for your personal quest to find reproduction fabrics as you began to plan to make your own period quilt.