Recently we asked you which kinds of fabrics dominate your stash. Not surprisingly, many of you have admirable collections of Civil War reproduction prints.
What is it that makes these fabrics so appealing? Is it the prints themselves? The color palette? Or is it the connection with history and tradition that draws us in?
Of the many Civil War quilt books available, one that really brings that connection home is Kathleen Tracy’s book, Remembering Adelia: Quilts Inspired by Her Diary. Through actual diary entries we glimpse the life of a young girl during the war: moving through her daily chores, joining in sewing and quilting circles, watching friends and neighbors go off to war. It’s an intimate look at the life of an ordinary woman living in extraordinary times.
And of course, there are the projects. Some of the patterns feature authentic Civil War quilt blocks while others are designs typical of the era. Many of them are small, which makes them ideal for using the leftovers from your last Civil War quilt.
“Civil War Baskets” and “Prairie Points Doll Quilt” make great use of scraps.
“Lincoln’s Platform” commemorates the President’s position on slavery. “Charming Coins” is a sweet and simple doll quilt.
This little needle case is called a “housewife.” These were often given to soldiers as sentimental tokens, and they were also quite practical. Soldiers had to mend their own uniforms in the field.
One thing we know for sure is that 19th-century quilters made the most of every bit of fabric they had. Challenge yourself to use up your bits in a Civil War scrap quilt.
Remembering Adelia
Paperback (with free PDF eBook): $24.99
PDF eBook: $16.99
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The prints, the colors, the history: what draws you to Civil War reproduction fabrics? Tell us in the comments!