Civil War Stars Block Pattern

Civil War Stars Block Pattern

I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but story research is so much fun!

Visiting a story setting, yes. But so is the nose-in-books research, which is what led me to The CIVIL WAR Sewing Circle by Kathleen Tracy. Better than a candy story for someone with a sweet tooth, Kathy’s book is full of quilts, patterns, and sewing accessories from the era of the American Civil War. Letters and stories, too! Such yummy stuff, and an important resource for this writer of Historical Fiction.

CivilWarSewingCircle

The CIVIL WAR Sewing Circle also proved to be a valuable resource for my Sis Linda, a quilter.

Linda used the pattern from Kathleen Tracy’s book when she made a Civil War Stars doll quilt. She also used the Civil War Stars block pattern to make hotpads for me to use in various giveaways to celebrate the release of The Quilted Heart omnibus.

Made by my sis, Linda Gansberg Smith

Civil War Stars hotpad made by Linda Gansberg Smith

Kathleen Tracy has graciously granted me permission to share her Civil War Stars Block pattern with you. I know, fun, isn’t it!?

Civil War Stars Block*

Block:  Little Star Block  (4″  X  4″)

Suggested Fabric Colors: Red, Blue and Gold (or Tan)

Civil War Start Illustration 1

For each block, cut:

16  squares,   1 ½”   x   1 ½”  of assorted colors to suit your block design

4  rectangles,  1 ½”  x  2 ½”  of one of the  specified colors,  or try assorted colors for a true scrappy look

(Another  option—If you prefer to make the center of your star plain, choose  1  square,  2 ½”   x   2 ½”  for the center instead of a 4-patch.)

Civil War Stars Illustration 2

Make the block:

1. Combine 2 squares to make a unit, then sew 2 units together to make a four-patch unit for the center of the star.

Civil War Stars Illustration 3

2. Choose the  8 squares for your star points (for a really scrappy look, cut each square from a different fabric). Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each square. Layer a marked 1 ½”   x   1 ½”  square on one end of a 1 ½”  x  2 ½”  rectangle. Stitch on the diagonal line as shown.  Flip and press open to the corner. Place another marked square on the other end of the rectangle and repeat. Make 4 of these flying geese units. Trim to a 1/4 inch seam.

Civil War Stars Illustration 4

3. Sew a 1 ½”  square to the ends of 2 of the flying geese units. Sew the other 2 flying geese units to the sides of the 4-patch  unit from step 1. Combine the rows as shown.                              

Civil War Stars quilt made by Kathleen Tracy www.CountryLaneQuilts.com
Civil War Stars by Kathleen Tracy, www.CountryLaneQuilts.com

 * Copyright 2014, Kathleen Tracy.  Do not reproduce or distribute without permission.

Click here to visit Kathy’s super fun website, www.CountryLaneQuilts.com!

Click here to order your signed copy of The Civil War Sewing Circle by Kathleen Tracy.

Giveaway

 Congratulations to Connie R, who won the Civil War Stars pattern hotpad (shown above) made by my Sis Linda. 

 

Do you have a favorite quilt pattern?

 

Now available! Paperback and eBook

Now available!
Paperback and eBook

 

Comments 69

  1. Linda is so talented. The hotpad is beautiful and I would love for it to be in my kitchen. It seems like there is a quilt pattern called The Wedding Ring or something like that. I have always thought it was such a pretty pattern. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

    melback at cebridge dot net

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  2. Quilt and hot pad are beautiful. My Grandma used to make all her grandchildren a quilt for their bed when they went from crib to their own bed. While the quilt is no longer, the memory of that beautiful gift will always remain.
    Your Sis is a very talented lady. 🙂

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  6. Loving your book Mona. I also love the Hot Pad . I am also a quilter .Your sis quilting book looks good. Thanks and please enter me in your giveaway
    Blessings
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Good to see you here, Liz. Glad you’re enjoying THE QUILTED HEART. Fun to have both my Sis Linda and her Quilted Hotpad featured today, and Kathleen Tracy’s block pattern and book. Blessings!

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  7. The only quilts that I have made so far are Lone Star Quilts, but I want to make a Cathedral Window quilt. My favorite quilt pattern, however, is the Wedding Ring quilt. My mother and my sister each had one.

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  9. Thank you for the pattern. It is gorgeous! I’ve been itching to start a new project. May have to try this. Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
    Campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  10. Love quilt related books. I just added The Quilted Heart to my reading list. The Hotpad would be a real treasure to win. I think I would have to hang it in my sewing room so I could admire it often. Carol G

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  14. Mona, Your sisters does beautiful work!
    I really like the Civil War Star that she did as I am not familiar with Quilt names. Is there one called The Log Cabin ? I slightly remember that if it is a real name. I am going to look at Kathleen’s book as it looks quite interesting.
    Thank you
    mcnuttj(at)rocketmail.(com)

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  15. Mona – Beautiful work by your sis, Linda! So many talented ladies in a family! My favorite pattern is the fall leaves my grandmother did for me years ago. It’s still one of my most prized gifts and I have it out for display and occasional use. I love your books and thanks so much for this opportunity! Blessings to you!

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  16. I am a newbie at Civil War quilts. The colors are so much more vibrant than I thought they would be, and such a variety of designs. I would love to add this set of stories to my library. Hope I win. Mary in AZ

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  17. Hi, Mona! What a wonderful post! I just love all this quilting fun!! How exciting to offer Kathleen’s pattern and Linda’s beautiful handiwork. Thank you so much for sharing.

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  18. Wow, I would love to win the hotpad! Isn’t Kathy’s book great? So nice for her to share on your blog.
    A favorite quilt pattern? Wow, that’s tough. I never get tired of the simple ones, but I do love scrappy! So glad I stopped by, I think I’ll be needing to locate your books. Thanks, Mona for the giveaway!

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  21. Your Sis is quite talented. I remember my grandma quilting but she did embroidered pieces and then quilted them. They were so pretty. I myself like the Log Cabin pattern.

    bemiown(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  22. The quilting squares and quilts are beautiful. I can’t sew a straight line so I love seeing what others have created. They are beautiful.

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  25. the form asked for my email, but here it is in case you can’t see the form. I just commented for the contest.

    bcrug(at)myfairpoint(dot)net

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  27. looking forward to reading my first book from you, love Kathy’s wonderful treats with her group, and pull in an author…how wonderful. i must say you resemble some of your girls on the books. Pat
    [email protected]

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  28. I love your quilting, the patterns and the colors.My favourite block is the Dresden plate but there are so much more beautiful blocks.

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  29. thanks for the chance to win the hotpad . I love the colours., Cant wait to read your book. My favorite quilt pattern is Grandmothers flower garden.
    thanks
    sally

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  30. I remember watching my grandmother make quilts. She taught me but I’m nowhere as good as she was. My favorite quilt is The Lone Star. I have alot of cloth I should start anothet one. This time I would like to make one where each square is a state. Need ideas for each state. Of course for my state TEXAS I would have a Long Horn cow.

    srankintx (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  31. Am looking forward to reading your novels. Follow Tracy for many years now. Love star patterns as well as vintage ones.

    I don’t know of any one in my past family as quilters, however, I LOVE it. I have influenced my sisters (3)
    into becoming avid quilters.

    I design my own patterns which I shall with them.

    S Steele in TX

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  33. I love Kathy’s books and would love to read yours too. I hope to win it on Kathy’s site. I’d also love to win a hot pad made by your sister. Good luck on your book!
    Janis

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  34. Hi Mona, I “found” you through Kathy Tracy and I’m looking forward to reading your books. I love hand-quilting and vintage quilts – it’s difficult to choose just one favorite pattern. Thank you for the giveaway!

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