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.
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.
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)
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.)
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.
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.
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 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
Comments 69
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
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. 🙂
Ooh, that hot pad is gorgeous!
Beautiful quilt and hotpad. [email protected]
I would love to win this hotpad for my mother who is a quilter. My favorite quilt patter is the log cabin pattern, and I really love rag quilts.
[email protected]
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
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.
Very pretty, I ordered the book and just love it. My favorite is dresden and grandmothers flower garden.
Blessings
Linda Finn
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
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
I love quilts and hope one day to make one. I am not familiar with all patterns, but do love the quilts from the Civl War era. [email protected]
Hi Mona, I found you from Kathleen’s blog. the hot pad is so pretty, and I am anxious to read your book. It looks most interesting. Thanks!
I would love to win. I would like to try to make some of these. Loved the blog
Blessings
[email protected]
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)
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!
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
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
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!
Thanks very much to you, Linda and Kathleen.
Lately “Snail’s Trail” is my fav block.
laura84watt at gmail.com
What fun!! Thank you for sharing the block directions ~ I love ***s!
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
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
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.
The hot pad is so beautiful, I have a beautiful star pattern quilt that my husbands cousin made for us.
I love quilted ANYTHING! I’d love to win, and thanks for the giveaway!
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
I can’t quilt but the hot pad looks awesome!
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]
I love your quilting, the patterns and the colors.My favourite block is the Dresden plate but there are so much more beautiful blocks.
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
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
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
Linda did a beautiful job stitching the hot pad! Thanks for the giveaway and Kathleen’s free pattern. My favorite quilt block is the Variable Star, a variation of Kathleen’s block.
[email protected]
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
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!