The need for handmade goods for the men are discussed, both Union and Confederate, and the many women that also supplied runaway slaves with clothing and other necessities to survive. Quilts made by slave women and their stories are discussed, as well as those made by women of the Union and Confederate states. Photographs and stories hit home the suffering of a nation. Although I only see nine projects listed in the Table of Contents, I counted more than 12 throughout the book. Each project is a replica of a quilt pattern created during this period of our history and complete instructions, templates or patterns, fabric requirements, cutting and sewing and any additional items unique to that quilt for finishing are included.
Color photos go with each project.
The history of each pattern and specific pieces are provided. Quilt patterns vary from flag motifs to combination quilts of Union and Confederate motifs to stars, figures and other items that symbolized that period. This is definitely a book for quilters in all aspects, but also of historical interest to the many non-quilters who identify with crafters in all mediums and appreciate the history we continue to create with our hands and spirits.