Civil War Women: Their Quilts, Their Roles, Activities for Re-Enactors

I bought this book in '06 for a friend who was involved in Civil War re-enacting. I read it myself first :--) An excellent and interesting book that goes a long way past just the needs of the re-enactor or those of the quilter although I imagine it would be useful to them as well.It is true that the quilts shown in the photos in the book are not the antique originals (a negative in my opinion) but are modern quilts based on those older designs, as far as I recall.Lots of good photographs: not just of quilts, but also of the times being discussed, the Civil War, and particularly the role of women in it. The modern quilts are photographed in color; the older Civil War photographs are of course in black and white. Barbara Brackman, whose first book was "Quilts from the Civil War: Nine Projects, Historic Notes, Diary Entries " and also "Facts and Fabrications: Unraveling the History of Quilts and Slavery: 8 Projects, 20 Blocks, First-Person Accounts ",  "Clues in the Calico: A Guide to Identifying and Dating Antique Quilts " and several others discusses the many roles of women of all classes in that war, for example, those involved in the Underground Railroad, the Nurses, the women who fought (disguised as men), those involved politically, and much more.Brackman writes in a clear style, easily read but thoroughly in touch with her subject. It is not a dry, dull book by any means, I found it a fast, fascinating read.I feel I know a lot about the Civil War from past reading, but this gave me a new perspective, especially on the often overlooked women. I would not call this a feminist book if that means, to you, an anti-male book; rather it points out what women did, other than sit home and worry!A very good book, one that, as another reviewer said, would also be excellent in the schools from junior high up. Highly recommended.

I want to meet Barbara Brackman, the author of this beautifully put together quilting/history volume. So many books for reenactors are one dimensional, but Civil War Women is multimedia like in its approach. Each chapter tells the story of a real Civil War era woman to give you a feel for historical setting. Then she presents a historically inspired quilt that she feels would be the type of quilt that woman could have quilted. There are directions for these quilts which are mostly appliqued. Then she offers a suggested activity for a lady reenactor. The color plates in this volume are clear and breathtaking and there are many black and white historical photos that I found instructional. I learned many new things, such as an explanation for the bloomer reform dress, that caused me to consider impersonations that I had not thought about before. I have heard some local ladies criticize the author's selection of quilts as being too Union--but I personally found their designs refreshing and a nice alternative to Baltimore album quilts. The quilts that are my favorites are: Tobacco Worm, Seven Sisters and Democrat Rose. I enjoyed reading about Lucy Stone and her "poodle" husband. I am currently musing over the reenactor activity suggestions. The womens' rights orator and the letter writer both seem creative and do-able impressions that could be accomplished by a single reenactor. I really believe that this volume would be a great candidate for a companion CD that could have some video how to's and print outs of quilt patterns.

I don't particularly like the block patterns in this book but if you enjoy the civil war reproductions, you will. I adored and deeply appreciated the history of quilting, women, Kansas, politics and the suggestions for civil war enactments.

This book is a must for anyone who is interested in an accurate historical account of the women and what they did during the Civil War era. Quilters who want to use reproduction fabrics and patterns from this period will find this book a valuable tool for details of lives lived during this tragic period in the history of our country, and fascinating details of touching, human experiences that occurred during this time of war in our own land.

The book contained the exact quilt imagine I was looking for, Jeff Davis' Daughter. I enjoyed reading all the information regarding women and their roles and life style during the mid-19th century. In addition to the quilt image I was looking for, I have selected other projects that interest and excite me. The narrative and other content of the book would be of interest to other quilter's and civil war enthusiasts.

Great book informing about the many duties that a civil war lady had to endure while her husband,loved one, son, brother or father went off to war in the 1860's time period. I love the civil war blocks and quilts that were enclosed and their stories. It gave a unique perspective of the time period. I received my book very quickly and it was priced well below the regular price.

Great book, a lot of info and good reading

I really like this book. Tells so much about how we used- to- be. What a shame we don't write to each other. No letters to save for future generations about our daily life, Insightful book.

A lovely book giving insight into the lives of 9 diverse and extraordinary women during the American Civil War. A really good read with wonderful photographs of the people and time along with pictures of the quilt projects showing the origional fabrics. The little tobacco bag brought back memories of many a Saturday Matinee cowboy!! This book would make a lovely gift for a quilter if you could bear to part with it!

Fantastic book lovely storesAnd patterns.

Je suis une inconditionnelle des livres de Barbara Brackman. Ces lettres sur l'histoire des tissus nous passionnent mes amies et moi.Livres à avoir dans sa bibliothèque absolument si vous aimez les beaux patchworks qui racontent l'histoire des pionnières....