Stitches Thru Time: Kathleen Tracy

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. 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.