Redwork

One of the many endearing traits of the women of yesteryear is their handiwork. Whether it was in quilting, embroidery, cross stitching, tatting, or crocheting, the women of the 1800s (the time period in which I place my Historical Fiction), crafted works of warmth and beauty for their families, neighbors, communities, and soldiers off to war.

This trait inspired me to write about a quilting circle—women bonding in the shadow of the Civil War and sharing a common goal. . .companionship and survival.

But Mother Brantenberg’s handiwork was not limited to quilting. She also embroidered, and redwork was a favorite pastime in the evenings when the kitchen had been scoured, the animals had been fed, and Gabi tucked into bed. You’re going to read about Elsa Brantenberg’s redwork embroidery in Dandelions on the Wind—the first novella in The Quilted Heart omnibus.

Dorris Keeven-Franke, archivist for the Saint Charles County Historical Society during my 2012 research trip, taught me about redwork. Made me wish Elsa Brantenberg had done redwork on a book sack for me.

Country Sampler (Redwork), Embroidery Library Inc. Love it!

Some of the women from the quilting circle will choose to rebuild their lives in Saint Charles, while others will head west with The Boone's Lick Wagon Train Company in Prairie Song.

Did you know about Redwork? Have you or someone in your family done redwork embroidery?