Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Pattern for the Civil War Stars Quilt

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.
CivilWarSewingCircle
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.
Made by my sis, Linda Gansberg Smith
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)

Civil War Start Illustration 1
Quilt_001Civil War Stars Block Iluustration 1

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.)

Civil War Stars Illustration 2

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.

Civil War Stars Illustration 3

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.

Civil War Stars Illustration 4

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 quilt made by Kathleen Tracy www.CountryLaneQuilts.com
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.

Do you have a favorite quilt pattern?


10 comments:

  1. I love quilts - alas, I'm not a quilter, nor do I have needlework abilities of any kind!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  2. Good to hear from you, Bonnie. If you know of any quilters, you might share the blog post and pattern with them? Blessings! Mona

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  3. I am a quilter and I love to work with four patch posies--these are a stack and whack squares. It is fun to see how they work with different blocks. I also see a lot of quilts in tile floors. I made a sampler quilt top--should really clarify, while I do hand quilt and love it, I have become more of a top collector--from the book A Path to the Civil War. I loved it. I used a lot of the reproduction fabric that I had collected to make the top. My plan is to have an old fashioned bee to quilt it, once I get a frame, of course.


    dwagner1971@gmail.com

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  4. Mona, thank you for sharing this lovely pattern and for bringing our attention to this wonderful book. What a great resource! Please tell Kathleen we said thank you. I'm a quilter and love discovering new books as much as I love buying new fabric. Your book looks like a winner too!

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    1. Hi, Cindy. Glad you enjoyed the post. I appreciate your interest in The Quilted Heart, too. Happy Quilting and Happy Reading! Blessings! Mona

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  5. Dora, good to see you here. Glad you enjoyed the post. Blessings! Mona

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  6. Hi Mona! You know I am not a quilter but I just wanted to thank you again as I have many times for what you do. Love your work and love you! Smiles to you!!!!!!

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  7. Anything with stars! I love ***s. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

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  8. Hi, Mona! I love this beautiful pattern and wish I was a quilter! :)

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  9. I love this pattern and while I'm not really a quilter, I have made a couple of quilts. And I may again. I do have friends who quilt so I'll pass it along.

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