Barbara Brackman's Civil War Sampler: 50 Quilt Blocks with Stories from History

Until the recent "Civil War Reproduction Fabric" craze I had no interest in the Civil War. This is the 3rd book with Civil War quilt patterns that I have purchased and it is the BEST ONE!! The instructions for the 50 blocks are for 8" and 12" blocks, so the variations are unlimited. The pictures of the blocks are paired up with a short history of the block and a picture or photo of some historical event, person or item; hence really giving meaning to the quilt. The book provides an unique index of 3 categories: Quilt blocks, Stitchers, and Content --which lists the historical persons and places referenced in the book. The photographs of the blocks are so well done that you can actually see which fabric was used. Barbara Brackman does not disappoint!!

I loved the information that was presented with each block. I teach quilting at my local library and my students wanted to make a sampler from this book with its history when I showed them the book. They all wanted to buy the book as well because of the beauty of the blocks and the wonderful way the information was presented. This book is worth adding to your own library.

Although I had seen many of the quilts in this book, it did not prepare me for the interesting stories MS Brackman revealed in this book. If you like to quilt,or just like the history of quilts, then this book is for you. Well researched and well presented. Did not realize some quilts had so many different names during different time periods.

When I bought the book I did not know there were no sewing instructions. I found sewing instructions online and they were not very clear and a few were wrong. As a beginning quilter I wanted a challenge. I made a beautiful king size quilt, but am very disappointed that there were no sewing instructions. It is a nice history book, but it should be sold a quilting book. I would not recommend this for quilters.

Very upset at the contents which did not cover a Sampling of the Civil War (Union and Confederate). The title and description of the contents is far from accurate. Very disturbing that nearly the entire book only has southern women and blocks. With the title Civil War Sampler the blocks and narrative should have both Union and Confederate patterns and stories. How can I get a refund? Susan C.

I enjoyed reading the historical significance of the various blocks in this book. I wish she had included a better way for cutting out and piecing though. It's much easier to cut larger squares with the two fabrics needed for half square triangles for instance.

I bought this book and immediately went to work on the squares. I really enjoyed te history included in the book about the civil war. Barbara Brackman is very knowledgeable and makes the civil war struggles come to life. The block instructions were very easy to follow. Vi had no problem at all making my 50 blocks although I did not make the last few really complex blocks but instead substituted three other blocks from her website. I you have a stash of civil war fabrics, this is definitely a book that should be added to your library.

I wish Barbara had directions for the construction the blocks. Some are very simple and easy but some are a lot more tricky. The star has Y seams and very tricky to sew. The blocks are pretty much Civil War reproduction and classic blocks but some are quite different. Some of her cutting instructions are very confusing.

I love it!! I have not been able to leave it alone. I have read every one of the stories and have enjoyed all the interesting facts, some I have never heard before. As far as the quilt blocks go, I have already made 4 of the different blocks and I have more cut out to put together. I would recommend this book to any quilter!!

a great gift love everthing about it ... the pattern and directions,illistrations I love the stories of the era and look forward to more quiet time reading after the holidays a perfect gift for someone interested in quilt history

Until the recent "Civil War Reproduction Fabric" craze I had no interest in the Civil War. This is the 3rd book with Civil War quilt patterns that I have purchased and it is the BEST ONE!! The instructions for the 50 blocks are for 8" and 12" blocks, so the variations are unlimited. The pictures of the blocks are paired up with a short history of the block and a picture or photo of some historical event, person or item; hence really giving meaning to the quilt. The book provides an unique index of 3 categories: Quilt blocks, Stitchers, and Content --which lists the historical persons and places referenced in the book. The photographs of the blocks are so well done that you can actually see which fabric was used. Barbara Brackman does not disappoint!!

I loved the information that was presented with each block. I teach quilting at my local library and my students wanted to make a sampler from this book with its history when I showed them the book. They all wanted to buy the book as well because of the beauty of the blocks and the wonderful way the information was presented. This book is worth adding to your own library.

Although I had seen many of the quilts in this book, it did not prepare me for the interesting stories MS Brackman revealed in this book. If you like to quilt,or just like the history of quilts, then this book is for you. Well researched and well presented. Did not realize some quilts had so many different names during different time periods.

When I bought the book I did not know there were no sewing instructions. I found sewing instructions online and they were not very clear and a few were wrong. As a beginning quilter I wanted a challenge. I made a beautiful king size quilt, but am very disappointed that there were no sewing instructions. It is a nice history book, but it should be sold a quilting book. I would not recommend this for quilters.

Very upset at the contents which did not cover a Sampling of the Civil War (Union and Confederate). The title and description of the contents is far from accurate. Very disturbing that nearly the entire book only has southern women and blocks. With the title Civil War Sampler the blocks and narrative should have both Union and Confederate patterns and stories. How can I get a refund? Susan C.

I enjoyed reading the historical significance of the various blocks in this book. I wish she had included a better way for cutting out and piecing though. It's much easier to cut larger squares with the two fabrics needed for half square triangles for instance.

I bought this book and immediately went to work on the squares. I really enjoyed te history included in the book about the civil war. Barbara Brackman is very knowledgeable and makes the civil war struggles come to life. The block instructions were very easy to follow. Vi had no problem at all making my 50 blocks although I did not make the last few really complex blocks but instead substituted three other blocks from her website. I you have a stash of civil war fabrics, this is definitely a book that should be added to your library.

I wish Barbara had directions for the construction the blocks. Some are very simple and easy but some are a lot more tricky. The star has Y seams and very tricky to sew. The blocks are pretty much Civil War reproduction and classic blocks but some are quite different. Some of her cutting instructions are very confusing.

I love it!! I have not been able to leave it alone. I have read every one of the stories and have enjoyed all the interesting facts, some I have never heard before. As far as the quilt blocks go, I have already made 4 of the different blocks and I have more cut out to put together. I would recommend this book to any quilter!!

a great gift love everthing about it ... the pattern and directions,illistrations I love the stories of the era and look forward to more quiet time reading after the holidays a perfect gift for someone interested in quilt history

Got this on my kindle, was able to go online to print out the patterns in the book. LOVE THIS! Now I can take the kindle with me along with other books i downloaded and really get fabric color ideas etc. Very smart

I absolutely loved this quilt book! It was very informational, had nice historical stories about each block and quilts of that time period. The directions/patterns for each of the blocks were very clear and concise. I would recommend this book to anyone!!!

I liked the blocks and the stories that went with them. I also liked seeing how various people used their respective fabrics in making the blocks. I would have liked to have directions for making some of the more complicated blocks.

This was for someone else and she loves it !

I am enjoying reading the entries for each block. It's a glimpse back into history and women's view of the Civil War.

I will be using this book as well as the others from this author to make a Civil War era quilt. Ia m a reenactor and love having correct quilts to share. The stories included with each block will enhance the presentation I present to spectators and allow me to build my overall knowledge base of the time. I also forsee pot holders and gift items will be created as well for fellow living historians.

It was a gift. He loved it.

Love this book! The historical stories fit each block nicely. If you're a Civil War buff, or simply like history, this book had some little nuggets that are not well-known. The block instructions themselves are clear and easy to follow.

LOVE this book. Exactly what I was looking for as a new quilter. The patterns for quilt blocks were great. Well worth the cost. Highly recommend you purchase this.

I love this in my library as it has all types of blocks, instructions for different sizes and yardages needed. I was wanting a quilt book I could find blocks I could row stack and make a quilt. I at least could envision some of the blocks in this type of quilt. Always good to look at the past and reinvent for the future.

I liked what I saw and what I read. Looking forward to quilting.

I followed Barbara Brackman's Block of the Week online in 2011, creating each block. I wanted to keep all the stories as they were so interesting and I wanted to share them with my grandson. I was so pleased to find that Ms. Brackman had plans for this book. It is well-written, the photos are there and the directions for the blocks. It was the perfect gift to give my history-loving grandson along with the quilt. Definitely a keeper!

Very interesting. Happy to add to my 'library'!!

Interesting history and quilt blocks. I am new to quilting and am finding tons of ideas from the book. Having 2 different pictures of each block helps me to decide on color schemes I'd like. Book well worth having.

Wonderful book. Very informative.

I loved the blocks design, colors and stories. I do think that sewers who are beginning quilters may need a little more instruction in construction.

It is a very nice book.

This is once again an interesting look into the life of quilt makers in the past. Brackman tells us about the things that influenced the quilters' choices for their quilts.

Love book and came very fast.

This is a great collection of nineteenth century traditional designs for lovers of Civil War reproduction fabrics. If Dear Jane has got you down, here is the place to go.

Great book

I have bought Barbara Brackman's books before and have never been disappointed. She is a well know author of quilt books. It has many civil war patterns in the book and I am anxious to make some of them.

Really nice quilt book. Barbara Brackman's books are always great, and this one was no exception! There are some really nice blocks in the book and the illustrations are good.

Special item for my quilting friend. She loved it.

I enjoy reading the stories about the various blocks. The instructions/patterns could be improved. I'm not sure I will actually make any of theses block. The history lesson is worth the price of the book.

nice book

Love the era and the quilts

I absolutely love it! There are blocks in this book I've never seen before and with the addition of all the wonderful stories it is a great resource.

Love this book

has some wonderful old block patterns that keep the past, present

Love this book and the stories with each block. Also having instructions for two block sizes for each block means this book has 100 blocks instead of the 50. This will be a favorite book.

Great book. Great instructions. I have been eyeing this for a while.

This book is fantastic, the directions are simple and direct, and love that it has two different sizes to choose from

We will be making these

This is a great book. The cutting directions are well written and the biographies and stories are wonderful to read. It's a keeper.

This book is great for us " Civil War pattern lover. The stories about each pattern are a really nice feature. Hope to make "all" the designs.......

love the instructions

Lovely civil war style blocks with nice stories. I will be making these for sure. Bouquets to Barbara Brackman for this book.

Easy to understand like very much

Great History

Lots of good block patterns. Love the civil war era

Planning on making a sampler quilt and this is a very good starting point. I enjoy the stories too.

In my opinion, you can tell that the author enjoys what she does. This is a great sampler book for those wanting to create a wonderful "story" quilt.

This is a beautiful book.....It is nice to have two sizes of quilt blocks to choose from if you are going to make the blocks. I am enjoying the history told to go with each block.

Great book can't wait to make this quilts or a twist you could make out of up to date fabrics

Not great on my black and white kindle

wonderful book

The directions in this book are very easy to follow and the his history that goes with each block is special.

This book is wonderful and it is everything I was hoping it would be, I can't wait to get to it and start my quilt.

great book

love this book!

great book

a wonderful reference book for my quilting library

I chose this book as I intend to partake in a BOM which is of this genre ... Just love every page with interesting, factual explanations re how these blocks were originally named ... great piecing instructions as well... I highly recommend for both the read and high-level instructions...

Wonderful book

good book

Always buy Barbara Brackman's books. Good information and writer. The best author of quilt books. Her books always a winner

Loved it

Barbara gives interesting background to each block's origins. I like the choice between the 8 inch or 12 inch block size also. excellent illustrations also.

I love this book!

love this book. It has many great stories and easy to follow patterns.I would recommmend this book to anyone looking to make a civil war quilt

GOOD

I really appreciate the tradition and research that Barbara does and the stories that go with each block. A group of friends and I are currently working on our versions of Civil War Samplers and are using this book--its a keeper

great reading

Great book. Beautiful pictures.

The stories make the quilt so much more meaningful. No better way to celebrate 150 years since the Civil War.

This book has lots of great civil war patterns. Everything is easy to understand.I especially like all the stories in the book. Very interesting.

Loved this book. It has many blocks for a quilt.

Love it!

A really good resource for accurate piecing.

Perfect idea book for next project

So good if you enjoy the History end of things, and I do. So much History goes into each of our own quilts that we make, we may not see it in our own eyes as we are sewing it. But for our young ones, they need to know the story behind us as women and the quilt they hold. We need to record it for them. If not us then who? So I came away from this book with a new understanding of the break-up of our nation, then and the break-up of our families of today, Most of my children have lives in other parts of this nation, and I see my grand children very rarely. We live busy lives, do the important things don't let the fires of life overwhelm us to the point we lose the very things in life that set us apart form all the rest. Our own History. Amy

Exactly what I expected.....ready for new quilting project!

quick ship…perfect!

Wonderful book. Delivered quickly and I was extremely happy with my purchase.

It was a very nice book. Would recommend this to anyone. I will eventually make a sampler quilt useing this book

i read the union quilters by jennifer chiaverini and this book has the right blocks to make a quilt it has informations about each block and who made it for the firdt time

I used this book to help me finish a quilt I started from her other book. The piecing instructions were very confusing. No templates, just a general cutting instruction. The beginner quilting group using this book couldn't even cut their own pieces. Myself and another lady used the rotary cutter and cut the block pieces out. Good History Stories.

Very well done

Great book

I'v e chosen the blocks plan to do, and will begin to collect fabrics soon after I identify the nearby quilt shops with Civil War collections.

Great view of history through quilts

I liked the book because of the stories behind the blocks she chose. She also showed the blocks done in different colors which also I found interesting and helpful. However, I thought she could have chosen different blocks that were better for the time period and more interesting. Got my book quick and it was in really good condition.

The quilt blocks in this book come with stories about how the block titles might have related to the Civil War, but they are not necessarily blocks that were used in quilts from that time period. However I will endeavor to create my own sampler quilt using the 50 patterns in this book. I also don't like being told to use a "scant" or "generous" seam allowance to make the pattern fit together. I've been using graph paper and redrawing the blocks for accurate measurements.

Excellent book, love the patterns!

Can't wait to get started on one of these projects!

I Love It

Looking forward to making a Civil War pattern quilt

I have sorted all Barbara Brackman designed fabric to make the blocks and have found a deal on fabric for backing. I love the history lessons that Barbara places throughout the book.

Great illustrations and instructions! Traditional quilt blocks that are easy to make! Best Civil War quilt book out there IMO! My quilt is coming together beautifully!

Exactly what I wanted

This book is very interesting, haven't quite finish reviewing it, but it is a great book. I plan on making one of the quilts before the year ends. Great book would recommend it to anyone wanting to get some history and make a quilt.

I am a quilter and have really enjoyed making Civil War Era quilts. This is a very nice, informative book that I would recommend to anyone who likes the Civil War Era.

A wonderful compliation of quilt blocks and narratives representative of the Civil War. I am always interested in quilting books about the war. This is a "must have".

Have read the entire book. Loved the stories of people from original diaries. The blocks are wonderful and can't wait to make some into a quilt.

Meet my expectations

The best!

Barbara Brackmena is a quilt historian extrodinaire. I always purchase her books without seeing because she only produces excelent, well research books.

Love versatility of the blocks. The instructions are for two sizes. Would highly recommend this book. The blocks created in spring colors would be refreshing.

looking forward to actually maing some of these quilts... love the technique and the unique story that goes with each quilt...

I enjoyed reading about the civil war sampler and suc great stories. The quilt blocks are wonderfuling to read about!

Great book for learning about the civil war and the history from that time. This book has some great ideas for teaching/ sharing with children.

I really enjoyed reading the book. I have always been interested in the Civil War, even as a chold growing up. The only thing that is wrong Is I don't see any yardage for the material of the blocks and the website keeps kicking me of. I would reccommend this book to everyone that quilts. I have had this book one month and I will be starting part of this project in a couple of months.

This is a well done book on Civil War quilt box with interesting stories. I'm very happy I bought it.

Any book she writes is a must have for History Lovers . The wonderful patterns and fabrics are as always authentic.The blocks are a joy to make!

this is a very concise documentation of Civil War era quilting. You can see the way quilting has evolved over the years.

most any quilter would enjoy making these blocks. Using modern colors or the more traditional colors will show off the block to it's best advantage

IT IS WHAT I NEEDED TO DO THE JOB, IT WORKS AND i AM USING IT, WHAT MORE CAN i SAY

Beautiful book. Interesting Civil War info pertaining to each block. I haven't made any blocks yet so I can't say how well the instructions are.

It was perfect. The instruction are very good. The history that goes with each block really makes it special. Barbara Brackmand is a master at this. Love it

As always, Barbara Brachman's books are filled with clear instructions and accompanying history for each block. I own many of her books and this one does not disappoint.

I followed Brackman's blog last year which was the basis for this book. This book is representative of Brackman's usual stellar work. If you love history and quilting, this is a must to own.

Fantastic quilt with clear, easy-to-follow patterns for the blocks, setting nine patches and sashing strips. I'm making them all, and can't stop!

Barbara Brackman is a very generous lady and great author. I don't have any plan to make the quilt, but I love to have the book - Thanks for your excellent service!

I enjoy not only the pictures and patterns but the history. I use my Barbara Brackman books for referance for dating my quilts.

I may actually get around to making a sampler quilt. I love the stories behind the quilt blocks. The instructions are clear.

Being in Civil War quilting great, this book gives us a big selection to chose from..I would recommend this book.

The stories are interesting and the quilt blocks creative in both design and color. Meaningful and creative quilt when finished.

Purchased the book and was disappointed that other quilt makers had made the blocks. Seems they used modern fabrics and not civil war fabrics. Was excited to receive the book but very disappointed in the pictures of the blocks. Nothing new in this book.

The title and description of the book lead you to believe that the book is all about 50 true quilt blocks from the civil war. Put in the introduction it clearly states that only 6 of the blocks in the book are actually from the civil war, the rest are from newspaper articles in the 1930s. Each block has a description from the civil war that has a similar theme as the name of the block. But the blocks themselves did not actually come from civil war era. For example she uses her nautical pattern block to tie to the landing of the union navy on southern shores. She gives quotes from women's diaries from the time period. But then clearly states that the block itself comes from the 1930s. I have returned my digital copy of the book in search of more accurate quilt blocks of the time period.

I am an experienced quilter and love this book. It has great photos, and shows each block in two different colorways. Each block also has a story and history. I say this book is not for beginners, because it is assumed you know quilting basics, and does not spell out quilting basics. Having said that I cannot stress how much I have enjoyed this book. The fifty blocks in this book are a wide range of variety, simpler, traditional blocks along with blocks you don't see as often, but are fun to make. It has plenty of photographs, and shows some examples of different layouts. This is a book I will never part with.

This book is based on a year-long project on the Internet with blog entries posted each week by Barbara Brackman. Her blog commemorated the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War. I'm happy to say I followed the blog religiously, making each block of the week and enjoying the history she shared with us. Now she has compiled much of that information into this fabulous book. The history and instructions for each block are included plus examples of the blocks made by those of us who participated in the project. I'm happy to report I have three blocks featured which makes me so proud. It's interesting to see the blocks made by others and the various uses of color and fabric placement that make them each so individual. You can't miss with this book, plus it makes a beautiful quilt. Even if I hadn't followed the quilt blog, I would buy this book simply because it's a Barbara Brackman book. She is well known and respected in the quilt history community.

I really enjoyed walking through `Barbara Brackman's Civil War Sampler'. Brackman did not make a book with 50 blocks in it, she tells the stories of the Civil War, and what each block would represent. The Civil War Sampler is a history of the War Between the States. The North and the South are each represented by the blocks, and Brackman even uses references to other books, where she obtained her information. Each block is shown in two colorways and instructions are given on how to make each block. I have never been a history buff, but books like Brackman's Civil War Sampler have become increasingly popular to me. After making a sample block for another person in a block swap for her own civil war quilt, I am becoming to understand both the political views during the three years of the War, and the options that were(n't) available to the quilters of that time in history. If you would like to learn more about Civil War history, along with learning new blocks, this book will be a welcome addition to your library! [...] ( )

Barbara Brackman is THE AUTHORITY when it comes to quit patterns and fabric surface design. I have been following her for years and will continue to follow her.i highly recommend this book if you have an interest in civil war era quilting done with modern techniques.

Barbara Brackman does it again !! Her book is filled with interesting and thought provoking information about the Civil War. You can learn a lot just by reading the prose. For quilters, there are 50 squares to create. I especially liked the way Barbara wrote her instructions for over half the blocks...easy to follow for all levels. As you advance through the book, the blocks get a bit trickier, but never too hard. This quilt has potential for many color waves allowing for creativity if that is what you wish to do.

This was a very good purchase. The book is well written and illustrated.

Yes many patterns in this book may come from the 1930s ,but it was a fun book with some civil war history. I really enjoyed it. The quilt block variations with the pictures were wonderful.

So excited to try these patterns! Love that the history of the areas/events are included with the blocks.

Enjoyed the diary entries that are with each block. Nice to have two sizes of quilt squares. Good choice for Civil War quilts.

got this as a gift for my daughter as we both quilt and are very interested in Civil War quilts. It's very interesting as it gives you a history of each block and how they came to be. Love it!

This is not a project for beginners. No instructions for constructing the blocks. Only cutting instructions are given.

I will teach quilting and history with this book. Quilting and learning how fun! Thank You Barbara Brackman I'll be looking for more of her books

Awesome

great book

I bought this book because I am making a quilt of blocks from the USA states I have visited, although I did know before I ordered it that the blocks in the book were not for individual states. However those quilt blocks shown were well presented, with easy-to-follow instructions and variable size options and were illustrated in different colour schemes which I always find useful. The stories that accompany the blocks are very interesting, although it may help to have an interest in history.. And I might increase the size of my quilt so that I can include a few of these old American designs!. I'm very glad I treated myself to this lovely book.

A beautifully illustrated book with some very interesting background stories from the American Civil War linked to the patchwork designs. The patchwork blocks themselves are photographed really well to show up the lovely reproduction fabrics. A very interesting book to read as well as use for the quilt block designs.

as yet not used. but instructions very good

As a beginner, I found the Book very helpful. I am sure I will get a lot more from it as I learn. I thought the Book was excellent and very interesting.

So pleased with my book. It makes very interesting reading as well as instructions for making the designs.

I saw this book at a quilt show came straight home and ordered it. Really interesting book.I liked all the patterns for the old blocks and the background information.

This is a fascinating book full of stories, well illustrated and thought provoking. It is interesting to hear the history behind the development of these samplers.

I really enjoyed the stories and illustrations in this book which open up a different dimension to quilting. A fascinating book.

Was delivered and wrapped really well.

Exactly what I was looking for!

interesting research book

I like to look in this and one day I will make a quilt inspired from the book. I simply love those old fabrics.

50 Patchwork-Blöcke stellte Brabara Brackmann ein Jahr lang im Internet vor und schrieb Geschichten auf aus der Zeit des Bürgerkrieges im damaligen Amerika auf. Jede Woche gab es eine neue Anleitung, einen neuen historischen Hintergrund. Dieses Wissen ist nun in diesem Buch zusammengafaßt und quasi archiviert worden. Die Blöcke werden in zwei Größen aufgeführt (8 und 12 inch). Ein Muss für LiebhaberInnen von Block-Sampler-Quilts oder einfach nur ein schönes Buch zum Lesen.

Incredible book. Good descriptions of every block, with the patterns. Informative, interesting stories. A must for every quilter.

Great Book

Great book. Well written. Block directions are clear and easy to follow. Interesting stories that relate the block to events and people of the Civil war. A quilter's dream

great story

A beautiful book with interesting snippets of Civil War stories. The blocks are given in order of difficulty and I can't wait to find the appropriate civil war cottons to make them.

RAS

i can't wait to start a quilt from this book. The stories in this book are great. lots of things i didn't know.

c'est un beau livre complet sur le Civil War Sampler; je n'ai pas encore commencé cet ouvrage mais j'ai lu le livre avec plaisir

LE LIVRE EST INTERESSANT POUR CONNAITRE LES BLOCKS AMERICAINS C'EST MIEUX SI ON PARLE ANGLAIS LES MODELES SONT BIEN EXPLIQUES