Facts Fabrications Unraveling The History Of Quilts Slavery

“A renowned quilt historian . . . present[s] what she considers to be an accurate assessment of slavery, quilts and the Underground Railroad.” —Time Recall an unforgettable phase of our nation’s history with America’s leading quilt historian. Barbara Brackman presents the most current research on the role of quilts during the time of slavery, emancipation, and the Underground Railroad. Nine quilt projects combine historic blocks with Barbara’s own designs. Did quilts really lead the way to freedom? What role did quilts play? Barbara explores the stories surrounding the Underground Railroad. Read about the people who were there! First-person accounts, newspaper and military records, and surviving quilts all add clues. YOU decide how to interpret the stories and history, fabrication and facts as you learn about this fascinating time in history. Excellent resource for elementary through high school learners—curriculum included! “Quilters interested in African American slavery and quilting will find many historically accurate, teachable moments within these pages. The first-personal accounts by slaves of their quilt making, quilt parties, and stolen quilts make emotional reading. A must-have book for your quilting library!” —Kyra Hicks, author of Black Threads “Brackman skillfully assembles accurate historical evidence along with beautiful quilt examples infused with slave-era symbolism.” —Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, author of Threads of Faith “Many of persons featured or quoted are women with a connection to the ‘peculiar institution’: slaves, escaped slaves, freed slaves, plantation owners, abolitionists, and so forth . . . teaches history through quilting and offers fun projects for history-minded quilters . . . the stories offer good starting points for one’s own research and the projects are beautiful.” —Beth’s Bobbins

This volume uses the most current research to provide a controversial, yet informative examination of the role of quilts in the era of slavery and emancipation. It includes nine projects and 20 block patterns that represent the history of slavery, inspired by stories of the 'Underground Railroad'.

This richly illustrated book offers a glimpse into the lives and creativity of African American quilters during the era of slavery. Originally published in 1989, Stitched from the Soul was the first book to examine the history of quilting in the enslaved community and to place slave-made quilts into historical and cultural context. It remains a beautiful and moving tribute to an African American tradition. Undertaking a national search to locate slave-crafted textiles, Gladys-Marie Fry uncovered a treasure trove of pieces. The 123 color and black and white photographs featured here highlight many of the finest and most interesting examples of the quilts, woven coverlets, counterpanes, rag rugs, and crocheted artifacts attributed to slave women and men. In a new preface, Fry reflects on the inspiration behind her original research--the desire to learn more about her enslaved great-great-grandmother, a skilled seamstress--and on the deep and often emotional chords the book has struck among readers bonded by an interest in African American artistry.

The Underground Railroad story is one of the most dramatic chapters in America's history. It's a story about how countless slaves made their way out of bondage, risking death for freedom. This book features fifteen traditional quilt blocks believed to have had secret meanings to escaping slaves.

Part global quilting travelogue, part cultural history, this guide gives quilters what they need to create a variety of foundation piece quilt blocks featuring symbols from across the world. It features designs range from the Asian om and Australian rainbow spirit to the American Indian turtle and African ankh.

* This remarkable book features 50 quilt blocks to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War.

This wide-ranging book shows how to create quilts with an authentic antique look, collect period textiles, while revealing the history of American fabrics. Learn the fascinating true story of fabrics in America and make your own period quilts with this comprehensive guide to fabrics and their influence on American quilts, from the machine age to the atomic age. From quilt historian Barbara Brackman, author of America's Printed Fabrics 1770–1890,Making History not only includes 9 quilt projects inspired by vintage quilt designs and fabrics, but is packed with historic photos, stories, and insights into the role of fabrics in everyday life.

Sew a Whole Garden of Blooming Appliqué Blocks. Create a bouquet of floral quilts with 50 adorable blocks of appliquéd flowers and bugs. Make 9 complete quilt projects in a lively, contemporary folk-art style. All 50 blocks are 8" x 8" for easy mixing and matching into one-of-a-kind quilts. It's all so easy with quick fusible applique and simple piecing. Cheer up that dull spot in your home with an adorable flower-and-bug quilt. Includes 9 colorful quilts to hang on the wall, dress up a table, or snuggle in on the sofa.