Book Review - Civil War Legacies and Follow the Lines Quilting Designs - Volume 5

Hi everyone:
Now that the Calgary Stampede has ended, I'm getting back into the quilting mode. Since the Stampede was celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, there were lots of vintage photos on display at the grounds. This reminded me of two books that I wanted to share with you. Well, one is actually quilting designs, but since I can't think up of a name to call it, let's just call it a book. Both are from Martingale.

Civil War Legacies by Carol Hopkins
Photo courtesy of Martingale

Civil War Legacies by Carol Hopkins includes 15 pieced patterns using reproduction fabrics. These patterns are great for using up your fabric scraps as they are make small quilts, mostly table toppers to wall hangings. The patterns use such familiar components as half square triangles and flying geese units to make traditional blocks. I like small size patterns, such as the ones in this book, as they work up quickly and are a great way to try out a new block or technique. They can easily be finished on a week-end and would make wonderful gifts.

Lincoln's Logs from Civil War Legacies
Photo courtesy of Martingale

Since the quilts in this book are small, the individual blocks are also small, so accuracy in piecing is important. With some of the blocks finishing at 3", you'll want to ensure that your 1/4" seam is dead on. I view this as a good way to practise your piecing. By the time you've finished several of these projects, you'll be a 1/4" seam ace!

Mary Smith's Dishrag from Civil War Legacies
Photo courtesy of Martingale

I'll admit that reproduction or civil war fabrics aren't my usual choices for making my quilts, but these patterns could easily be adapted for batiks or even daiwabo fabrics, which seem to work especially well with traditional block patterns. 

Michael's Victory from Civil War Legacies
Photo courtesy of Martingale

Once you've finished your civil war projects, you'll need to quilt them, of course. To help you choose the perfect quilting design, Mary M. Covey has released Follow-the-Line Quilting Designs Volume Five - Authentic Civil War Designs and More. Doesn't it seem like these two items should be bundled and sold together? 

Follow-the-Line Quilting Designs Volume Five by Mary M. Covey
Photo courtesy of Martingale

 As with her previous four volumes, Mary includes many quilting designs to choose from in her latest publication. This particular volume features authentic motifs from the civil war era. These designs are simple enough for beginners to use and perfectly complement traditional civil war quilt projects, such as those in Carol Hopkins' book. There are 18 designs to choose from and within these motifs are both continuous-line designs, as well as designs for borders, blocks and setting triangles. 

Old Oak Leaf pattern from Follow-the Line Quilting Designs
Volume Five by Mary M. Covey
Photo courtesy of Martingale

I like how Mary indicates the size of the quilting design, so you'll know if it will fit your quilt block or border. And if it doesn't fit, don't worry, Mary has included information on how to resize the patterns, both in width and length. She also provides helpful tips on marking the patterns, choosing batting and preparing the backing. Information on using a regular sewing machine, as well as a long-arm machine is also included.


I was pleased to see another volume of quilting designs by Mary to add to my collection. These are great motifs to use on a variety of quilts, so don't think that they will only work on civil war era patterns. I know that I'll be using these on my quilts, civil war or not!


If you're a fan of reproduction quilts, you'll definitely want to add both of these books to your collection.