Quilts

Quilts fill this narrative re-creation of the history of the West from the time of the early pioneers to the present day. The purpose of quilts and the art of quilting provide a window into the lives of women, their friendships, and their sorrows.

Jacqueline Tobin tells the story African American quilter Ozella Williams handed down to her, describing how slaves made coded quilts and used them to navigate their escape on the Underground Railroad.

Twelve quilt projects from all four Elm Creek books, ranging from Sylvia's Broken Star and Sarah's Sampler to When He Cooks Dinner and the Underground Railroad Quilt. Each quilt design is suitable for all skill levels and tells a wonderful story of its own. Also look for Return to Elm Creek: More Quilt Projects and Sylvia's Bridal Sampler from Elm Creek Quilts.

History buffs as well as quilters will enjoy these accounts of quilting-related experiences during the Civil War from women in both the North and the South. Brackman also includes instructions and full-size patterns for nine projects adapted from Civil War quilts, as well as suggestions for using today's reproduction fabrics.

Twelve traditional style quilt projects inspired by the first six books of the Benni Harper mystery series, plus never-before-published stories that fill in gaps from the novels, such as Benni and Gabe’s Las Vegas wedding.

The making of "Show ways," or quilts which once served as secret maps for freedom-seeking slaves, is a tradition passed from mother to daughter in the author's family.