The colors of Red, White and Blue are predominant in the new, patriotic book by Sue Reich that honors the textiles made during the most astounding war… ever! The author provides dozen of quilt examples, photos of ephemera, and photos of individuals to accompany the marvelous text she shares. Individual fabrics, close-ups of old quilts, and poetry add to the mix of images. Very unique items are included, such as the embroidered record of Aldora Howe’s son’s service in the Coast Guard, during World War II. This large quilt measures no less than 75″ x 100.”
There is no doubt about it. The mothers and sweethearts that stayed at home cheered the “boys” with letters and packages, while doing the work of the men, in factory jobs they’d left behind. This hardcover book, published by Schiffer Publishing in 2010, is a charming look at a variety of textiles, not just cotton quilts. War was on the minds of all who lived through that period. Who could escape it? Service banners were hung to demonstrate that one or more “stars” (sons) were serving in the Armed Services.
The first thing I noticed about the book is that it can be considered “eye-candy,” yet, in delving into it, one can readily see that it represents a whole lot more than just pretty pictures. If you want to understand the War a little bit better, acquire this book as a permanent record of some of the ways that patriotism and love were expressed via textiles. This book was worth the wait!
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
Tags: World War II Quilts
