Book Review ~ American Heroes Quilts

Who is your hero in American history? Do you like quilts? Do you like reading historical books?
If you answer yes to any of these questions then American Heroes Quilts ~ Past & Present" by Don Beld is for you. All my answers to the previous questions are "yes".

I grew up in Japan and learned very little about American history, but I am always fascinated by reading about the people before us... that, mixed with stories about quilts! I was very excited to start reading the book.

American Heroes and Quilts, Past & Present contains 400 color and black-and-white images. It explores 55 American Heroes that quilters have honored through the centuries. Included are such familiar names as (even for me), George Washington, Charles Lindbergh, Abraham Lincoln and more. There are others that I have never even heard of, but their stories are so intriguing; it really brought them to life! Do you know the story of Thomas(Stonewall)Jackson? For his high ethics and moral character, he is one of my favorite American heroes now. There are so many other stories that I couldn't put the book down.

With over 100 quilts and close-up photographs of all 112 patterns I was visually entertained as well. They gave me a lot of ideas for future quilt designs. Let me share some of my favorite quilts.

This quilt is called "Washington's Puzzle". I love the simplicity of this quilt. Don't you think it looks modern?

There are many quilts named after George Washington's wife Martha. One in particular caught my eye; "Martha's choice" made in 1900. This quilt went on my "To-make" list instantly!

One of my favorite blocks, "Orange Peel", is actually called "Lafayette's Orange Peel": named after Gilbert Du Montier, the Marquis De Lafayette. The story is so interesting!

I. LOVE. THIS. QUILT!!! Yes, without a doubt this one also went on my list of quilts to make someday. Isn't it so pretty?

Let me share one more (there are many others, but you need to look for yourself. :) ). A quilt block in the fourth row, second block from the left is called "Lincoln block". I love the blocks in this quilt and the use of colors. It is so fun to look at.

I thoroughly enjoyed American Heroes Quilt, Past & Present and highly recommenced it.