Product Description

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. Runaways met up with a 'conductor' in the dark who whispered "follow me". They were guided on an arduous 250 mile journey from the South, intertwined throughout the North, and eventually ended in Canada. The most intriguing feature was its lack of formal organisation. Accounts are scarce because of the movement's secrecy. Ozella McDaniel Williams recently shared oral history of the Underground Railroad, past down through her family for the last hundred and fifty years. Could her recount possibly be true? Were slaves really taught how to achieve safe passage just by following messages in certain quilt patterns? This book features fifteen traditional quilt blocks believed to have had secret meanings to escaping slaves.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #93507 in Books
• Published on: 2003-04-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 168 pages

Customer Reviews

Quilt tells memorable story
I agree with the other reviews that this book is NOT for beginners and the blocks can be done using easier methods. I have been quilting for 3 years and had to adjust some of the techniques back to basics found in other quilt books. But, sometimes it's good to try different techniques.

However, I did buy this book as I have an avid interest in the Civil War, particularly the railroad. Such braves souls operated this escape to freedom. In honor of that, I wanted to do a quilt for my King size bed. I used the largest size blocks in the book and did 16 blocks. When I added borders, it fit my bed. I have shown it at a local Heritage Festival and the story of each block was admired by many. Having the story block as the final block reminds me and others of the arduous journey taken on the UGRR.

Too Complicated for a Beginner
I am fairly new to quilting and the blocks in this book that say 'for a beginner' are NOT easy, as far as I am concerned. I was very confused and irritated at the methods used by the authors and would love to find a book where you REALLY can make a quilt in a day.
I loved the pictures in the book, but not the directions. I found them to be too difficult for a beginner and it should not say that a block is for a beginner when obviously it is not at all for a beginning quilter.
Over all, I was disappointed.

Underground Sampler ... March 22, 2004
Many people refute the story of the "quilt codes", however, I prefer to believe in the legend. I am in the process of collecting the material to make the 34" x 34" wall hanging, which I will proudly display in my home. As always I find Eleanor Burns' projects absorbing and rewarding. To quibble about whether or not the quilts/samplers can be completed in a day in very petty. The joy of creating a work of Art is what is important.