I thought I would start a new blog category called "Authors Online" and I thought a great way to start would be with Barbara Brackman.

Ms. Brackman is a noted quilt historian, author, and fabric designer.  Her name appears extensively in the quilt world.  I did write a blog article about the Spencer Museum of Art's exhibit that she organized as well.

Here's an image of Ms. Brackman:


 
Her website is quite clean and effective:  Barbara Brackman.  It's divided into sections that will interest everyone, I believe, especially antique quilt and reproduction fabric fans.  Her main page does include current information and a featured quilt with notes.

First, there's the books section that covers her range of books.  Unfortunately, some of these books are out of print but there's hope that at least one of them may be reprinted since she is working on updating it.  I'll admit to owning almost three-quarters of her book list.  I just got hold of the newest one "Making History:  Quilt Fabrics from 1890 - 1970" and am avidly reading through it.  Personally, I'm holding out for Christmas to see if Christopher finally gets me a copy of "Clues in the Calico" and (or) "Quilts from the Civil War" (I should point out that last Christmas he did give me six really good quilt books).  I haven't seen either of these two books up close but I bet they're great.  I haven't added books to this blog site for a while so I think I'll write about a couple articles in the next month on some of her books.   

Here's an image of her new book "Making History:  Quilt Fabrics from 1890 - 1970":



Next, there's a section on her Underground Railroad Club, which I figure many quilters would be quite interested in.  This is a brilliant concept - for one annual payment you're provided Ms. Brackman's monthly patterns, access to related web links, a monthly article by Ms. Brackman, and more.  I'm not currently signed up for this Club but I can see my status changing on that one.

AND THEN:  She has an online quilt dating game!  It's updated most weeks and for those of us who love antique quilts it really is a treat.  Again, pretty smart.

Finally, Ms. Brackman has a great section called "Hot Topics" that includes a list with links of antique quilt exhibits across the US.  For example, I just found out there's a wonderful exhibit in Hartford that includes the oldest dated pieced quilt in America (the "Anna Tuels" quilt from 1785) and a good number of other antique quilts.  It's on from August 30, 2008 to January 25, 2009.  I do plan to go to this exhibit and they do allow natural light photography so I'll take some photos and post a blog article for everyone.  There are about a dozen exhibits and lectures listed on this page as well as the answers to the quilt dating game.

So, a great site through and through - informative, helpful and fun.  If you're traveling within or to the US, you might want to double-check her site to see if there are any shows where you're going.

I hope you visit her site.

Best,

Fiona