If you had 5 charm packs (all different), 4 fat quarters (different) and 2 different full yards. And since these are all 1800's/civil war era fabrics, you want to do something that would be indicative of that time period..... if possible. What would you do? Is this even possible with what I have?

I wonder if there is a site that shows blocks that were originally created during that time. Civil War blocks for Civil War fabric. Give it a shot.

Thanks for the suggestion - What do you think of the Thimble quilt pattern? http://www.ericas.com/quilting/patte...production.htm It's not quite the sampler kind of look I was picturing doing, but at least it has kind of the scrappy look which would work with the charm packs.... I just don't know how big the thimbles would be - whether I could get more than 1 or 2 from each square....

Thimble is a nice pattern. Look further down the page to Chancellorsville, what do you think? It takes 5 inch or 10 inch blocks, depending on how big you want to make one like it. Maybe leave out the parts between the blocks & just sew blocks together on point. I'm sure other folks will have ideas for you, so good luck on whatever pattern you choose.

I'm afraid I have too much variety to make the Chancellorville work. You know, googling isn't always a good thing. ;-) Civil War patterns led me to Oregon Trail patterns which led me to Prairie patterns - and Laura Ingalls Wilder/Little House on the Prairie patterns.... late night surfing is dangerous - I just bought Prairie Quilts: Projects for the Home Inspired by the Life and Times of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I know my fabric won't be right on for any of that, but it's close enough for me if I can find something to work in there! If I see something I'll have to ask what you think. That sure would be special to make a LHOTP quilt!

I read every one of her books several times and I just ordered the same book you did. Can't wait to see it. Thanks for the tip.

Oh dear.... look what I found now -- "Quilting with Laura: Patterns Inspired by the "Little House on the Prairie" Series" (http://www.amazon.com/Quilting-Laura...5004963&sr=1-1) :shock: :D

Books seems like what is needed...

Check out books by Barbara Brackman---a great historical read and wonderful information

Books are a weakness for me.... and so is the Amazon "buy it used & way cheaper" feature! :lol: