Star Spangled Banner Day 2

America's Star Spangled Story by Jane Hampton Cook

Welcome to Day 2 of my Star Spangled Banner Extravaganza. Remember, I'm NOT an historian; I'm a quilter. And I want to introduce you to someone who is an historian and also has a love for quilting. Her mother made hundreds of Americana/Patriotic quilts throughout her life and Jane Cook was greatly influenced by her mother's passion for all things American.

Quilt by Judith Travis Hampton

Jane Cook is an author. She brings history and biographies to life, making them memorable and relevant to today's news, current events, politics, issues of faith, and modern-day life. I asked her a few questions; I think you'll enjoy her answers.

Why you are so passionate about our history? 
 
Jane: 
Our nation has a special heritage, which deserves and needs to be remembered. During the American Revolution, thousands of men and women lived loudly for liberty. They traded royalty for representation so we could enjoy the blessings of liberty today.

George Washington told his men that they weren’t just fighting for their own homes and firesides, they were also fighting for the future, the “unborn millions” to come. That’s us. My passion is to find ways to bring history to life in ways that are real and relevant to modern-day readers, and occasionally, TV viewers.

And one more question (Jane comes back two more times) . . .
 

Tell us about your new book, America’s Star-Spangled Story.

America's Star-Spangled Story (June 2014) brings to life the story of Francis Scott Key, who wrote The Star-Spangled Banner 200 years ago. He was minding his own business when he answered a call to save a friend imprisoned by the British military after they burned the White House and U.S. Capitol. Finding the British fleet near Baltimore, he successfully negotiated the release of his friend. But the British admiral wouldn’t let him leave until after they attacked Baltimore. 

This battle went on through the night; was our flag still there?

This put him in the right place at the right time to write the lyrics for The Star-Spangled Banner. I used the phrases from the first verse as the titles for the chapters in the book. (You can peek inside the book by clicking the link above, which takes you to Amazon).

Well, can we see another of Jane's mom's quilts? Of course! Here is Uncle Sam (does anyone know his last name, hmmm?) holding REAL American flags. You know, I had an Uncle Jim who was in the Navy and I bet he waved American flags, too, after World War II was over. Do you think I should make an Uncle Jim quilt? Not the same, you say?

Uncle Sam quilt with REAL American flags

Well, how about one of your quilts, Debby? OK. So glad you asked. Here is an American flag quilt I made about 25 years ago. No date on it, but it is hand quilted!

From the days when I hand quilted!

Now, how about some freebies? I knew you were waiting for that. Here is a free pattern from Windham:    Uncle Sam I Am

Uncle Sam I Am by Larene Smith - 60" x 70"

And, of course, fabrics!

Day 2 fabric bundle courtesy of Windham Fabrics

DAY 2 CONTEST:

1. The contest is over at midnight tonight, September 8, 2014 (EST). I have another contest tomorrow, so come back and bring your friends.

2. Fabric can only be mailed in the United States.

3. If I randomly select someone from outside the United States, you can have ANY of my patterns from my Craftsy site. I will email them to you (obviously, the ones that are for sale).

4. If I don't have your email, I can't notify you! Anonymous bloggers can't win!

Leave me a message telling me if you've ever made an Americana quilt or table runner.

And come back tomorrow for more with Jane Cook, more quilt inspiration, and freebies!