13 Comments
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Lori Olson White's avatar

I’m hooked! As a collector of lost stories, this deep dive of yours is truly inspirational and so fascinating! Thanks for sharing it.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks so much Lori. I’m hooked too. So many fascinating stories to share.

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NM Creatrix's avatar

WOW!! I am totally blown away by this post! I knew about your quilts as I have followed you for years... The Civil War is one of my gaps in history... I have no connection to and never really was into studying about it, but these quilts will inspire me. We took a girls trip to Nashville and went to one of the battlefields (don't remember which) and I remember seeing a store where a cannonball had smashed through two stories into the basement, and ghastly blood stains... Such a traggic time in our past and something we do not ant to see repeated.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

It was tragic and I, too, fear history repeating itself in many ways. Things have never been so contentious...well since the Civil War. I'm glad to hear your inspired by the work. Thanks for reading.

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Wendy DiMicco's avatar

I’ve enjoyed watching you develop and share this project, which I find so compelling. Learning these Civil War stories through fabric and photos is a powerful tactile and visual experience. Elizabeth Thorn’s story, which hit me like a ton of bricks(!), makes me wonder about all the other stories (especially those of women) that have become lost over time. ❤️

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Margaret Abramshe's avatar

I look forward to the next chapters of the story about that beautiful rabbit hole. I love a deep dive into a series. The end product is only icing, not the cake❤️

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Lesley Riley's avatar

The end product is only icing, not the cake❤️ - so very true, Margaret. Thank you!

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CeCe Sullivan's avatar

This is so fascinating Lesley. I can understand your incredible passion for your Civil War quilts, the research and stories that you love so much. Thanks for sharing with us. I’m looking forward to Part 2.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks, CeCe. Hope you are doing well.

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CeCe Sullivan's avatar

Thanks Lesley! The healing process has been slow and challenging, but I’ve turned a corner and feel better and hopeful. You take care!

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Judith Henry Creative's avatar

Lesley, your story went right to my heart. I haven't heard the name "Clara Barton" in 60 years. When I was ten, I picked up her biography at our local library and read it with total fascination for her bravery and commitment to caring for people. Your work is so beautiful and I'm looking forward to Part 2!

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Lesley Riley's avatar

I, too, found her when I was around 10, also. We were living so close to the home she built just outside of DC. We toured it once it was finally opened to the public. Thanks so much for the comment and appreciation of my work.

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Judith Henry Creative's avatar

Love that we both discovered her at the same age!

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