Much has been made of the legend of Betsy Ross and the making of the first American flag. Although the facts of the legend can be disputed, Betsy was, above all, a talented craftswoman, a wife, mother, grandmother, and patriot. The definitive biography of Betsy Ross, Betsy Ross and the Making of America, was written by Marla R. Miller (member of the Department of History at the University of Massachusetts) following years of research, and published in 2010. Although I read it almost two years ago, I still reflect on the fascinating facts I learned from it and the captivating story it told me.
The book jacket of this excellent biography.
In it, the reader is introduced to an amazing woman, who was married and widowed three times, had seven daughters, helped raise several nieces in addition to her own children, and who eventually was grandmother to over 24 children. And – throughout her life, she sewed for a living, doing upholstery, drapery and mattress making, and of course, flag-making. Marla Miller’s biography reads almost like a novel, and by the time I finished it, I was in wonder at how much Elizabeth Griscom Ross Ashburn Claypoole accomplished in her 84 years. For anyone who sews, or enjoys history, or simply wants to know what life was like before, during and after the American Revolution, I cannot recommend this book highly enough! It’s a great read.
So – here’s to the memory of Betsy Ross, talented and gentle American artisan, on this Independence Day 2012. May all of us who love to sew strive to leave such a legacy with our own needle and thread.
A very small basket, signed Asheville, NC 1904, filled with my three “patriotic” woolen strawberries.
fiftydresses 
Ooo interesting – thanks for the book recommendation! My husband and his family all had little Betsy Ross flags hanging from their car review mirrors when I first met him. =)
I love your patriotic strawberries! I really need to make some of those for myself!
We had our flags out yesterday – and it was so much fun to see just about everyone dressed in some variation of red, white and blue!
Ooh – two of my favourite things to read about …biographies and sewing! Thanks for this review!
You are so welcome! I can only imagine how many stitches Betsy Ross sewed in her life!!
I am so happy to have you as a new follower! Thank you!
This sounds like something I’d love!
And the basket is adorable. I love that it is a souvenir of MY town!
I think you would really enjoy this book!
As for the basket, it is something I love. I was born and spent half my childhood in Asheville – so when I found the basket, I had to have it!
I’m planning on reading it soon. Do you ever visit Asheville? We’d have to meet!
I haven’t been to Asheville in years, but I would love to get back. I have many happy memories of the town and my years there!