For photographs of shirt designs, patriotic combinations, and topstitching, go to http://www.civilwaruniforms.net/shirts.htm

Next, get yourself some good buttons. Stay away from plastic and modern buttons. Go with glass, bone, shell, metal, porcelain, 2-hole cat's eye or Mother of Pearl. Metal buttons are authentic, but they have potential to rust and stain your fabric. Some of sutlers that sell fabric and sewing items have buttons.

Or I have a ton of buttons I might be talked into parting with. Buttons can also be found at flea markets, antique stores, in old button baskets, tins or jars. Frequently, you can buy a whole jar of buttons for $3 - check out buttons in it, and if you find a substantial antique buttons, it certainly is worth it. Sometimes jar is as valuable as buttons! I have found jars full of buttons with a hundred dollar button in it. Small items like buttons can make a huge difference and increase value of your shirt, jacket, pants, etc.

To see some antique buttons, go to http://www.civilwaruniforms.net/civilwarshirtbuttons.htm

Try to get solid brass buttons. Waterbury is good. Original buttons are a bit pricey but not out of question. If you are getting U.S. Eagle buttons, sutlers have them. Stay away from ones that are plated. I personally just use coin buttons. If you are doing a state regiment, you want to go with state seal buttons. "I" buttons are a good generic impression. For late war buttons, go with Tate Script "I" which were coming in later in war. U.S. buttons can go U.S. or Confederate. It would not be unusual to see an Eagle button on a Confederate uniform.

For more information on making your Civil War Uniforms Shirt and, send an email to coach@civilwaruniforms.net Learn how to make your own wooden buttons!!

Coach McCoach has been creating patterns and making Civil War uniform items for 25 years. His Civil War uniform designs have been seen in movies GETTYSBURG, ANDERSONVILLE and Antietam Visitors Center. For more information, contact coach@civilwaruniforms.net or visit http://www.civilwaruniforms.net

2004 permission granted to reprint this article in print on your website so long as paragraph above is included and contact information is included to coach@civilwaruniforms.net or visit http://www.civilwaruniforms.net

... Taught Value of Responsibility

They taught that personal actions have consequences and that individual must be accountable for his or her choices. They emphasized that when people think others are to blame for problems, that very thought is real problem. They taught that each student was ultimately responsible for his or her learning and its impact on their future.

... Taught Value of Perseverance

They taught that education continues until our last breath. They told stories about hard times they had faced, and how God had often turned difficulties into blessings. They refused to let students quit after repeated failures. They demonstrated that "Faith is assurance of things not yet seen."

Not all of these teachers taught in formal classrooms. Nor did they all have a formal education. Some of them are still teaching, and education they provide is priceless.

I believe that greatest gifts we can give our children are same kind of values these teachers demonstrate. Then our children can also become unforgettable teachers, sharing values that will inspire happiness and faith for future generations.