In the first chapter our heroine Evelyn describes an early childhood encounter with shelves and shelves of towels in graduated colors, colors merging In the first chapter our heroine Evelyn describes an early childhood encounter with shelves and shelves of towels in graduated colors, colors merging almost imperceptibly into one another, though the color wheel. Right away I was listening. This is a book about women’s community formed around the craft of quilting. Several of the women were actually resistant to this notion in the beginning, which further endeared me to the author.
Things weren’t going especially well for Evelyn, who had recently suffered a divorce. She decided on a whim to move from Texas to Connecticut and when she found an old-fashioned drugstore on a back street in a small town, she brazenly decided to open a quilt shop. Things actually got worse for Evelyn, but she felt better about it all because she threw herself on the kindness of strangers, who became her community.
There is a thread here that one might recognize as Christian, and while I am practically allergic to accents of that kind, this one was actually quite pleasant, reassuring, and graciously undemanding. There is no pressure on this one, but since I am intimately acquainted with the vocabulary, I recognized it immediately as coming from strong religious conviction. I could think of several people who might enjoy this "chick-lit" story, though they ostensibly have no interest in quilting.
Bostwick did a good job with this first in the series, for she created characters we will be interested to follow. Even I, pagan soul that I am suspected to be, believe people can be kind and generous when it costs them little and returns them much. ...more
I liked this less than the others...somehow the quilting got lost. It is an important story, and if I hadn't just read March, I may have been more symI liked this less than the others...somehow the quilting got lost. It is an important story, and if I hadn't just read March, I may have been more sympathetic to the tale, but March was so exquisitely told that all others besides it pale in comparison.
But it was a brave addition to the series, and must have taken some effort to research....more
The story was not the fascination with this one, but I have a secret longing to make a quilt in the Hawaiian style. Ever since I saw the daffodil yellThe story was not the fascination with this one, but I have a secret longing to make a quilt in the Hawaiian style. Ever since I saw the daffodil yellow on butter-yellow quilt in the movie The Descendants, I was convinced these could be exquisite and modernized. I also think I might be able to pull off the applique, but I'm not sure. Lots of detail in here about how to do it all, so that's what I appreciated most. There were also details about how to set up a quilter's retreat, if anyone was interested. Sounds big, complicated, expensive...but could be a blast....more
It occurs to me I am not giving Chiaverini the credit she amply deserves for imagining this series so completely and with such a sense of fun. The recIt occurs to me I am not giving Chiaverini the credit she amply deserves for imagining this series so completely and with such a sense of fun. The recipes in this book, created by Sally Sampson, include some really special treats. The recipes are from the olden days and include massive amounts of butter, but one can imagine ways to improve the calorie count. Shortly after looking through the recipes I happened to watch an episode of Julia Child on television and discover that the pie crust recipe that includes a stick of butter AND six tablespoons of shortening for one crust comes from the queen of french cooking. Apparently the shortening adds that indefinable "something."
Even without using that particular recipe for the crust (one can use one's usual recipe), I have to admit that the Dutch Apple Pie recipe is a keeper, and one that I will use often in the future. It uses two types of apples (tart and sweet) and has an oatmeal streusel replacing the top crust. It adds 1/4 cup of heavy (or light) cream in with the apples, but at least 1/4 cup less sugar than most recipes. Really terrific when one wants something oatmeal-y or slightly different than the usual.
The other recipes are likewise innovative and delicious-sounding, and good for groups. I think this shows Chiaverini's sense of adventure, curiosity, and willingness to branch out and give her lots of kudos for pulling this one off.
A final note: I usually listen to Chiaverini's series on audio, but this one was only available to me in hardcover. I'm glad that was so because I discovered that the quilting blocks discussed in the story are displayed in the endpapers of the cover...this helps enormously when trying to imagine the angles and colors the characters use to create their blocks and how this has to do with the progress of the story. Even if one is not a traditional quilter, one has to admit that Chiaverini is a virtual library of styles and is a marvel in being to create her own blocks. ...more
The end papers of this hardcover contain the blocks discussed in this story and add immeasurably to the pleasure of imagining colors and piecing. ThisThe end papers of this hardcover contain the blocks discussed in this story and add immeasurably to the pleasure of imagining colors and piecing. This is the story of Thanksgiving and the day after, when the Elm Creek Quilters come together for a day of rest and quilting and planning. A favorite quote:
Sometimes it was okay to let things simmer untended. Some flavors took time to develop and rushing a dish to completion would ruin it, The best chefs, like the best quilters, cultivate creativity and patience--even when they didn't want to.
Not bad. I mean, I must be addicted to these things...I listen to one a week at least. At least I admit they keep my attention. Another reader says thNot bad. I mean, I must be addicted to these things...I listen to one a week at least. At least I admit they keep my attention. Another reader says they are not too taxing when one has brain fog. That is it, exactly. And I always feel I am at the mercy of libraries and publishers when it comes to audiobooks. I have to rely on them--I couldn't afford the number of audiobooks I listen to in a month. Besides, these are reliably at the library when I ask for them. Old enough to have been gone through already by fanatics, popular enough to be ordered when they come out by libraries anxious to please patrons.
This book goes back to Elizabeth & Henry's story of cross-country travel to the Sacramento Valley. They hit several snags, but end up almost where they started, financially-wise, ten or so years later. But the wedding quilt given to them on their departure is gone--sold to someone thinking of investing in the Meadowland Hills--a new development turning farmland into water-sucking condominiums.
This novel brings in the long-time California residents of Mexican descent, and a big scam that ruined many people seeking a new life "out west." Also tells of the big cats and elephants used in the movie industry of the time--and here's me wishing Chiaverini spent more time on that......more
The best one yet. Really liked the backstories to applicants to Elm Creek Manor. Real-life tensions between partners featured, rather than highlights The best one yet. Really liked the backstories to applicants to Elm Creek Manor. Real-life tensions between partners featured, rather than highlights of crusty personalities, though Diane managed to alienated everyone throughout. Admire the way Chiaverini managed the back and forth and connection between the characters, up to and including a real decision re who would be chosen to teach at Elm Creek. Congratulations on skillful weaving, Jennifer!...more
Really kind of spectacular work shown in this book--quilts inspired by or which have inspired the novels in this series. Again, this is not the kind oReally kind of spectacular work shown in this book--quilts inspired by or which have inspired the novels in this series. Again, this is not the kind of quilting I do, but I do love to see what people have accomplished, and I love to steal ideas and techniques. What I really wanted was to see the Lilac-and-Elm-Leaves quilt mentioned in Book #5, The Quilter's Legacy, and the bridal quilt mentioned in Book #6, The Master Quilter. Both are shown in detail, and they are impressive. Great fun....more
I rather enjoyed this book in the series. Each of the characters serially tells what is happening in their lives at the same point of time, and we getI rather enjoyed this book in the series. Each of the characters serially tells what is happening in their lives at the same point of time, and we get the persepctive of their behaviors from the others. Chiaverini did well with this technique: there is enough diversity of activity in everyone's lives to add depth to the story rather than thin it out. On the last few pages and still am not entirely sure why the story is called The Master Quilter, but presume it refers to Sylvia Compson, for whom everyone is making and collecting squares for a bridal quilt. I have, actually, seen the photographs of a quilt made in that style in Chiaverini's Return to Elm Creek: More Quilt Projects Inspired by the Elm Creek Quilts Novels. It is as gorgeous as one might think, especially when viewed close-up. ...more
Chiaverini has a fertile imagination and she makes up a backstory for Sylvia Compton with something like love. Sylvia is getting a little better in inChiaverini has a fertile imagination and she makes up a backstory for Sylvia Compton with something like love. Sylvia is getting a little better in interpersonal relations, now that she is ready to marry (and does, during the course of this story) but she occasionally goes off the rails and says exactly what she thinks. At her age, she should be entitled to this, but it is rather hard to take, regardless.
The quilts (twelve stitches to the inch!) sound lovely, especially the lilac and elm. Even the seven stitches to the inch that Sylvia is able to produce sound like a typo. What kind of needles yield that kind of stitch length? I might get five on a good day....more
Chiaverini did a good job of creating this novel out of whole cloth. She took some old and mysterious quilts, and the concept of a diary and created aChiaverini did a good job of creating this novel out of whole cloth. She took some old and mysterious quilts, and the concept of a diary and created a history for Sylvia of Elm Creek Mansion. Considering she had to make, in terms of storytelling, the entire cloth before she could construct the story, I think this was a real achievement.
However, having Sylvia the center was trying for me. Her personality, not entirely aided by the voice assigned her by Christina Moore, is sharp. ...more
Well, I did listen to it. Her books are usually the only ones available at my local library when I ask for them. It's good. She's got tons of painful Well, I did listen to it. Her books are usually the only ones available at my local library when I ask for them. It's good. She's got tons of painful human-interest issues going on, but Vinnie, the 82-year-old quilter that shows up every year at quilting camp, may be the death of me. And I'm not exactly sure I'd want one of those quilts everyone works on together. Sounds like disturbing memories rather than art. But what do I know? There's room for it all, and if quilting helps someone get through the rough times, so be it. In my case, quilting gives me rough times. I struggle even now....more
This book was given to me as a gift with the proviso that I return it to the giver when finished. I read it quickly and then read it again slowly, oveThis book was given to me as a gift with the proviso that I return it to the giver when finished. I read it quickly and then read it again slowly, over a period of months. It has a simple, clear style: the short paragraphs remind one of a literally simple but intellectually dense Buddhist discussion on wakefulness and being. Author Bender makes a journey that many of us might make in a lifetime: from a cluttered, busy, “what am I missing?” lifestyle to one that is far less dense. “You are missing nothing important,” a Buddhist might say.
One day many years ago, Bender the artist saw some old Amish quilts used to showcase men’s tweed clothing in an artful display in a boutique on Long Island. She went back several times to view the quilts, and realized that there was something understated and truly unique in the style:
”Odd color combinations. Deep saturated solid colors: purple, mauve, green, brown, magenta, electric blue, red. Simple geometric forms: squares, diamonds, rectangles. A patina of use emanated from them…
The basic forms were tempered by tiny, intricate black quilting stitches. The patterns—tulips, feathers, wreaths, pineapples, and stars—softened and complemented the hard lines, and the contrast of simple pattern and complex stitchery face the flat, austere surface and added dimension.
At first the colors looked somber, but then—looking closely at a large field of brown—I discovered that it was really made of small patches of many different shades and textures of color. Greys and shiny dark and dull light brown, dancing side by side, made the flat surface come alive. Lush greens lay beside vivid reds. An electric blue appeared as if from nowhere on the border.
The relationship of the individual parts to the whole, the proportion, the way the inner and outer borders reacted with each other was a balancing act between tension and harmony…How could a quilt be calm and intense at the same time?”
Bender the artist sought, and found, a way into the community that could produce such work. She lived with different groups of Amish for periods of weeks over a period of years in Iowa and Ohio. She learned that the larger group called “Amish” has different sects which live differently, but generally it is a group which focuses on living as a community, each producing what it can so that the whole functions harmoniously.
She did work on a quilt or two, but mostly she was involved in understanding the lifestyle in which someone can produce art but whose work is as prized as someone else. This joy in the process, rather than the finish or the glory, seemed profound to Bender. She developed an attachment for the nine-patch pattern, and in one of the last chapters, pulls her experiences together in nine observations that serve to calm and direct her when life threatens to subsume her once again.
1. Patch #1 VALUING THE PROCESS/VALUING THE PRODUCT 2. Patch #2 LIVING IN TIME 3. Patch #3 CELEBRATING THE ORDINARY 4. Patch #4 HOME 5. Patch #5 COMMUNITY 6. Patch #6 LIFE AS ART 7. Patch #7 LIMITS AS FREEDOM 8. Patch #8 POWER OF CONTRAST 9. Patch #9 CHOICE
Bender has worked to eliminate the clutter from the book, so it is calming to read and has many one-liners that make good daily fare for musing and developing one’s spiritual muscle. One of my favorites: “I learned there is nothing simple about the ninepatch.”
The line drawings decorating the book are just the right touch, and the color plates chosen for the removable dust jacket also leave one looking and thinking deeper. All in all, Bender has succeeded in creating something lasting that can help us get through the bad “patches” in our own lives, and seek the serenity of being at home in our own skins. “Miracles come after a lot of hard work.” A joy, and a classic....more
This series does have some quilting in it, but it is really about relationships. And any relationship that lasts a long time goes through rough patcheThis series does have some quilting in it, but it is really about relationships. And any relationship that lasts a long time goes through rough patches. Hence my chagrin to listen to arguments between two of the main characters...I just wanted to get OUT of there. But the series is a good one...lots of characters, lots of stories and some advice thrown in. Wish a line drawing of the quilts was attached...I don't know if the print copy has them, but that would be a big draw. I am listening to it read by Christina Moore, and she is wonderful, as always. I don't know what her accent is--perhaps Pennsylvania? At first I thought midwest, but she reminds me of soemone who is not a midwesterner.
Anyway, the story ends up with a big suprise at the end, but perhaps it is a little too fantastic. One reads fiction to skip the reality part, I guess, but this was perhaps too good to be true....more
I am a quilter. I should state that at the outset. But I don't make quilts like many other people make quilts. I admire lots of tiny little pieces andI am a quilter. I should state that at the outset. But I don't make quilts like many other people make quilts. I admire lots of tiny little pieces and stitches, but mine are...mine. They sometimes resemble something you've seen before, but sometimes they are something completely different. It depends on the fabric. Fabric is usually my starting point, not the pattern. Anyway…
I initially resisted this series but I was desperate one day for an audiobook and my library had this first in the series. What kept me listening was partly the story: it reminded me of anything by Maeve Binchy because so many of readers’ wildest desires are quilted in that we can't resist. The other reason was that the speech patterns and cadence of the reader was so similar to the speaking voice of a person I know that I listened simply to hear how she would react to situations and how she would pronounce words.
Chiaverini is really very good. I enjoyed imagining the world created here, and like every other quilter out there, would love to have opportunities like those described in this novel. It is an excellent beginning to a series which I am sure has inspired more than one quilt. Chiaverini generously shares terms, techniques, and quilt names, all of which are candy to those of us who attempt these things every day. Even describing such things to someone outside the circle is difficult, but Chiaverini manages very well. She is the teacher we all wish we had.
I love the voice of the reader for the Playaway audiobook, Christina Moore. I have tried to locate a copy of the Mp3 audio file for my friend whose voice Christina’s resembles, but have not been able to locate a digital copy outside of a library. I will continue to try to find a digital download for my friend, but encourage interested “readers” to listen to any of the series books that Christina narrrates, especially since, if you are working on a quilt, it is a wonderful story to keep you working far after you would have thought you were finished for the day. ...more
There are pictures in this book that can set me to dreaming. I really liked the pictures of old quilts that allow the reader to discern the quilting pThere are pictures in this book that can set me to dreaming. I really liked the pictures of old quilts that allow the reader to discern the quilting patterns and colors. However, I dod not think this book as useful as some others, which detail the background of the Amish as well as give greater depth to choices they made in their lives and art. And I have to admit I did not like any of the patterns Jefferson gives for "beginner" Amish projects using cut-outs. It lowered the tone of the book, but perhaps it just makes it accessible to teens and beginning seamstresses....more
Eileen Wright shares some of the story of her quest to master the bargello quilt, and the book is worthwhile for that alone. But she also shares with Eileen Wright shares some of the story of her quest to master the bargello quilt, and the book is worthwhile for that alone. But she also shares with us the incredibly beautiful designs and techniques that one needs to master in order to create quilts so intricate in design and color that one has difficulty imagining them gracing a bed. But at one point she reassures us that indeed many of them are meant for bed-coverings, for she says "if they become a tattered and well-loved blanket in 50 or 100 years from now, my mission will have been accomplished." I guess that is something one must think of when creating something so lovely that it cannot be oft-used, and must be "saved for best." One must find the balance, and Wright attempts to do that by demystifying the process and creating something sturdy and well-made as well as beautiful.
That having been said, the process to achieving these remarkable-looking quilts is not at all my style. A fellow quilter began bargellos with a different author and encountered so many issues I sought someone with a clearer explanation. This book discusses many of the problems one will encounter, including one's choice of fabrics, threads, needles, and sewing techniques. You will need all these hints when and if you embark on this complicated style, for it is fraught with pitfalls. Wright herself made several versions of some of the quilts until she was satisfied. We all need to take the long view and recognize that art is something one is always striving to achieve....more
This book provides gorgeous examples of quilts that use the basic principles of Amish design. The modern interpretations may be closer to the wider woThis book provides gorgeous examples of quilts that use the basic principles of Amish design. The modern interpretations may be closer to the wider world's tastes than the old Amish quilt style, but for that very reason do not seem to be imbued with the Amish sensibility. There is something about the severity of the old quilts that seemed to suit a circumscribed world view, and a conservative mindset. The quilts presented in this book are lovely to the eye, lush in saturated colors, and more innovative than examples of actual Amish quilts of old found elsewhere. For interpretive style, this is a wonderful compendium....more
This is a wonderful and complete look at Amish quilts from various parts of the country from the time curators became interested in collecting and marThis is a wonderful and complete look at Amish quilts from various parts of the country from the time curators became interested in collecting and marking them as distinct from other quilting styles. Granick is remarkably comprehensive in her examination of distinct styles from sects in different states within the larger community. She uses photographs of the quitls themselves and newspaper reports of sales of fabric, as well as describes the religious underpinnings for choices of color and style. It is a favorite of mine because from it I can see the stitching choices for hand quilting, and see how some managed to create art within the confines of rules. This book helps one in one's own search for the spark that enobles....more
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