I'm thrilled to be the "cover gal" for the August/September 2010 issue of COUNTRY WOMAN! Don't miss this issue, because inside you'll find an interview, photos, and a brand new quilt pattern.
Support Race for a Cure -- and Receive an Elm Creek Quilts Pin
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
On Saturday, June 5, 2010, my son Nicholas and I will be participating in Madison's Race for a Cure in support of Badger Aquatics coach Deb Huonker, whose courageous battle against breast cancer has been a powerful, inspiring example to her young athletes—and to us all. Deb is passionate about finding a cure for this terrible disease, and we can all do our part to help.
If you donate to Deb's Race for a Cure team, "Huonker's Rack Pack," I will send you an Elm Creek Quilts pin with my thanks. Here's how to do it:
1. Visit Deb's donation page at http://tinyurl.com/2auahwj
2. On or before June 5, 2010, donate $25 US — or more if you can — to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and have it credited to Deb's team.
3. Forward your receipt to me at jen@elmcreek.net. Please provide the name and mailing address where you would like your pin to be sent, and specify whether you would like the traditional Elm Creek Quilts, A Quilter's Holiday, or The Aloha Quilt pin. NOTE: Supplies of the pins are limited, so please rank your first, second, and third choices. Pins will be mailed on a first come, first served basis.
Thank you for supporting me and Nicholas in the Race — and thanks for supporting our wonderful Coach Deb!
Jennifer Chiaverini is teaming up with Project Linus to offer Elm Creek Readers the chance to decide whether Sarah’s twins will be boys, girls, or one of each!
2. If you’d like Sarah to have two boys, sew a Twin Star block using the dark blue/light blue color combination. If you’d like Sarah to have two girls, sew a Twin Star block using the red/pink color combination. If you’d like Sarah to have a boy and a girl, sew a Twin Star block using the dark purple/light purple color combination. Please use white, off-white, light cream, or light beige for the background fabrics.
3. Mail your block to: Elm Creek Quilts, P. O. Box 620824, Middleton WI 53562 USA. All blocks must be received by Labor Day (Monday, September 6, 2010) to be counted. You may “vote” as many times as you wish, so feel free to stuff the ballot box!
4. All blocks received will be donated to Project Linus, a non-profit organization whose mission is “to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer ‘blanketeers.’ ”
5. Jennifer will reveal the result of the vote in an exclusive, sneak preview reading of an unpublished Elm Creek Quilts novel at the Project Linus Institute on Friday, July 22, 2011. Quilts created from the donated blocks will also be displayed.
Each “vote” you cast will mean another block for a warm, cozy quilt that will comfort a child in need—so vote early and often!
Four of the five quilts from the A QUILTER'S HOLIDAY charity quilt project have arrived at Margaret's Hope Chest. You can see photos and read Carin's blog about them here:
I'm delighted to announce that THE ALOHA QUILT debuted on the New York Times bestseller list at #11! My most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all my loyal readers show their support by purchasing my books.
All day long I'll be guest blogging on the Borders "True Romance" website. Click the image below to visit the site. After reading the Q&A, click on the "Comments" link to see other readers' comments and join the conversation. Two randomly chosen commenters will each win a copy of THE ALOHA QUILT!
The pins I designed for A Quilter's Holiday were so well received that I decided to do create a new pin to celebrate my forthcoming Elm Creek Quilts novel, The Aloha Quilt!
You can get one of these limited edition pins for yourself if you come see me on my book tour throughout April. I'll be visiting several of my favorite bookshops across the country and will give away a pin with each copy of The Aloha Quilt purchased at that store, while supplies last. For book tour locations, dates, and times, please see the Events page on my website.
Can't make it one of my events? The wonderful booksellers at the Next Chapter Bookshop in Mequon are ready to help. If you pre-order The Aloha Quilt from the Next Chapter Bookshop website, they will include a The Aloha Quilt pin with your book when they ship it to you. I will autograph the books when I visit the store on April 9th, so all orders need to be placed before then. If you would like your book to be personalized, please be sure to indicate the name of the person to whom the book should be addressed.
Quantities are limited, so make your plans to attend one of my book tour events or place your order with the Next Chapter Bookshop soon.
Everyone knows that readers judge books by their covers, but so you know what influences them even more? Recommendations. If a friend, relative, bookseller, or librarian recommends an author, readers are more willing to take a chance on someone new.
I’ve known for years that my readers are very creative people in their own right. Now I’d like you to lend me your creative gifts and help me spread the word to new readers by creating a book trailer to promote THE ALOHA QUILT and the Elm Creek Quilts series.
A book trailer is a brief commercial for a book, just like the movie trailers you see at the cinema before the feature presentation. For this contest, you may use live action, still photos, and/or animation to encourage readers to give my books a try. You may focus on the entire series or on THE ALOHA QUILT.
Everyone who enters will receive a prize! The top ten entries will be posted on the Elm Creek Quilts website, and a Grand Prize winner will be chosen by an online vote. The Grand Prize winner will receive an autographed copy of THE ALOHA QUILT, an Aloha Quilt pin, an Elm Creek Quilts pin, and a fabric pack of my new fabric line, “Elm Creek Quilts: The Aloha Quilt Collection” from Red Rooster Fabrics.
Fictional characters often can become bigger than life. Think of Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone With the Wind,” poor orphaned Oliver in “Oliver Twist” and J.K. Rowling’s famous wizard, Harry Potter.
For contemporary author Jennifer Chiaverini of Madison, Wis., characters from her popular Elm Creek Quilts series have developed an extensive fan base, too. Her readers still clamor for more after 15 books since her first was published in 1999.
A couple of years ago, Elm Creek Quilts author Jennifer Chiaverini organized a contest among her devoted Elm Creek Quilts fans. In the novel Circle of Quilters, two founding members of Elm Creek Quilts Camp decide to leave the fold. The remaining members had to select two new teachers to join their staff, which is really more like a family. In the book, as a part of the application process for the teaching position, each of the five finalists was instructed to design an Elm Creek Quilts quilt block as a test of their quilting skills, creativity, and understanding of the spirit of Elm Creek Quilts.
Jennifer decided to invite Elm Creek Quilts fans to design an original quilt block to be used as the new logo for Elm Creek Quilts. The entries were as delightful and varied as those in the story, and the block that best captured the spirit of Elm Creek Quilts was chosen by an online vote. The grand prize winning block was made by Jane Klocker. Click here to see the complete list of winners.
C&T Publishing is excited to announce that C&T has made the 10 winning block patterns available in a downloadable eBook called To Be an Elm Creek Quilterfeaturing a sampler quilt project. You can find it only on the C&T website.
THE ALOHA QUILT — Jennifer Chiaverini. Simon & Schuster, $24 (336p) ISBN 978-1-4165-3318-4
In this latest entry to the bestselling Elm Creek Quilts series, quilting queen Bonnie Markham explores Hawaii and learns about the islands' quilting traditions while setting up a tropical quilt camp. Weary from a difficult divorce battle, Bonnie leaves beloved Elm Creek Manor and takes up her friend's invitation to start the camp; once in Hawaii, she gets to work on hiring staff and making her version of a Hawaiian quilt. When her mean-spirited ex-husband-to-be demands half her share in Elm Creek as part of the settlement, Bonnie takes drastic measures to protect the estate and her friends. Still, the big changes are hard to take, and Bonnie's not sure she can follow through. With homey details and a strong sense of the connections that bind women, friends, and families, Chiaverini (Circle of Quilters) lovingly crafts her tale about a woman stitching together a new life and a new project. Series fans will enjoy this latest entry, and those new to the quilting bee should have no problem finding their groove. (Apr.)
Sew a Block for Charity and Earn a QUILTER'S HOLIDAY Pin
Thursday, November 19, 2009
For the Elm Creek Quilters, the day after Thanksgiving marks the start of the quilting season, a time to gather at Elm Creek Manor and spend the day stitching holiday gifts for loved ones. This year, in keeping with the season’s spirit of gratitude, Master Quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson Cooper is eager to revive a cherished family tradition. A recent remodeling of the manor’s kitchen unearthed a cornucopia that once served as the centerpiece of the Bergstrom family’s holiday table. Into it, each Bergstrom would place an object that symbolized something he or she was especially thankful for that year. On this quilter’s holiday, Sylvia has invited her friends to continue the tradition by sewing quilt blocks that represent their thankfulness and gratitude.
In celebration of the publication of Jennifer Chiaverini's new novel, A Quilter's Holiday, Elm Creek Quilts fans are invited to piece a block for charity quilts, choosing a pattern symbolic of their own gratitude. Have you recently welcomed a new addition to the family? Perhaps a Mother’s Delight block suits your feelings best. Has a caring friend offered you comfort and encouragement during difficult times? The Best Friend block may be your choice.
Please sew a 12" finished size block (12.5" unfinished including a .25" seam allowance) using autumnal hues for the focus fabrics, with cream, off-white, or light beige as a background color. Please include an artist’s statement with your name, the name of your block, and a few sentences explaining what the block means to you. Some blocks and artist’s statements may be posted on the Elm Creek Quilts website.
All blocks meeting the guidelines will be sewn into samplers to be donated to charity. If you would like to nominate a favorite charity, please include information about the group with your package.
Mail blocks and artist’s statements to Elm Creek Quilts, PO Box 620824, Middleton WI 53562. Entries must be postmarked by December 31, 2009. As a thank you gift, each participant will receive one limited edition A Quilter's Holiday pin while supplies last.
“We must never become too busy to help those in need.” —Gretchen Hartley, A Quilter’s Holiday
UPDATE: To see some of the beautiful blocks that have already arrived, please click here.
Tune in to Hear Jennifer on Wisconsin Public Radio
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
This morning I'll be a guest on Wisconsin Public Radio's "Conversations with Larry Mieller" show at 11:45 AM Central Time. (That's the same time zone as Chicago.) You can listen to our chat live via the internet by following the links on the WPR Ideas Network web page. I hope you'll tune in and maybe even call in with questions as we discuss A Quilter's Holiday and Elm Creek Quilts.
This morning at 11:10 AM Central Time, I will be a guest on Kathy Keene's "Good Neighbor Show," a program on WHBY News Talk 1150 out of Appleton, WI. You can listen live via the internet. I hope you'll tune in for our chat about A QUILTER'S HOLIDAY!
I'm very sorry, but due to my sons' illness, I will not be able to travel to Indianapolis for the Guilded Leaf Book and Author Luncheon tomorrow. If your purchased tickets, rest assured that you will still be able to purchase books, enjoy a delicious lunch, listen to talks by four other fabulous authors, and support the Carmel Clay Public Library System's children's literacy programs.
No Tricks, Just a Holiday Treat: Autographed Copies of A QUILTER'S HOLIDAY and Collectible Pins!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
In celebration of the publication of A QUILTER'S HOLIDAY, I've designed a new, limited edition, collectible Elm Creek Quilts pin!
You can get one of these beauties for yourself if you come see me on my book tour this November. I'll be visiting four of my favorite Wisconsin bookshops and will give away a pin with each copy of A QUILTER'S HOLIDAY purchased at that store, while supplies last. For locations, dates, and times, please see the Events page on my website.
Is Wisconsin a little out of your way? The wonderful booksellers at the Next Chapter Book Shop in Mequon are ready to help. If you pre-order A QUILTER'S HOLIDAY from the Next Chapter Book Shop website, they will include an A QUILTER'S HOLIDAY pin with your book when they ship it to you. I will autograph the books when I visit the store on November 4th, so all orders need to be placed before then. If you would like your book to be personalized, please be sure to indicate the name of the person to whom the book should be addressed.
Quantities are limited, so make your plans to attend one of my book tour events or place your order with the Next Chapter Book Shop soon.
Trick or treat! Well, it's definitely a treat today. The first chapter of my forthcoming Elm Creek Quilts novel, A Quilter's Holiday, is now online. Please click on the "Books" link above for more details.
Do you love the gorgeous cover as much as I do? It was adapted from a quilt called "Thankful Harvest" by Janet Miller, and I'm very grateful that Janet gave us permission to use her beautiful artwork.
Her pattern is available for purchase at Quilters' Warehouse. Thanks, Janet!
Seeking Autographed Copies of THE LOST QUILTER and SYLVIA’S BRIDAL SAMPLER?
Friday, April 24, 2009
Are you hoping to add autographed copies of THE LOST QUILTER and SYLVIA’S BRIDAL SAMPLER to your Elm Creek Quilts collection, but aren’t able to attend any of my book tour events? The booksellers of the Next Chapter Bookshop in Mequon, Wisconsin are happy to help!
To place your order, please e-mail Sharry at sharry@nextchapterbookshop.com or call the store at (262) 241-6220. Shipping is $8 (within the US), or FREE if you spend over $40. I will autograph the books when I visit the store on April 30th, so all orders need to be placed before then. If you would like your book to be personalized, please be sure to tell Sharry the name of the person to whom the book should be addressed.
I hope this helps you take care of some Mother’s Day gifts—or to treat yourself!
I’m pleased to announce the publication of my fourteenth Elm Creek Quilts novel, THE LOST QUILTER, which continues the story of Joanna, a fugitive slave introduced in THE RUNAWAY QUILT. After her capture and forced return into slavery, Joanna longed to return to Elm Creek Farm where she left behind her infant son in the care of the Bergstrom family. THE LOST QUILTER tells the story of Joanna's courageous quest to reach freedom and to reunite with her son.
Advanced reviews for THE LOST QUILTER have been exceptionally positive. The Historical Novel Review writes, “The Lost Quilter transcends an objectified view of slavery; it’s a tribute to a terrible historical period and the noble, all-too-human beings attempting to fulfill promises and dreams. Readers will be swept into this heart-rending, beautiful story, a fine example of great historical fiction, and will definitely remember the cost of precious freedom.” Publisher's Weekly says, "This satisfying and redemptive narrative unfolds with cinematic clarity, and Joanna's journey is sure to have readers holding their breath for her until the last page." And Booklist adds, "This is an outstanding series of novels about a fascinating craft. Quilting, in the hands of Chiaverini, allows us to explore human relationships in all their complexity."
Please visit the "Books" section of my website for more information about THE LOST QUILTER, including a sneak peek at Chapter One. Please also click on the “Events” link to see if my book tour will bring me to a town near you.
Last month, Elm Creek Readers from the Milwaukee area were dismayed by the news that the wonderful independent bookstore, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops, will be closing at the end of March. As readers who have attended any of my many appearances at the Brookfield store will confirm, this is my very favorite bookshop, and my events there have been the highlight of every book tour.
Please join me and authors Elizabeth Berg and Jane Hamilton as we bid a fond farewell to one of our favorite places and some of the best booksellers I've had the good fortune to meet. Here are the details:
HARRY SCHWARTZ GOODBYE BASH
with authors Elizabeth Berg, Jennifer Chiaverini, and Jane Hamilton
Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 PM
Harry Schwartz Bookshop
17145-D W. Bluemound Rd
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-797-6140
brookfield@schwartzbooks.com
The new Elm Creek Quilts novel, The Lost Quilter, will not be available at this event, but it will be available at an event that I hope will become a new tradition. The Harry Schwartz Bookshop in Mequon will be reopening as a new bookstore, Next Chapter Books, and they're eager to welcome Elm Creek Readers from the Milwaukee area and beyond to celebrate the launch of my new novel.
THE LOST QUILTER with Jennifer Chiaverini
Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 PM
Next Chapter Bookshop (formerly the Harry Schwartz Bookshop in Mequon)
10976 N. Port Washington Rd.
Mequon, WI 53092
I hope to see lots of Elm Creek Readers as we say goodbye to one favorite bookstore and celebrate the opening of the Next Chapter.
Hello, Elm Creek Readers! My wonderful editor, Denise Roy, is working on an exciting new project and she needs your help. Please read her message below and write to her if you’d like to share your stories of marital bliss (or otherwise) for the book, Whom Not to Marry.
Thanks in advance for helping my dear friend with her new book!
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Calling all readers: I'm teaming up with one of the most famous priests in America to bring you the best dating and relationship advice. Want a piece of the action? Here's the story:
Last summer Maureen Dowd wrote a column titled "An Ideal Husband," featuring love advice from Fr. Pat Connor, a 79-year-old Catholic priest born based in Bordentown, N.J., who has spent his celibate life mulling what it takes to achieve marital bliss.
The next day, Fr. Pat charmed the world with more advice for young adults (who you should and shouldn't marry, why you can't change a man, etc.) on the Today Show (Watch the segment here). And in the spring of next year, his book Whom Not To Marry: 50 Years of Wisdom From America's Most Beloved Priest will be in stores everywhere.
Fr. Pat is looking for your stories – the good, the bad, the ugly and especially the funny.
• When did you start thinking seriously about getting married?
• What advice did your Grandmother give you about dating and marriage
• What advice did your parents give you about meeting Mr./Ms. Right?
• In previous relationships, when did you realize that s/he wasn't "the one"?
• If you're engaged or married, when did you realize that this was "the one"?
• What advice would you give to an engaged couple?
• What advice would you give to a newlywed couple?
• If you've been married for a few years, what advice do you wish you'd received?
• Any dating and marriage questions for Fr. Pat or me? Send those, too!
Email your stories, with your age and name (it doesn't have to be your real name – priests are good at keeping secrets, so you can trust in the anonymity here!), to whomnottomarry@gmail.com.
Most of my Wisconsin readers are probably already aware of the sad news that the Harry Schwartz Bookshops will be closing at the end of March. Unfortunately, this means that my April 7th visit to the Brookfield store will not go on as scheduled. I know many of you count on my regular visits to the Brookfield store, and I too am terribly disappointed to see those wonderful events sponsored by Schwartz come to an end.
We're working to reschedule an event in the Milwaukee area, and I will post the details here and on my events page as soon as I know more. In the meantime, if you'd like to learn more about the passing of an icon of the independent bookselling world, please see this piece in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
"Bookselling was and is for me a cultural and political expression, an expression of progressive change, of challenge to oppressive authority, of a search for a community of values which can act as an underpinning of a better world. The true profit in bookselling is the social profit; the bottom line, the measure of the impact of the bookshop on the community."
Praise for THE LOST QUILTER from Publishers Weekly
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Lost Quilter: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel Jennifer Chiaverini. Simon & Schuster, $24 (352p) ISBN 978-1-4165-3316-0
In her 14th series installment, Chiaverini picks up the threads from The Runaway Quilt to spin another tale of adventure, love, perseverance and, of course, quilting. When Sylvia Bergstrom Compson and her staff find a stash of old letters hidden in an antique desk in the manor's attic, the story whips back to 1859 to recount the travails of the formidable Joanna North, an escaped slave who spent a brief respite at Elm Creek Farm. Joanna is recaptured and sent back to the Virginia plantation she thought she had finally escaped, and is eventually dispatched to Charleston to work under her former master's demanding newlywed niece, Miss Evangeline. As the Civil War looms, Joanna learns that for a slave, nothing—love, family, loyalty—is sacred or certain, and she never ceases plotting her final escape in the patterns of her scrap quilting. This satisfying and redemptive narrative unfolds with cinematic clarity, and Joanna's journey is sure to have readers holding their breath for her until the last page. (Apr.)
Hello, quilting friends! This may be the oddest research question I've had for you yet, but you've never let me down before.
Do you know of any celebrities who quilt? Not quilting celebrities, such as Ami Simms or Alex Anderson, who are celebrities of the quilting world, but famous people or personalities who enjoy quilting?
Tonight's return engagement at the Oshkosh Public Library is cancelled due to heavy snowfall and poor driving conditions. I'm very sorry and hope to reschedule in the spring.
I’m very pleased to announce the publication of my thirteenth Elm Creek Quilts book, The Quilter’s Kitchen, a collection of 100 delicious recipes stitched together with a little story about friendship and celebrating traditions, old and new.
For the Elm Creek Quilters, sharing recipes and dishes is a natural extension of the fellowship of their craft. Yet even the fondest of traditions can benefit from innovation, so Master Quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson endeavors to “clear out the old and make way for the new” in Elm Creek Manor’s kitchen, which hasn’t been renovated for decades. At her side is Chef Anna, one of the newest members of the circle of quilters, who has accepted the position on the condition of the kitchen upgrade. She’s hoping to elevate her own status, too, from colleague to trusted friend.
Please click on the “Events” link to see if my book tour will bring me to a town near you.
Remember, today is the last day to join in my publisher's special promotion for Elm Creek Readers!
"Celebrate the launch of the newest Elm Creek Quilts Novel, The Winding Ways Quilt, by entering to win a book plate signed by Jennifer Chiaverini. Just buy your copy of the novel, at any bookstore, on any day from April 1 through April 7. Then send an email to elmcreekquilts@simonandschuster.com. You must include your name, your mailing address, the name of the store where you purchased your book, and your date of purchase. If you’ve already pre-ordered a copy at your favorite online retailer, you’re still eligible to win—just convince a friend to purchase a book, email both sets of contact and purchase information, and you’ll each receive a book plate. So mark your calendars for April 1, and don’t wait to enter—quantities of these beautiful, signed book plates are limited."
I'm pleased to announce that my publisher is sponsoring a special promotion for Elm Creek Readers!
"Celebrate the launch of the newest Elm Creek Quilts Novel, The Winding Ways Quilt, by entering to win a book plate signed by Jennifer Chiaverini. Just buy your copy of the novel, at any bookstore, on any day from April 1 through April 7. Then send an email to elmcreekquilts@simonandschuster.com. You must include your name, your mailing address, the name of the store where you purchased your book, and your date of purchase. If you’ve already pre-ordered a copy at your favorite online retailer, you’re still eligible to win—just convince a friend to purchase a book, email both sets of contact and purchase information, and you’ll each receive a book plate. So mark your calendars for April 1, and don’t wait to enter—quantities of these beautiful, signed book plates are limited."
If you are a Hawaiian quilter (someone who actually lives or used to live in Hawaii, not just someone who makes Hawaiian-style quilts) and wouldn't mind helping me with a project, would you please drop me a line?
If you aren't a Hawaiian quilter but know one, would you please put her/him in touch with me?
Check your mailbox or your favorite quilt shop for the September 2007 issue of Quilters Newsletter Magazine for the first installment of my three-part story, "The Fabric Diary," introducing a new character who will appear in The New Year's Quilt in November. In this QNM exclusive, quilter Adele Crosier buys a Manhattan bed-and-breakfast and inherits the mysteries of the quilts discovered within.
Please note that my book signings at the American Quilter's Society show in Paducah, KY this weekend have been cancelled. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope that I will meet those Elm Creek Readers elsewhere on my travels.
I'm thrilled to announce that my new novel, The Quilter's Homecoming, has reached #19 on The New York Times bestsellers list! I am very grateful to my loyal readers who made this possible by sharing their love for the Elm Creek Quilts series with their friends. Thanks for spreading the word about my books, for sending me such encouraging letters and emails, and for inspiring me with your love for Sylvia and friends. Thanks to your ongoing support, we can look forward to many return visits to the world of Elm Creek Quilts in the years to come.
A limited number of autographed copies of The Quilter's Homecoming are on sale now from one of my favorite bookstores, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop. Click here to order online.
The finalists for the Elm Creek Quilts Block Design Contest have been chosen. It was very difficult to select only 10 of the 36 beautiful entries that were received, but the judges finally achieved a consensus after evaluating the blocks on their creativity, artistry, technical merit, and best expression of contest theme. The quilters' names were NOT associated with the blocks at any point during the evaluation process.
Now it is up to the Elm Creek Readers to choose the winner! Please view all 10 finalist blocks and vote for the design you think best represents Elm Creek Quilts. The winning block design will become the new symbol for Elm Creek Quilts.
Please click here to see the 10 finalists and vote for your favorite.
Thanks to all who participated! Look for more contests on the Elm Creek Quilts website soon.
Good news from Simon & Schuster! The German rights for The Christmas Quilt have sold to Welbild. They will publish a German translation of the novel in the fall.
Exclusive Quilt Block Pattern Available From Barnes & Noble.com
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
To celebrate the publication of Circle of Quilters, Barnes & Noble is offering one of my original quilt block designs as a free, exclusive download on their website. The block, Mill Girls, appears in the antique quilt made by Harriet Findley Birch, an abandoned treasure that inspires Maggie Flynn to investigate the quiltmaker's past -- and to become a quilter herself.
Click here to visit the Circle of Quilters page on the Barnes & Noble website. Look in the navigation column on the left (under the "of interest" headline) to download the Mill Girls block pattern.
Update: No more blocks needed! Thanks to everyone who pitched in.
As frequent visitors to the Elm Creek Readers' Circle already know, C&T has agreed to publish a third Elm Creek Quilts pattern book! One of the projects included in the book will be a reproduction of the Chimneys and Cornerstone quilt Great-Aunt Lucinda sews for Sylvia's cousin, Elizabeth, upon the occasion of her marriage and move to a ranch in southern California.
Would you like to help me make this quilt? I need 80 kind, generous, and able quilters to assist me by making a block for a Chimneys and Cornerstones quilt. Here are the requirements:
(1) Piece a 7" finished (7.5" unfinished) Chimneys and Cornerstones block using prewashed green and blue fabrics for the dark "logs," cream, off-white, or light beige for the light logs, and solid red fabric for the small squares. The logs are cut 1.5" wide for a finished width of 1". The length of the logs varies. (Please see illustrations below.)
(2) There are two variations of the Chimneys and Cornerstones block included in the quilt:
Variation #1: 48 blocks needed.Update:No more blocks needed.
Variation #2: 32 blocks needed.Update:No more blocks needed.
(Blocks are not pictured actual size.)
(3) Please sign a 2.5" plain background fabric square with your name, city, state/province, and country. Please use permanent ink and take care to avoid writing in the .25" seam allowance. These signature squares will appear on the back of the quilt.
(4) Mail your block and signature square to: Elm Creek Quilts, PO Box 620824, Middleton, WI 53562 USA
(5) Please note:
* Since the blocks will be sewn into one quilt, your block cannot be returned to you.
* A photo of the quilt will appear in my third pattern book from C&T Publishing, not in an Elm Creek Quilts novel.
* If you want to participate, you will need to sign a release form for publication.
* Be sure to let me know if you do not want to be identified on this web site and/or in the book as a contributor to the quilt.
* If I receive more than 80 blocks, 80 will be chosen at random for the quilt top. Any remaining blocks will appear on the back with the signature squares, but all will be included as long as they meet the requirements.
* Blocks that do not meet the pattern, fabric, or size requirements, or that arrive too late after the deadline to be included in the quilt, will be used for charitable purposes to be determined later.
(6) Please write to me by using the Contact form on my website to let me know you're participating. Please let me know which variation of the Chimneys and Cornerstones block you plan to make.
Deadline for blocks to arrive at Elm Creek Quilts is August 1, 2006 -- or until enough blocks are received. Thanks in advance for your help!
Warning for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler Quilters: Although they are presented in the same style, these patterns are not interchangeable with the patterns for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. The Chimneys and Cornerstones block in Sylvia's Bridal Sampler is 6", while Elizabeth's Chimneys and Cornerstones quilt uses 7" blocks.
I have some bad news. Due to blizzards in Minneapolis and bad weather elsewhere, I won't be able to get in to San Diego for my visit to the Friendship Quilters. I'm very disappointed to cancel the trip, but the airline couldn't reroute me so that I would make it to San Diego in time.
If you were planning to meet me, please accept my apologies. I'm just as disappointed as you are!
I can't believe I overlooked Kimberly Camou's January 3rd comment in the Readers' Circle until now. Kimberly reports:
I found an online store that will have the new fabric collection in March.
Jennifer, I can’t wait until you post pics of all the swatches, but so far, from what I’ve seen, they look just beautiful! Thanks again for all you do!
I have posted the remaining swatches in the Gallery since then, but Kimberly, here's a belated thank you for keeping me informed. What would I do without my readers?
Due to an ongong problem with my email and my web hosting service's refusal to address the problem or respond to the tickets I've been submitting for almost two months, I will be switching web hosting services sometime within the next two weeks. During the time we are switiching over, the website -- and my email -- might be down for as much as 48 hours. I'll keep you posted.
I just updated the "Events" section of the website with more information about the upcoming book tour. Why not check it out and see if I'm coming to a bookstore near you?
My newest fabric line, "Elm Creek Quilts: The Christmas Quilt Collection" is now online. Click on the "Gallery" link above to see swatches.
I'm afraid that I do not have a list of quilt shops that will be carrying the fabric line, just as I do not receive a list of book stores that carry my novels. (I wish I did!) Your best bet is to call your favorite quilt shop and ask them to carry it.
Yesterday I received my author copies of the paperback edition of The Sugar Camp Quilt:
In the past, the paperback edition of the previous year's Elm Creek Quilts novel has been released at the same time as the current year's new hardcover, but the paperback edition of The Sugar Camp Quilt is coming out early this year, on January 10th. As a special bonus, Simon & Schuster has included an excerpt from Circle of Quilters, which will be published in April.
If you would like to order an autographed copy of The Christmas Quilt for yourself or as a gift for a favorite quilting friend, the Harry Schwartz Bookshop in Brookfield, WI has offered to take your order through the internet and ship the book to you. Place your order before my appearance there on Thursday, November 17th, and I will be able to personalize it as you wish.
If you need a little Christmas right this very minute, I have good news... Today is the official publication date of The Christmas Quilt! If your local bookstore isn't carrying it, demand that they order some copies. Go ahead. Make a scene!
Welcome to your new and improved Elm Creek Quilts online! I hope you enjoy the new look of my site, courtesy of Joelle Reeder at Moxie Design Studios. To celebrate the launch of my new site, the first ten people who register as Elm Creek Readers will win a fat quarter bundle from my new fabric line, Elm Creek Quilts: The Christmas Quilt Collection.
Feel free to explore the features of my new site. Enjoy!
UPDATE: The first ten official Elm Creek Readers have already registered, but you can still join the Readers' Circle and enjoy the special features available to members only
The December issue of Country Marketplace magazine includes an interview with me about my writing and quilting. They provide a quilt pattern designed by Laura Blanchard in my Gerda's Collection from Red Rooster Fabrics, and they also offer an address where you can send a SASE for a second pattern. Following the article is an ad for a drawing for all sorts of Elm Creek Quilts books and fabrics.
If the article doesn't satisfy your curiosity about the world of Elm Creek Quilts, remember to send in your questions to Elm Creek Quilts Radio at radio AT elmcreek DOT net.
As part of an upcoming design overhaul of this website, I am toying with the idea of starting a weekly podcast. I would like to include reader questions as a part of the program, so if you want to satisfy your curiosity about all things Elm Creek, please email your questions to radio AT elmcreek DOT net. If I read your question on the air, I will send you an Elm Creek Quilts pin.
I'm very happy to report that Library Journal has given THE CHRISTMAS QUILT a starred review! Among other lovely things, they write, "Even readers unfamiliar with the series will enjoy this charming story of love and family."
I have spent most of the last three days enjoying the Wisconsin Quilt Expo here in my beautiful hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, courtesy of Wisconsin Public Television and Nancy's Notions. It was a wonderful show and here's hoping it becomes an annual event.
I apologize for not taking more photos and for the poor quality of those I do have. I can't explain why the ones my husband took are so blurry. Did the lighting interfere with the autofocus? Did the camera feel unworthy of the dazzling beauty of the quilts so it trembled in awe? Your guess is as good as mine. Now, on to the photos:
This is my dear friend Anne Spurgeon in the Capital Candlelighters booth selling raffle tickets for the Authors' Album quilt. She is also displaying some of the panels from the Wisconsin Childhood Cancer Awareness Quilt. Go, Anne! You're my hero.
Here I am on the second day of the show signing books on the main stage. Yes, I am trying to grow out my hair again but no, it doesn't always look this bad. There is a story behind this involving a stylist who forgot the appointment and a 40-minute wait at the salon and a fifteen-minute haircut because I was late for a meeting, but I won't bore you with it.
This is me again, very blurry, on stage while Anne's husband and a show volunteer hang the quilt. I'm making a last minute appeal for folks to buy tickets!
The moment we've been waiting for has arrived. Anne helps Nicholas draw the winning entry.
We have a winner! I announce the lucky winner of the Authors' Album quilt.
And the winner is...
Jennifer Hermann of Ventura, CA!
Congratulations, Jennifer -- and my heartfelt thanks to you and to everyone who participated for supporting Capital Candlelighters and the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Due to the overwhelmingly positive response from quilters worldwide, the Quilters Comfort America project has received more than enough quilts to place with evacuees. If you were planning on sending us a quilt but have not yet, we urge you to find use for it to help those within your own community. Thank you for your efforts.
For a summary of the project, including photos, please visit the Quilts, Inc. website.
I'm very proud that so many Elm Creek Readers helped make Quilters Comfort America such an overwhelming success. I also second Karey's suggestion to seek out other opportunities to share your quilting talents and other resources with those in need in your own community.
As evacuees are finding temporary residences in communities across the country, local groups have been organizing efforts to furnish housing for them. If you donate quilts to a relief effort in your own town instead, you are eligible for the Elm Creek Quilts giveaways, too.
When you write in to tell me about your participation, please let me know which book and/or Elm Creek Quilts fat quarter you would like, and where I should send them.
I am sending you photos of my "Sarah's Sampler". It is 100% hand pieced and I plan to hand quilt it as well. Our LQS has a book club and we have read all your books and made this quilt as part of our meetings. We are currently doing a swap quilt of Sylvia's Wedding Quilt. Needless to say, we are anxious for the next book to come out.
Hope you like my effort
Daniece Clark
Arlington Texas
I like your effort very much, Daniece! Thanks for sharing your photos.
I am thrilled that so many Elm Creek Readers have responded to the calls for quilts for Quilters Comfort America and funds for the American Red Cross! Based upon some of the emails I've received, though, I did want to make one important point: I did not organize Quilters Comfort America. Karey Patterson Bresenhan and the generous people at International Quilt Festival did. I was simply passing along their announcement.
The boys are napping, so I'm going to put some finishing touches on a few quilts of my own to donate.
How Quilters Can Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina
Thursday, September 01, 2005
This comes to us from Karey Patterson Bresenhan, director of the International Quilt Festival:
QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA
A Cooperative Project
To Comfort Victims of Hurricane Katrina
To quilters everywhere:
The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast is beyond belief. Here in Houston our hearts are heavy with sorrow for all the horrible losses, and we are preparing to welcome the thousands of refugees that are being bussed to us because they have lost their homes or have no access to whatever is left of their homes. Like so many other people, we want to help. Knowing quilters, we think you want to help, too, because there are no more generous, giving, open-hearted people than quilters.
Therefore, we are launching a two-part drive for Hurricane Katrina relief, and we urge you to join us in this project. We're calling it QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA.
PART 1: Urgent Donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
We will match EVERY donation made by quilters to the American Red Cross, up to a maximum of $10,000, on a dollar for dollar basis. In other words, if you make a $25 donation, we'll match that with another $25 donation. If you make a $100 donation, we'll match that with another $100 donation, right up to the maximum. To avoid delays in your donations reaching the Red Cross, and because we have trusted quilters for more than 30 years now, just email us with the amount of your donation that you sent to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Every penny of every donation--up to $10,000--will be matched by International Quilt Festival. You have my word on that. Please use this email address: exec5@quilts.com and use the subject line: RED CROSS DONATION.
PART 2: QUILTS FOR COMFORT
Many thousands of the Katrina refugees are being sent to Houston RIGHT NOW, and no one knows how long they will have to be here. Most of them escaped the hurricane's fury with only the clothes on their backs--nothing more--and they may have absolutely nothing to go home to. They don't even know. The Astrodome is ready as temporary housing, but there is a serious shortage of bedding. Part 2 of QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA is the collection of quilts of all kinds to be distributed to the refugees here in Houston so that they have something soft to sleep on instead of the hard concrete floors of the temporary shelters and something warm to cover up with against the chill of otherwise welcome air-conditioning (we've been in the 90s and 100s for weeks now).
Many of us have unfinished projects filling our closets and cupboards. Get out one of those projects--twin size preferred but
no smaller than baby quilt size, please--and finish it up for this. Use lightweight batting--do whatever binding is the quickest, even a close zigzag stitch. You don't have to quilt it--tie it! If you have only small projects, add borders. Think about a mother lying on the floor cradling her baby--that's the size quilt we need to provide. These quilts are not meant to be heirlooms, although they will probably be treasured for many years as a symbol of the caring of strangers. Tie them, machine quilt them, work in a group with your friends and finish several on an assembly line, do whatever it takes to get these finished quickly. THE NEED FOR THESE QUILTS IS RIGHT NOW! If you already have some finished pieces that you don't have plans for, send them too, as long as they are no smaller than baby quilt size. If you are a professional, you may have sample quilts that have become shop-worn or faded but are still clean and very usable in an emergency--send them!--we are IN an emergency! Be sure to put a label on the back of your quilt or sign it with a kind thought and your name and date. Every piece will go to a refugee family driven from their homes by the hurricane.
To participate in QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA, send an email to exec5@quilts.com (subject line: COMFORT AMERICA) to let us know how many quilts you are sending. That will help us help the Red Cross in its planning. Please do not expect a confirmation that your quilt has been received or any kind of nice thank-you. Sometimes we just have to do things because they are the RIGHT things to do--this is one of those times. People need help...the kind of help WE can give.
Use this address to send your quilt/s: COMFORT AMERICA PROJECT
c/o International Festival
7660 Woodway, Suite 550
Houston, TX 77063
Please note: for security, do NOT use the word 'quilt' ANYWHERE in your address label!
Many of us have also amassed linen closets full of old but completely usable sheets--perhaps a size you no longer use, or juvenile prints that your college age kids don't like anymore. Clean sheets and blankets are also most welcome to QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA. Naturally, everything should be clean and fresh. These folks have lived with enough mud and dirt to last them the rest of their lives--let's give them a clean bed to rest in. Please note that we cannot use fabric, patterns, scraps, etc.
Quilt Festival will serve as the collection point for these quilts, and we will deliver them DAILY to the American Red Cross staffing the refugee centers in Houston, where they will be distributed by the Red Cross volunteers. Because we are right here in Houston where more than 25,000 of the refugees will be, we can make a difference RIGHT NOW...if you'll help.
Time is critical--the need is NOW! People are arriving by the hour, children are bedding down on the cold concrete, bedding is needed by people of all ages who have lost everything in this horrible storm. Please help if you can. If you live in or around Houston, you are welcome to hand deliver your donations to us. Our address is 7660 Woodway, Suite 550, Houston 77063. You can find it on Mapquest. Please note that this is one block of Woodway that runs perpendicular to all the rest of Woodway.
Thanks to everyone!
QUILTERS COMFORT AMERICA.
Karey Patterson Bresenhan
Director, International Quilt Festival--Houston and Chicago
A NOTE TO MY ELM CREEK READERS:
If you donate $25 or more to the American Red Cross between now and September 30, send or email me a copy of your receipt and I will mail you an Elm Creek Quilts pin AND and a fat quarter of the Elm Creek Quilts fabric of your choice. If you donate a quilt to Quilters Comfort America before September 30, I will send you an autographed Elm Creek Quilts novel of your choice. (Email me a picture of yourself with the quilt or quilts you are donating.) Since time is of the essence, the book giveaway is limited to the first 100 Elm Creek Readers to respond. Pins and fabric will be given out as long as supplies last. I would be thrilled if you used up my supply of pins!
The need is urgent. You can make a difference. Let's show the world what the spirit of quilting is all about by offering comfort to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
I am very pleased to announce that The Sugar Camp Quilt was nominated for a Publishers WeeklyQuill Award. "The Quills has been created as an annual awards program designed to celebrate and honor the most popular and prestigious authors of fiction and non-fiction," writes Chairman Gerry Byrne. Nominees were selected by "an invitation-only national board of booksellers and librarians," but the final winners will be determined by readers' votes at bookstores and online.
Before all you Elm Creek Readers rush out and vote for me (because you are all so sweet and wonderful I know that you would do exactly that), unfortunately, I was not selected as one of the finalists. But considering that the finalists in my category are Isabel Allende, Nick Hornby, Sue Monk Kidd, Marilynne Robinson, and Philip Roth, I am tremendously honored and humbled just to be nominated.
Voting will take place August 15-September 15 at www.quillsvote.com and at Borders stores nationwide. I for one am going to have a difficult time choosing between the excellent books these authors published this year.
S&S has moved back the publication date for The Christmas Quilt to November. I'm not sure why; perhaps November is a more Christmasy month than October...?
Since the books won't be ready in time for the Pacific International Quilt Festival, my publisher has cancelled my appearance in Santa Clara in October. Currently they still plan to send me to the International Quilt Festival in Houston, because books will be available by the end of the month.
In other news, today I wrote the first 1,025 words of the 10th Elm Creek Quilts novel. I have a working title in mind, but it is a carefully guarded secret. That means I've tested it on my husband and mother to make sure they didn't recoil in disgust but I haven't told anyone else.
If my publisher doesn't like it, I can always have another "Name the Book" contest since it was such a success the first time!
My publicist has given me the preliminary book tour schedule for April 2006. She did consider everyone's suggestions, but please keep in mind that she can only send me to cities where a bookstore has offered to host an event. Unfortunately, no bookstore invitation=no book tour stop in that town.
Here's the list, subject to change:
Birmingham, AL
Blytheville, AR
Chicago, IL
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Iowa City, IA
Jackson, MS
Jacksonville, FL
Madison, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Oxford, MS
Paducah, KY
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
More details -- including dates, times, and bookstores -- will come in early 2006.
Now the boys and I are off to Southern California to visit my mom and research Elm Creek Quilts #10.
To help celebrate the paperback release of her most recent mystery novel, THE HALO EFFECT, author and popular lit blogger M. J. Rose is sponsoring the inaugural "GOOD BOOKS/GOOD CAUSE BLOG-A-THON" campaign.
For every blog that links to a short animated film advertising THE HALO EFFECT before July 19, M. J. Rose's pledge supporters -- her publisher, agent, family and friends -- will collectively donate $5 to the nonprofit literacy organization, Reading Is Fundamental.
Her goal is to have at least 500 blogs link to the site and raise $2500+ for the charity.
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of London as they recover from the terrorist attacks in their city.
These were acts of hatred and cruelty, but also of cowardice and of evil. There are few black-and-white areas in our complex world, but this is certainly one of them: Nothing justifies the murder of innocent civilians. It is wrong, it is criminal, it is sinful, and it will not succeed. Anyone who believes otherwise has not learned the lessons of history.
"I want to say one thing specifically to the world today. This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty and the powerful. It was not aimed at Presidents or Prime Ministers. It was aimed at ordinary, working-class Londoners, black and white, Muslim and Christian, Hindu and Jew, young and old. It was an indiscriminate attempt to slaughter, irrespective of any considerations for age, for class, for religion, or whatever.
"That isn't an ideology, it isn't even a perverted faith -- it is just an indiscriminate attempt at mass murder and we know what the objective is. They seek to divide Londoners. They seek to turn Londoners against each other. I said yesterday to the International Olympic Committee, that the city of London is the greatest in the world, because everybody lives side by side in harmony. Londoners will not be divided by this cowardly attack. They will stand together in solidarity alongside those who have been injured and those who have been bereaved and that is why I'm proud to be the mayor of that city.
"Finally, I wish to speak directly to those who came to London today to take life.
"I know that you personally do not fear giving up your own life in order to take others --? that is why you are so dangerous. But I know you fear that you may fail in your long-term objective to destroy our free society and I can show you why you will fail.
"In the days that follow look at our airports, look at our sea ports and look at our railway stations and, even after your cowardly attack, you will see that people from the rest of Britain, people from around the world will arrive in London to become Londoners and to fulfill their dreams and achieve their potential.
"They choose to come to London, as so many have come before because they come to be free, they come to live the life they choose, they come to be able to be themselves. They flee you because you tell them how they should live. They don't want that and nothing you do, however many of us you kill, will stop that flight to our city where freedom is strong and where people can live in harmony with one another. Whatever you do, however many you kill, you will fail."
Those of us who share your dream of peace and freedom grieve with you, London. May the resilience and steadfastness for which you are justly praised sustain you in this difficult time.
The boys and I are in Sewickley, PA -- a one-time home of Sylvia Compson -- to visit Marty's family and tape an interview with WQED. I skipped a trip to the park with Grandpa so I could bask in the air conditioned, WiFi-equipped comfort of the Starbucks on Beaver Street. Why, you ask?
1) I desperately needed a double Awake tea with skim milk and a slice of banana bread.
2) I wanted to check my email in case Oprah wrote. (You never know.)
3) I was eager to show you that I finished the Dear Jane block I began yesterday, lest any of you think it's destined to become a UFO:
Today a camera crew from WQED-Pittsburgh Public Television came to my in-laws' house to interview me for a documentary about Pennsylvania quilts and quilters. Here I am in their living room quilting for the camera:
If you look carefully, you can see that I'm working on a Dear Jane block:
(Has it really been seven months since I last finished a block for my Baby Jane quilt? Please don't tell Brenda.)
If I don't end up on the cutting room floor, you can see me on various Pennsylvania public television stations in October. The program will also be offered to affiliates accross the country, so when I have more details, I'll pass them along so you can ask your local PBS station to carry it.
How did you enjoy your holiday? I spent it with my family -- and with the copyedited manuscript of Circle of Quilters, trying to answer all the queries by the July 12th deadline.
The boys and I are heading to Pennsylvania tomorrow so I can be interviewed for a public television documentary on quilting in the state. I will probably be offline for a few days, but I left plenty of patterns on Sylvia's Bridal Sampler Blog to keep you busy in my absence.
Winners of the "Return to Elm Creek" Quilt Contest
Friday, July 01, 2005
Congratulations to Cindie Ignash and Shelley Stevens, who won the "Return to Elm Creek" Quilt Contest by completing a quilt from my second pattern book, Return to Elm Creek, by June 30, 2005 and sending in a picture of their work.
Cindie decided to make "Gerda's Shoo-Fly":
Cindie writes: "This was a great contest and really inspired me. I chose Gerda's Shoo-fly because "The Runaway Quilt" was the first of your books I ever read and I connected with the character Gerda. Needless to say I was hooked. My daughter (working at a bookstore) ordered all your other books for me. I have read them all (most twice). Back to the quilt... All fabrics excluding the black were hand-dyed by me. This quilt will accompany my son to college and is backed with a multi colored flame to give it a masculine touch. The colors represent our Chakra colors and help provide balance and comfort to those wrapped in them. I included the "Humility" block to remind him that not everyone is perfect and does not have to be... Thanks so much for the inspiration."
Shelley created her own version of "Miss Langley's Lessons":
Shelley writes: "Today I finished my quilt for the contest posted on your website. I chose "Miss Langley's Lessons". I chose colors from an upholstery fabric I had. I used remnants from the fabric store and other fabric that I had on hand. What a great time I had in putting this all together! Thanks for the inspiration!"
Both Cindie and Shelley have won a collection of nifty Elm Creek Quilts Prizes:
One fat quarter bundle of SYLVIA'S COLLECTION from Red Rooster Fabrics
One fat quarter bundle of GERDA'S COLLECTION from Red Rooster Fabrics
One fat quarter bundle of THE CROSS COUNTY-QUILTERS' COLLECTION from Red Rooster Fabrics
An Elm Creek Quilts pin
An autographed copy of the seventh Elm Creek Quilts Novel, THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT
Are you finding it difficult to wait an entire year between visits to Elm Creek Manor? Are you one of the many people who has written to me begging me to write faster? Well, I've listened and I've understood. More importantly, my publisher cares about keeping Elm Creek Readers happy -- and the proof is that a few months ago, they asked me to write an additional book for them this year.
I'm pleased to introduce the eighth Elm Creek Quilts novel:
The Christmas Quilt -- coming in October 2005 from Simon & Schuster.
Earlier today, my wonderful publicist at Simon & Schuster called to tell me which cities they are considering for the April 2006 book tour for Circle of Quilters. Since they have chosen only 12 of the 15 cities, she wanted me to offer suggestions for the remaining three. Are there any particular cities, she asked, where many readers have requested a visit?
I thought I'd bring the question directly to you. Would you like your city added to the Circle of Quilters book tour next year? Now's your chance to write to me and tell me so. I promise to pass along all suggestions to S&S -- and maybe I'll be seeing you in April.
The Blogger problems I mentioned a few posts ago have not subsided, so I'm taking drastic measures... I'm transferring the blog files from my server to the Blogger server in hopes that this will allow me to post again.
Unfortunately, this means I will probably lose all of the reader replies to earlier posts -- but please don't let all those "0 Comments" lines discourage you from joining in the conversation. The Blogger menubar will also appear at the top of the page, so please note that if you click on the "Next Blog" link, the page you are taken to is not affiliated with me or Elm Creek Online.
Many Elm Creek Readers have written to ask when I will publish a pattern book of all the blocks included in Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. Unfortunately, I don't have a an answer to that question -- but why wait for a book? I have begun a new blog for posting patterns for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. I will try to present one block each week, more if I have the time.
I hope my quilting Elm Creek Readers will post updates about their progress as they create their own samplers.
Time is running out for you to enter the RETURN TO ELM CREEK Quilt Contest. Photos of your quilts are due June 30. Don't miss out on those nifty prizes!
If you live in Madison and you've considered joining the Mad City Quilters quilt guild, this would be a good night to check out the group:
Mark Your Calendar Now! Mad City Quilt Guild 2005 Annual Picnic
Program and Elections
Joint Meeting for Afternoon & Evening Members
Monday, June 13, 7-8:30 PM
Midvale Lutheran Church on Tokay and Midvale, 4329 Tokay Blvd
Strawberries & Chocolate Desserts and Beverages
Refreshments courtesy of the current MCQG Board
Program: Jennifer Chiaverini & Anne Spurgeon present
the Authors' Album Quilt for Candlelighters
Raffle tickets available for $5 each
Because so many wonderful Elm Creek Readers ran out and bought The Sugar Camp Quilt when the book tour brought me out your way that it climbed to #5 on both the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News best seller lists.
I'm sorry I haven't written in so long! I'm in the fourth week of a five-week book tour, and I've hardly had time to catch my breath, much less sit down at the computer and add to my blog. Quilters in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana have been coming out to welcome me. It's been fun to meet so many of the readers in person after meeting them online.
Will the Elm Creek Readers of Tennessee come out and top everyone by showing us what Southern Hospitality is like? I'll find out this week, when I'll hold readings in Memphis, Jackson, and Nashville. Then it's off to Paducah for the AQS quilt show.
Last Friday evening, after a rousing discussion of The Sugar Camp Quilt with a fun bunch of Gentle Readers at the Buckhill Book Shop, my editor, agent, publicist, and I went through the list of submissions to the Title Elm Creek Quilts Novel #8 contest. Several strong candidates emerged as early favorites, but after a lengthy discussion--so lengthy we closed the restaurant--a winner emerged.
The eighth Elm Creek Quilts novel will be called...CIRCLE OF QUILTERS!
Congratulations to Julie T. of Oakton, VA, whose submission won her an autographed copy of the book, which will be published in April 2006.
The book tour for The Sugar Camp Quilt officially begins today with a reading and signing at the Barnes & Noble here in Madison. Hope to see many Elm Creek Readers there!
The deadline for submitting entries to the Title the Book contest has passed. Thanks to everyone who participated. My editor, agent, and publicist are meeting me in Lancaster, PA tomorrow where we will discuss the entries and pick a winner.
...up for grabs, and is a significant source of anxiety for me right now. I need a title, and not just any old title. My publisher requires all of my books to have some variant of the word "quilt" in the title, or else you may not realize that you should buy it.
The eighth Elm Creek Quilts novel picks up not long after The Master Quilter ends. Sylvia and the gang are searching for two new Elm Creek Quilters to join the team. The story focuses on five candidates for the job -- who they are, why they quilt and what kind of quilts they make, what crises in their lives have brought them to the point where they are drawn to a chance to work at Elm Creek Quilt Camp.
My proposed title for the book is The Quilters In Question. I believe it identifies the main focus of the story as the five applicants who are under consideration for the job, while also alluding to the questing and questioning that takes place. I think it hints that something hangs in the balance, that there are unresolved issues that the story will reveal. The alliteration is a nice touch, too.
My editor, however, is concerned that The Quilters In Question suggests that the quilters have done something wrong. I honestly never thought of the phrase that way, and I'm wondering what my Gentle Readers think.
Do you like The Quilters In Question? Do you think it sounds like a book about quilters who have done something bad, or perhaps worse yet, bad quilters? Does anyone have a better idea? Keep in mind that rule about "quilt" or "quilting" or "quilter" in the title.
The novel is still in the revising stage, but I need to make a decision soon.
