A Quilter's Holiday Charity Quilts

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 were invited to piece a block for charity quilts, choosing a pattern symbolic of their own gratitude. The blocks are being sewn into samplers that will be donated to a wonderful charity, Margaret’s Hope Chest. As a thank you gift, each participant received one limited edition A Quilter's Holiday pin.

“We must never become too busy to help those in need.” —Gretchen Hartley, A Quilter’s Holiday

A Quilter's Holiday Gratitude Quilts








Blocks and Artist's Statements

Kay Ahr, Sparks, NV — Ohio Star

Ohio is where I’m from, so I chose an Ohio Star to show my gratitude. I am so grateful to my Cincinnati family and Cincinnati Public School teachers. They grounded me well in community service and academics. I have lived and worked in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, and now Nevada. I have also worked in Washington, DC. No matter how different neighborhood cultures and job cultures may be in those areas, I can always fall back on that strong work ethic and sense of community from my formative years in Cincinnati, Ohio.


Valerie Almas, British Columbia, Canada — Sarah’s Choice

I chose this block because it reminds me of the Elm Creek Quilts series and all the friendships that are tied together because of quilting. I have a very similar group of friends called the Neighbours in the Hood and we all share a passion for our family, friends and quilting.


Debbie Bogenschutz, Ludlow, KY — Table for Four

My block is a "Table for Four." I'm thankful for family. Three days a week, when my stepson has his four-year-old son, they join us for dinner, and we're a table of four. I love having the opportunity to have an ongoing role in my grandson's life. (I'm thankful for the days it's just me and my husband, too.) I grew up at a table for four. My parents are gone now, but I'm thankful for the love they gave and the lessons they shared. I'm thankful for my brother to whom I've grown even closer as we age. I've attended every one of Jennifer's signings at Joseph-Beth in Cincinnati. I think at the first one I was the only non-relative. Blessings for the holiday season.


Connie Boulay, Campbell, CA — Sister’s Choice

I am grateful for my sisters. I have three, and while we have had our ups and downs, I can’t imagine life without them. One sister, in particular, made a choice recently that I am very happy about. Another recently became a grandmother, not a choice, but a sister event. And the other one is just special, really my closest sister. And the only quilter in the bunch.


Josie Bricco, Ladysmith, WI — Modified Art Square

I chose this block because I am an art teacher. I am very thankful to have a career that allows me so much creative freedom. Because I am also in charge of charity quilts for my local guild, when my block came out a little short of 12 ½ inches, I knew it would have to be modified, I cut it down slightly, and added a border to bring it back to the correct size. This is a trick I often use on donated block so that they will all fit together nicely. We call the finished quilts made with bordered blocks “Square Dance” quilts, since the blocks “dance” around the quilt, due to the multicolored borders on the blocks.


Pamela Bruner — Log Cabin

I am so thankful that I have a house to live in and that I do not have to work outside of my home. I enjoy piecing blocks and sharing them with others.


Carmela Cataudella-Sanzone, West Chester, PA — Pennsylvania

My husband and I have been married for 14 years and we have lived in Pennsylvania for the last 18 years or so. Although I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York, first generation American, I selected the Pennsylvania block to reflect where my husband and I have put down our roots.


Catherine Cisar, Scottsdale, AZ — Combination Star

While many years there is usually one thing that stands out as most meaningful, this year it has been a combination of many things. These include: a job, my family, a beautiful home, and talents to share with others.


Carolyn Clark, Medina, OH — Contrary Husband

I am thankful for my husband of 37 years. He is an old-fashioned, hardworking man who is pampered a home and from time to time a bit contrary. The past year since I was diagnosed with cancer he has been my advocate, caregiver, chauffer, cook, and cleaning man. As I fight this battle it is reassuring to have him working beside me. I am so blessed.


Mary Crowther, Walla Walla, WA — Faux LeMoyne Star

I chose the Faux LeMoyne Star for my block for the Elm Creek Quilts for Charity. It was one of the first blocks I made for my own Sylvia’s Bridal Sapler. I made it the hard way though and my first one was 7”. It took practice to make the 6.5” blocks measure just right. My quilting buddy, Lynn W and I started our SBS just this last July and are nearly done with all the blocks. She has about 10 and I have about 30 more to make. We will be finishing them in the New Year. It was fun to make a 12.5” block after all those 6.5” blocks.


Karen Cyphers, Fort Branch, IN — Best Friend

My grandson Kurt had been scouting deer for several weeks before hunting season opened. On opening day Kurt took his younger brother Kasey to his favorite spot, sat him down, and told him where to look. In about 10 minutes a 9-point buck appeared right where Kurt told him to look. Kasey got his first buck. No matter how much brothers fight they are still Best Friends.


Karen Cyson, St. Cloud, MN — “Whether”vane

I took my first quilt-making class in 1974 at The Country Peddler in St. Paul, MN. At that time templates were made of cereal boxes and all work “must” be done by hand, including quilting through the percale sheets used as backing! My first block, made into a pillow was Weathervane. It’s still my favorite block, but I love quilting “whether” or not I make that block, “whether” I’m quilting with friends or by myself, and even “whether” or not I follow the pattern exactly or even finish the project. I named this variation “Whether”vane in honor of my 35 years of quilting. My block includes fabric from throughout the years, including a piece I purchased that first year.


Lynda DeTray, Napoleon, OH — Right Hand of Friendship

This year was a tough one for me; I lost my mother in April to a fast moving cancer. She was much too young and our goodbyes were much too brief. The only way I got through the pain of this year was with the love and support of caring friends, many of whom I’ve met through quilting. Of course my best friend of all, my husband Jeff, was the friend I leaned on the most. Please accept this block in memory of my mother.


Carol Egan, Saint Paul, MN — Crazy Patch

This block celebrates my gratitude for the many on-line quitters who inspired me to stretch the comfort zone and enjoy liberating quilting, Also, the fall colors represent my favorite time of year!


Elise Fare, Jacksonville, FL — Log Cabin

I chose this block for a number of reasons. I cherish home and family. I am grateful for the memories of family gatherings at the log cabin my parents owned until a couple of years ago. Also, in these hard economic times, I feel fortunate that I have a job that allows me to meet my mortgage payments in order to keep my home. The light and dark of the block represent the ups and downs of life and our current crazy economy. The red in the center represents the heart of the home and the fire of hope for the recovery in these trying economic times.


Pat Fisher, Chrisney, IN — Bird House

This block represents all the little and big animals who scurry around trying to find food to feed their little ones and themselves through the winter. The block reminds me of those humans who are also in need this winter.


Lou Jane Gatford, Milwaukee, WI — Flagstone

I chose this block because of the name. Flags represent countries, and I am grateful for the privilege to live in the USA. Whatever its faults and weaknesses, it is my home and I’m thankful.


Marie Glasby — 9-Patch Star

My gratitude block is for my women friends both near and far. I do not live near family so my friends are very important in my life. They are my shining stars.


Jody Gossert, Waynesboro, PA — Joseph’s Delight

Joseph is my middle son. When he was three he was diagnosed with Hyperinsulinism and Generalized Seizure Disorder. At the time Hyperinsulism was a relatively new, potentially fatal, chronic condition and most of the treatments were experimental. His doctor said he would never outgrow it and recommended surgery. We requested a second opinion and found a doctor who gave us hope. Joe did outgrow both of these conditions and is now a happy, energetic 12-year-old. His delight is no longer having finger pricks, horrible tasting medicine and endless doctor visits and medical tests. This year marks one year of Joe being completely off all his medicines and released from the specialist’s care — which is what were are thankful for this season.


Carrie Graziano, East Greenbush, NY — Radiant Friendship Star

I selected this particular block to honor the many friends that came out to help me and my family over the past three weeks. In November, I underwent what was supposed to be minor surgery. Turns out, there were some complications, and the surgery and recovery have been quite a bit more involved than anticipated. Having a 5½ year old daughter and an 18 month old son to care for, plus my work and keeping my home together and running, I was a bit nervous how it would all work out. Well, I needn’t have worried. My wonderful friends came out and made meals for us, stayed with me, took turns helping my husband with grocery shopping and cleaning, and cared for my children, even getting my daughter off the school bus and helping with homework! I am still recovering, hence the simplicity of my block today, but without this generous outpouring of support from my friends, I’d never have come as far as I have. I renamed the block “Radiant” Friendship Star to emphasize the light that shines from helping others, and the warmth I’ve felt these past weeks from my friends’ love. I hope my simple block will bring warmth and light to someone else in need.


Karen Hallman, Ontario, Canada — Stepping Stones Star

I learned to enjoy sewing because my mother started me sewing as a young girl — first clothes for my dolls, then for myself. My mother was self-taught as far as sewing was concerned and she became very good. She did not do much patchwork but enjoyed the hand quilting part. So I am thankful she encouraged me to develop the skills of sewing which eventually led to learning patchwork, reading The Runaway Quilt, and then the rest of the books, becoming a member of the SBS list and making the SBS quilt, participating in several SBS swaps and thus making quilting friends around world. So that is where the “Stepping Stones Star” fits into my quilting and sewing journey.


Pat Harrell, Winter Garden, FL — Rock-a-Bye Baby

Jennifer, when I read your challenge, I knew immediately that I would sew a “Rock-a-Bye Baby” block, representing how very grateful I am to have six beautiful grandchildren, ages one through ten. Each and every baby in this world is such a wonderful gift from God. Each is precious in his sight. Thank you for this opportunity to express my thanks for my wonderful extended family, complete with my six grandchildren.


Rebecca Hunt, Vicksburg, MS — Rolling Stone

I chose this block because it immediately brought to mind the Bob Dylan song. After thinking of the song…I thought of how thankful I am to have a warm place to lay my head. I’m thankful for my 8 children and 7 grandchildren. Their lives consume a lot of my time and I am constantly focused on someone’s needs. Sewing and quilting are my repose from all the rolling.


Andrea Johnson, Racine, WI — Friendship Quilt

I chose this block because I’m especially thankful for a special friend who helped me through the death of my mother this year. I’ve known her for 16 years, but over the course of the last year we have gotten especially close. She has wisdom and insight I’ve always wanted.


Sandy Johnson, Minneapolis, MN — Bear Paw

It reminds me of great times “up north” in the woods. The beautiful fall colors also of bears and the animals getting ready for the next season winter by putting food away and finding a warm place.


Elni Langeveld, The Netherlands — Housewife

These days it’s not so normal to just be a housewife and I’m thankful that I can be. Just to be there for my kids (8 & 10). One of them is having a hard time in school and it’s so good to be there for him when he comes home. I’m grateful for my husband, who works so hard to make this all possible. There are a lot of things I really am grateful for (friends, family, home, and of course my relationship with Jesus Christ), but being a housewife is something so normal that I usually don’t think of it. That’s why I made this block.


Laura Leonard, Wilmington, NC — Trip Around the World

On Thanksgiving my daughter and her husband announced to family that their three-year process to adopt a child from an orphanage in Ethiopia will be coming to a successful conclusion in February 2010. They will be going to Ethiopia to bring home their four-year-old twins—a boy and a girl! It seemed very appropriate for me to choose “Trip Around the World” for this block. In addition, I included a couple of ethnic fabrics in my block to represent the twins’ African heritage.


Linda Long, Bloomfield, IN — Little Red Schoolhouse

The Little Red Schoolhouse block was chosen as I am very thankful I was able to retire from teaching this year, but I am equally as thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of so many teenagers’ lives during my forty-four years of teaching for the same school corporation.


Florence Loughton, Falcon, West Australia — Grandmother's Flower Garden

I have much to be thankful for, but perhaps my greatest pleasure is in my grandchildren. On October 23rd I was presented with a beautiful new grandson—Jacob Robert—my fourteenth grandchild. What a blessing! All these beautiful children are well and happy and a continual joy to their grandmother. To be a grandmother is to gather the flowers of our life and hold them dear. Thank you for the opportunity to be involved in this project. If possible I would like to nominate a children’s charity for this worthy cause. Not sure which ones are in America, so I will leave that to you.


Pam Mackowski, Troy, MI — Friendship

This block symbolizes my gratitude this year as it reflects diversity of friendship. I have a wonderful group of friends that cross a broad spectrum of life. Some are single, married, or divorced. Some are intellectual, athletic, or artistic. Some have young children, some have grandchildren, some have no kids. Well, you get the idea. I love and depend on my friends.


Sandra McLay, Melbourne, Australia — Wedding Ring

The block I have chosen is called Wedding Ring. It is not the more common block which is made of melons and arcs but it is a wedding ring nevertheless. Earlier this year on February 7 my son married a lovely Californian girl. They were married in our family home on a day that was to become a day of tragedy for many in our state as not only did we have record high temperatures but many lost their lives and their homes in the worst bushfires in our country’s history. By some miracle our area was untouched even though we have been traditionally known as a high risk bushfire area and for this we are eternally grateful.


Katherine Monthie — Grandmother’s Pride

Our grandson, Maxwell James, was born last summer on July 13th. He’s our pride and joy and we’re grateful that he is happy, healthy, and growing quickly. The fabrics I used in this block were inspired by Max’s very handsome head of reddish-blond hair.


Fran Noyes, Glenwood, MD — Sunlight and Shadows

As the name suggests, this year has been a difficult one for my family as we lost 2 members, my sister and brother. My sister was my mentor and taught me to quilt and I know she would be thrilled to participate in this endeavor too. So in tribute to both of my siblings, this block represents sadness but also reminds me to see the sunshine in every day as they would want me to, and to move forward.


Karen Pantony — Friendship

“Friendship” truly represents the dozens of friends I have made through quilting.


Susy Parrott, United Kingdom — Bridal Path

Made because my eldest son was married this July. The cream fabric is from my SBS Sampler. The two “browns” from an autumn quilt I am making for my brother’s 30th wedding anniversary gift. Thank you for the chance to join this project.


Debbie Peck, West Jordan, UT — Autumn Leaf

Thank you so much for writing your books and for doing this project. My “Autumn Leaf” block is admittedly a beginner’s attempt to express my gratitude for both.


Carol Perna, Latrope, PA — Underground Railroad

This block means freedom to me. I am thankful for our freedom and all the servicemen and women who fight for our freedom.


Kathy Ringo, Mahomet, IL — Milky Way

In these hard economic times, we are brought back to enjoying some of the simpler pleasures. When times are stressful and/or worries mount, nothing brings a more calming sense of peace than gazing at the night sky. I live away from the big cities and the stars are countless and beautiful.


Anne Ida Røkeness, Oslo, Norway — London Square

I have chosen this block in honour of, and gratitude for, my best friend who has lived in London for the past 12 years. But even though she is far away, I know she is always there for me.


Marcia Rowe, Pleasanton, CA — Contrary Wife

Fall has always been my favorite time of year. This block with the green and gold reminded me of the beautiful trees


Janie Sang, Jacksonville, FL — Home Sweet Home

I learned to embroider by practicing decorative stitches on a sampler that read: "North, south, east and west, home is best." Although that was many years ago, I still appreciate the sentiment that sampler expressed. Indeed, there's no place like home.


Stephanie Scaramelli, Henderson, NC — Friendship Star

A Friendship Star because without friends, where would we be? I feel like the Elm Creek Quilters are dear friends — the the friendship block. Thank you so much for makig them available to us all.


Christine Schoon-Fortuin, The Netherlands — Sixteen Patch

I made this simple block because my brother had a severe accident last week. He can’t either use his arms or legs. So picking up a book, earing fruit, or gong to the Markey are out of his reach right now. This made me think of how grateful I am to get up in the morning, make my own coffee and drink it without help from anyone, and do many things by myself that one often takes for granted, I hope the colors I schose will comfort the person who received the quilt it goes into.


Joan Sheridan, Alexandria, VA — Spinning Hourglass

I chose Spinning Hourglass for my block. I am ever thankful that I have three grown children who are incredibly close to me as well as to each other. When I look at the spinning hourglass with the four hourglasses spinning around a single block it makes me think of the four of us, each marking time on our own but around a central core of love and devotion that we have for each other. Thanks for the opportunity to put my feelings into fabric.


Jan Sloan, Holiday Island, AR — Contrary Wife

I can just imagine the woman/women who named this block—sitting there stitching their beautiful quilts instead of doing the household chores. Yes, that is me! I also chose the autumn colors as I love to be outside — yet I love to quilt. I guess that is why we live in our motor home.


Linda Sperber, Grand Junction, CO — Grandmother’s Star

In thinking about what I was most thankful for, I realized it was my five grandchildren, all uniquely different but how they all brighten up my life. I chose this block because it has five four-patch blocks for each of my grandchildren and a bright white star because they all shine in their grandmother’s eyes. The yellow is for the brightness they bring to my life and the colors represent their individuality and the white of the start is their purity that only children can have.


Jan Stanard — Comfort Block

My husband passed away in 2003 after having served our country for 30 years. He would often sit and watch me quilt, and always ask, “What are you building now?” Den gave his input when I just couldn’t get a layout just right too, and usually he was right. I still miss him input, however from the comfort of my quilts, fond memories remain of his helping which puts a smile on my face always. I hope this quilt will bring comfort and happiness to whoever receives it, through all the paths of life they come to.


Linda Starkey, Denver, CO — House and Tree Appliqué block

This block represents my gratitude for home. Having spent time living outside of the US, I am very grateful for the home I have here and the American way of life. I would like to nominate Habitat for Humanity [to receive the charity quilts]. While not strictly a charity (families work hard for their homes and pay for them) having a Habitat home makes such a big difference in the life of every member of a Habitat family.


Patricia Stefanowicz, London, UK — Modern Lily

After annus horribilis (2009) chez nous, we are looking forward to a brighter spring in 2010. The Modern Lily symbolizes our hopes for our kiddos, both at University. Elder is likely to achieve a good 2.1 class honours at Oxford (maybe 1st class, but sports and the Junior Common Room Treasurer post are probably getting in the way of English Lit and Language) and younger is currently on course for an A* at Art College in a few years’ time. Supporting husband and his parents has taken priority in 2009.


Rosemary Strube, Green Valley, AZ — Sister’s Choice

I chose Sister’s Choice while thinking of our recent loss of Mother. I have 7 sisters and we each chose one of Mom’s sets of cup and saucers. My mom loved to start the day with a pot of tea and reading the Bible. I’m sure it gave her serenity to begin the day tending the family of 13 kids.


Carin Vogelzang, Grand Rapids, MI — Window on My World

My block is called “Window on My World” and as far as I know it is an original. I started playing with dark and light fabric because in life there are light and dark events. The good and bad work together to create a unique pattern in each person’s life. As each person looks out the window at the pattern of their life, they see the beauty that the light and dark has created. Which leads me to a charity that I would like to nominate to receive a quilt from this effort. One of the dark squares in my life was when my grandma was murdered in 2005. In her honor, I started a non-profit organization called Margaret’s Hope Chest. We give the gift of a homemade quilt to peope around the US who are experiencing a “dark” square in their lives. Over the last 2 ½ years we have given around 435 quilts to people from all walks of life. I love what I do. A quilt from this effort would be shared with a deserving person.


Bärbl Vollertsen, Bremen, Germany — Best Friend

Me and my family moved to Bremen 6 years ago. It was easy to find friends, but it was harder to find a best friend. A friend you can call any time of day if you have a problem, a friend you can drink a cup of tea with, talking about everything and nothing. Taking your bikes for a tour, listening to music or talking about the last books you read, I am sure I found such a best friend.


Karen Withers, Mayville, MI — Grandmother’s Fan

I chose this block to represent my joy and thankfulness for our newest granddaughter born this year, We are enjoying her so much and are so grateful for having her in our lives.


Connie Wood, Wisconsin Rapids, WI — Road to California

I chose the “Road to California” block first because it is one of my favorites. It was one of the first blocks I did way, way back when I started sewing doll quilts around age 7-8 just after the plain squares and the nine patches. My grandmother was teaching me how to sew, first by hand and then with a child size hand crank sewing machine. My doll quilts were made from the small fabric swatches sent with clothing catalogs back in the 1950s. Later she let me choose fabric scraps from her sewing basket and helped me make a full size quilt for my bed. My daughter graduates from college this month and is applying for a job out in California. If she gets the job, I will be in the same boat as Summer and Gwen—distant holidays.


Lauray Yensch, Queensland, Australia — Four Patch Star

The name of the block is “Four Patch Star” and I chose it because I believe quilting joins many, many friends around the “four corners” of the Earth and we all look up to stars in the night sky for direction, comfort, inspiration and reminders that each one of us is part of “The Big Picture” of Life.