Product Description

Here's where it all began -- the three novels that first made beloved friends of the Elm Creek Quilters, who stepped out of Pennsylvania's idyllic Elm Creek Manor and into the heart of America.

The Quilter's Apprentice: Master quilter Sylvia Compson shares the secrets of her creative gifts with her young assistant, Sarah McClure. During their lessons, the intricate, varied threads of Sylvia's life begin to emerge. It is the story of a young wife living through the hardships and agonies of the World War II home front; of a family torn apart by jealously and betrayal; of misunderstanding, loss, and a tragedy that can never be undone. As the bond between them deepens, Sarah resolves to help Sylvia free herself from remembered sorrows and restore her life -- and her home, Elm Creek Manor -- to its former glory. In turn, Sylvia helps Sarah confront her own troubled past. Out of their shared triumph is born a lifelong friendship and a fledgling business called Elm Creek Quilts.

Round Robin: To celebrate the beginning of Elm Creek Quilts, Sarah, Sylvia, and their circle of friends name themselves the Elm Creek Quilters. As a gift to Sylvia, the others have begun a round robin -- a quilt created by sewing concentric patchwork to a central block as it is passed around a sewing circle. As each woman makes her creative contribution, she adds her story to the history of Elm Creek Manor. Resplendent in green, blue, and gold, the quilt serves as a symbol of the complex, lasting ties that unify mothers and daughters, sisters and friends. As they stitch together the sometimes harmonious -- often discordant -- scraps of their crazy-quilt lives, the Elm Creek Quilters learn that friendship is a most precious gift and that even in the darkest of times, love illuminates the way home. The Cross-Country Quilters: Five women arrive at Elm Creek Manor, hoping to find in their quilting lessons an escape from the problems they have left at home. This far-flung group becomes fast friends who pledge to complete a "challenge quilt" -- symbolic of each woman's personal goals -- in one year's time. Although the Cross-Country Quilters share a common creative goal, as the year goes by, their bonds are tested by the demands of daily life. But despite differences in age, race, and background, the friends' love for quilting and affection for one another unite them in a patchwork of caring and acceptance. The quilt they make reminds them of an everlasting truth -- friends may be separated by great distance, yet the strength of their bond can transcend any obstacle.

"Endearing characters and pleasant vignettes render this series as charming and cozy as a favorite blanket," said Publishers Weekly of the Elm Creek Quilts books. Jennifer Chiaverini is at her heartwarming best in these three novels that launched a bestselling phenomenon.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10530 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-21
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 736 pages

Review
The Dallas Morning NewsChiaverini's Elm Creek Quilts books...have become classics of their kind.

Earlene FowlerAuthor of Sunshine and ShadowFull of homespun wisdom and the joys and sorrows shared by women everywhere.

Publishers WeeklyChiaverini's prose...like the needlework she portrays, proves intricate, lovely, comforting, and uniquely American.

Midwest Book ReviewRich in period detail and showcasing characters who...live life to the utmost....A heartwarming series.

Sandra DallasAuthor of The Persian Pickle ClubHeartwarming. You'll discover friendship here, and you'll learn a thing or two about quilting.

Review
Sandra Dallas Author of The Persian Pickle Club Heartwarming. You'll discover friendship here, and you'll learn a thing or two about quilting.

About the Author
Jennifer Chiaverini lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin. In addition to the six volumes in the Elm Creek Quilts series, she is the author of Elm Creek Quilts: Quilt Projects Inspired by the Elm Creek Quilts Novels and the designer of the Elm Creek Quilts fabric line from Red Rooster Fabrics.

Customer Reviews

Love this series
This book is such a great value - three books for the price of one. I love this series and am excited to dive into these titles. Although, be warned - it's a BIG book. Probably not one I'd want to lug on to an airplane.

the elm creek quilts sampler
I loved this book and loved that there was three books in one binding. I love this whole series.

Gotta have them all!
I am fast on my way to reading every novel in this series. Each is heartwarming, informative and spellbinding.