The Winding Ways Quilt

Elm Creek Quilts #12

by Jennifer Chiaverini

A latest installment in the popular series brings newcomers into the Circle of Quilters who share the original members' struggles to balance their creative lives with their friendship and their work and family demands. By the author of The Quilter's Homecoming. 125,000 first printing.

Genres: Fiction, Quilting, Chick Lit, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Womens Fiction, Contemporary

310 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Jennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three novels, including acclaimed historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series. She has also written seven quilt pattern books inspired by her novels. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin. About her historical fiction, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes, "In addition to simply being fascinating stories, these novels go a long way in capturing the texture of life for women, rich and poor, black and white, in those perilous years."

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book isn't as good as the previous books in the series. Each chapter focuses on one character and mainly reminisces about their past mixed with a little bit of current events. Sometimes it seemed to drag a bit. I liked her previous books better.

[Nancy Klarich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a fan of the Elm Creek Quilters series but this one was not quite as good as others.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book about the Elm Creek Quilters novel. I keep reading these, because one or two have been good, but they often disappoint. This one goes back and forth from the current day, when the ECQ are waiting for two of their members to move on. As each woman reflects on what quilting has meant in their life you find out why they quilt and how they started.
The characters are more "types" than actual people. If the author writes one more paragraph about how all the quilt campers find "friendship, acceptance and time to just BE" while at quilt camp, this Gentle Reader will throw up.
An example from page 31 of the hardback:
"One common thread joined all the women who came to Elm Creek Manor. Those who had given so much of themselves and their lives caring for others-children, husbands, aging parents-were now taking time to care for themselves, nourish their own souls. As the night darkened around them, the cornerstone patio was silent but for the murmuring of quiet voices and the song of crickets...."
Well, I'm a quilter and that paragraph and many others like it still made me feel sick to my stomach.
C- for excess sentimentality.

[Stasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A continuation of the lives of the original Elm Creek Quilting founders. We didn't get much development on the new members and only a cameo from the Cross-country quilters. There are new stories developing with the Waterford Quilt Guild and I still wonder about how Jennifer will turn Claudia around from the spoiled, selfish bitch she's been in the previous books. We are seeing that there may be more to Sarah's mother than the side that Sarah shows us in the previous books. Definitely a quick and easy read.

[Melsene G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of this series. The author does a wonderful job in all her books-you get some history, nice character development and real life folks. This book has Summer leaving for grad school in Chicago, Bonnie and her decision to reopen Grandma's Attic, Sarah is pregnant and a new character Anna and 2 other new members of the Elm Creek Quilters. Sylvia and Agnes and Gwen investigate a quilt from a church basement. Found it very poignant too. Start with book 1 in the series if you can although it's not necessary.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a continuation of the series this book lack plot. It is kind of a discussion of characters. The first in the series is good. This book lacks any depth.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was easy to lay down and walk away from. Maybe it should have been called Wandering Ways since I thought it mostly wandered around jumping back and forth in time and never really having any climax. I liked some of the story lines, but I've read some of them before in other books.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling like I’m settling in with old friends.

[Mary Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading her Elm Creek Quilt books because of the quilters.

[Fashnhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a pleasure to listen to this book. My first by this author and it will not be my last. The women were varied and interesting to know as they were quilted together.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first 30 pages or so had me rolling my eyes and wondering if there was ever going to be a point. I pushed through it since I'm reading it for a book club, but otherwise probably would have set it down.
It seems to me that what happened is that someone who works in the world of quilting was encouraged to write about it, and she wasn't necessarily a writer. Now, I know she has numerous sequels to The Winding Ways Quilt, but I'd venture a guess they'll all be the same.
I expected to find that the author/narrator was someone in her 60-70's. The language felt so tight lipped and stodgy I could imagine someone like Dana Carvey's "Church Lady" character to be behind it all. It made me wonder what time period it was all to be taking place in, but then there was reference to Craig's List, which is current. It felt uncomfortable like someone was trying to be a writer, and using words she thought writer's would use, while throwing in quilting terms to speak to an audience of quilt ladies.
Maybe if I was part of a quilting bee, I would understand. It did make me want to sew...but alone. I wouldn't want to read any others in the series.

[CM Vician · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Library borrowed via Libby]

[about 63% through quote] "A true friend does not demand perfection; a true friend forgives. For that to happen, however, a friend who has given offense must put love before pride and apologize."

I wish I could quilt as well as the characters in this series by Jennifer Chiaverini. Sigh. When I do have time to quilt, it helps to think about how this series unfolds. I most enjoy the interplay between the characters, and that certain special camaraderie and "sisterhood" that is present. More than the quilting, I enjoy how the various stories unfold and intersect in each character's life.

This book in particular does a good job of showing how various character stories are interwoven into live choices and activities. Some readers may find the repetition boring, but I find it comforting and useful as I read other books in-between this series' books. Each has become a quick yet interesting read, and I look forward to others in this series.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is.... OMG! How fantastic is this entire series?!

I have quite literally bought all of their hard back books, twice. I gave my fist set away to my son’s school. I also bought every single item they have in kindle format.

I have read through this entire series at least four times, and am on my way through the fifth time right now.

I have my own fully equipped sewing studio with all the toys, even the professional grade longarm, all to support my hobby. I will still do quilts by hand with needle, thread, pencil, and scissors, just to enjoy the quilt making like I find in the Elm Creek Quilt series. What can I say. I am an over 60 male fabric crafting fan who has been obsessed with quilting, sewing, and knitting, for my entire life.

This book is fantastic, and so are all the others! I really recommend them all.

...and yes, I have made several of the quilts from this series.

I also enjoy and recommend the Mrs. Lincoln’s dressmaker series and all of her oth books too.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 12th book in the Elm Creek Quilts series and picks up right after where the Circle of Quilters left off. We see each of the original group of Quilters in transition and just a glimpse of 2 of the new characters, chef Anna, and Gretchen. Time-wise, this book has very little progression but it was interesting to see the individual focus on each of the quilters as they deal with the major changes coming in their lives. We also get a little more history on each and how they came to be involved with quilting. There are some major reconcilliations that occur. The narrative is held together by the Winding Ways quilt that Sylvia is preparing for each of them, with different colors and fabrics to match each of their personalities and temperaments. It was a pleasant addition to the series and had some foreshadowing of some possible events in the future.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual... I get engrossed in the lives of the Elm Creek Quilters original members (as if they are MY friends) and now two are moving on to other creative adventures. They are being replaced by other women who are hoping to fit in just as well... although they realize it takes time to grow "old friends". It's always good to hear of the old memories... some good... some bad... some achievements... some challenges... how they met so many years ago... why do they hold grudges... if ONLY they would have chosen differently... yet so glad they ended up here. Sylvia is working on a wonderful quilt for each of these women... to hold onto near and far and always ready to return to the larger work of art.
I will be reading "The Quilter's Kitchen" now, I think it's next in line. :)))

[AngieA Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are changes for Elm Creek Quilts. Founders are leaving. New folks are coming. Sylvia is dealing with the changes in the best way she knows how: she is creating a Winding Ways Quilt. Each of her founding friends will have a part of it and in it. It takes her all summer of quilt camp to complete her project. I like the way this story is constructed. Each of the founding members of Elm Creek Quilts has a story and we learn some new backstory; things that give us insight into who they were, are, and will become. Excellent story telling. Highly recommend, not just this entry, but the entire series.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another volume in the Elm Creek Quilters series finds the group going through change. Judy is leaving the group and moving away with her family. Summer is going to college in Chicago soon and Sarah finds herself pregnant with twins. New members of the group join to replace the ones leaving and Anna comes on board as chef during quilt camps. A time of change, symbolized with the winding ways quilt that gives the volume its title. Recommended.

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book for a club and the first 60 pages or so had me interested and turning pages. However, the plot never went anywhere. The entire book was about the characters and what had brought them to quilting. It lacked substance and did not evoke a single feeling in me until I reached the end, at which point I joyously celebrated that I was finally finished!

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each chapter was devoted to the history of the founding Elm Creek Quilters. It was entertaining to learn a bit about each one and find out how each got started as a quilter. There is a theme of friendship and family, which is part of quilting history. Overall, an enjoyable read.

[Carol Apgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Couldn’t Love this More!

I just loved how the author took each individual through the history of their past and brought it to present. Things that occurred in earlier books were revisited. It was a reminder of what was and a hope of what is to come.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second Elm Creek Quilters book. Her approach is different but enjoyable. I like how each chapter is about the Quilters and how she brings it together at the end. There were a few unfinished stories but maybe they will be included in another book.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great back story of the founding members and how they came to love quilting

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each story we learn more about the history of Elm Creek.

[Ann Gallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, lots of friendly tips for keeping friendships and dealing with social relationships.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting characters and history. I learned more about the art and discipline of quilting.

[Cindy]

Audio. A comfortable book to listen to. Each chapter focuses on one of the individuals who founded the Elm Quilt Group. If you have read the earlier books there is some overlap.

[Patti Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a nice read. These are comfort reading for me!

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It may be my favorite in the series so far!!

[Merri Wright Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

[Mary M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading the backgrounds of these lovely ladies!