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Elm Creek Quilts #1
The Quilter's Apprentice
Tangled, anxious thoughts relaxed when she felt the fabric beneath her fingers and remembered that she was creating something beautiful enough to delight the eyes as well as the heart, something strong enough to defeat the cold of a Pennsylvania winter night. She could do these things. She, Sarah, had the power to do these things.
From debut novelist Jennifer Chiaverini comes The Quilter's Apprentice, a delightful, timeless story of loyalty and friendship.
When Sarah McClure and her husband, Matt, move to the small town of Waterford, Pennsylvania, to get a fresh start, Sarah struggles to find a fulfilling job. Disheartened by failed interviews, she reluctantly accepts a temporary position at Elm Creek Manor helping seventy-five-year-old Sylvia Compson prepare her family estate for sale after the recent death of Sylvia's estranged sister. As part of her compensation, Sarah is taught how to quilt by this reclusive, cantankerous master quilter.
During their lessons, Mrs. Compson slowly opens up to Sarah, sharing powerful, devastating stories of her life as a young woman on the World War II home front. Hearing tales of how Mrs. Compson's family was torn apart by tragedy, jealousy, and betrayal, Sarah is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about her own family -- truths that she has denied for far too long. As the friendship between the two women deepens, Mrs. Compson confides that although she would love to remain at her beloved family estate, Elm Creek Manor exists as a constant, unbearable reminder of her role in her family's misfortune. For Sarah, there can be no greater reward than teaching Mrs. Compson to forgive herself for her past mistakes, restoring life and joy to her cherished home.
Heartfelt and inspiring, The Quilter's Apprentice teaches deep lessons about family, friendship, and sisterhood -- and about creating a life as you would a quilt: with time, love, and patience, piecing the miscellaneous and mismatched scraps into a harmonious, beautiful whole.
From debut novelist Jennifer Chiaverini comes The Quilter's Apprentice, a delightful, timeless story of loyalty and friendship.
When Sarah McClure and her husband, Matt, move to the small town of Waterford, Pennsylvania, to get a fresh start, Sarah struggles to find a fulfilling job. Disheartened by failed interviews, she reluctantly accepts a temporary position at Elm Creek Manor helping seventy-five-year-old Sylvia Compson prepare her family estate for sale after the recent death of Sylvia's estranged sister. As part of her compensation, Sarah is taught how to quilt by this reclusive, cantankerous master quilter.
During their lessons, Mrs. Compson slowly opens up to Sarah, sharing powerful, devastating stories of her life as a young woman on the World War II home front. Hearing tales of how Mrs. Compson's family was torn apart by tragedy, jealousy, and betrayal, Sarah is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about her own family -- truths that she has denied for far too long. As the friendship between the two women deepens, Mrs. Compson confides that although she would love to remain at her beloved family estate, Elm Creek Manor exists as a constant, unbearable reminder of her role in her family's misfortune. For Sarah, there can be no greater reward than teaching Mrs. Compson to forgive herself for her past mistakes, restoring life and joy to her cherished home.
Heartfelt and inspiring, The Quilter's Apprentice teaches deep lessons about family, friendship, and sisterhood -- and about creating a life as you would a quilt: with time, love, and patience, piecing the miscellaneous and mismatched scraps into a harmonious, beautiful whole.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 1999
840 people are currently reading
11315 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Chiaverini
78 books5,174 followersJennifer 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."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,817 reviews
June 4, 2011
There are times that you want to read a book that doesn't have any vampires, werewolves, serial killers and/or detectives from various historical periods and you just want to read a book about normal people, leading everyday lives but with a story to tell and if that's the case then this book is just the thing! It wasn't particularly exciting, but it has a cast of warm characters, quilts, and is very easy to read. It's very much along the lines of Debbie Macomber's books - the feel rather than the writing style - and that's not a criticism. I really enjoyed this book and will hopefully read more of them in the future but they're not easy to come by in the UK and are VERY expensive, but maybe worth it once in a while if you're in the need of a feel good fix!
September 28, 2008
This was a quick easy read with nothing heavy of tense. I liked the way it explained some of the history of the block names. That was new to me. I also found out that I quilt left handed! I would've liked more description of the house which was being sorted. It was good to have a more realistic character who isn't finding life a bed of roses. I went to the Elm Creek web site so I could find out the proper order to read the books in so the story is more continuous:
"If you would like to read the books in something approximating chronological order, please note the following:
* The Christmas Quilt takes place in the interim between The Quilter's Apprentice and Round Robin.
* The Sugar Camp Quilt is set in 1849-1850, so it takes place before the events chronicled in Gerda's memoir in The Runaway Quilt.
* The Quilter's Homecoming is set mainly in 1925, but it branches off from a storyline introduced in The Christmas Quilt.
* The New Year's Quilt immediately follows The Quilter's Legacy.
Because they are set entirely in the past and do not feature the contemporary characters, The Sugar Camp Quilt and The Quilter's Homecoming work particularly well as stand-alone novels and can be enjoyed as your first Elm Creek Quilts novel or at any point in the series. "
http://elmcreek.net/index.php/main/faq/
"If you would like to read the books in something approximating chronological order, please note the following:
* The Christmas Quilt takes place in the interim between The Quilter's Apprentice and Round Robin.
* The Sugar Camp Quilt is set in 1849-1850, so it takes place before the events chronicled in Gerda's memoir in The Runaway Quilt.
* The Quilter's Homecoming is set mainly in 1925, but it branches off from a storyline introduced in The Christmas Quilt.
* The New Year's Quilt immediately follows The Quilter's Legacy.
Because they are set entirely in the past and do not feature the contemporary characters, The Sugar Camp Quilt and The Quilter's Homecoming work particularly well as stand-alone novels and can be enjoyed as your first Elm Creek Quilts novel or at any point in the series. "
http://elmcreek.net/index.php/main/faq/
August 24, 2008
I picked this book up because I had heard gushing reviews from many members of my quilting guild. Note to self, don't rush out and buy books recommended by gray haired ladies. Not to say that gray haired ladies can't recommend excellent books. I will be checking out recommendations, like the rest of this series, from the public library. Well, at least I can pass this on to my gray haired mother.
It's a decent story but a bit predictable. Ok, very predictable. But it has a couple of interesting twists. I thought the characters were a bit one-dimensional. In some books like of this genre, the setting can be fascinating and can make the story but I didn't feel like her descriptions of the manor were fleshed out enough to really make me care for it. And if Ms Compton had said "Hmph" one more time, I may have stopped reading.
It's a decent story but a bit predictable. Ok, very predictable. But it has a couple of interesting twists. I thought the characters were a bit one-dimensional. In some books like of this genre, the setting can be fascinating and can make the story but I didn't feel like her descriptions of the manor were fleshed out enough to really make me care for it. And if Ms Compton had said "Hmph" one more time, I may have stopped reading.
January 26, 2011
What a charming story. I love quilting. I love reading. So this book was just about perfect for me. While it was largely a work of fiction, the aspects about quilting were not. They were very instructional in a non-boring type of way.
Sarah and her husband have recently moved to a small town where he was able to find a job. Having had to give up her own job for the move, Sarah is desperately trying to find one in this place with no luck. No luck that is until she accompanies him to one of his client's he is doing landscaping restoration for.
At first she find Sylvia Compson to be crotchety and rude. Certainly no one to spend a lot of time with. However, when Mrs. Compson offers her a job restoring and cleaning the inside of her beautiful mansion, Sarah agrees on one condition; part of her pay will be quilting lessons. Mrs. Compson quickly agrees and as Sarah spends more time with her she learns that Mrs. Compson truly is a wonderful person and also has many stories to tell and quilting knowledge to share.
Through these stories she is able to see why Mrs. Compson is the way she is and also why she is so hesitant to join a local quilting guild. They also try to devise a way to save Elm Creek Manor, Mrs. Compson's beautiful home.
The writing was largely in the 3rd person except for when Mrs. Compson is telling her stories. Those are told in the first person and are separated by different chapters from the rest of the text. A bit of warning, if you aren't familiar with quilting it could be somewhat hard to understand some of the terminology. As it is, as a novice quilter myself I had to go look up some of the patterns I didn't recognize. But really, that's half the fun!
I look forward to reading the next in the series. Chiaverini apparently has many books out that all relate so its nice to know I can continue enjoying the stories for quite some time. It definitely inspires me to go finish that quilt I've been slacking on!
The Quilter's Apprentice
Copyright 1999
210 pages
Sarah and her husband have recently moved to a small town where he was able to find a job. Having had to give up her own job for the move, Sarah is desperately trying to find one in this place with no luck. No luck that is until she accompanies him to one of his client's he is doing landscaping restoration for.
At first she find Sylvia Compson to be crotchety and rude. Certainly no one to spend a lot of time with. However, when Mrs. Compson offers her a job restoring and cleaning the inside of her beautiful mansion, Sarah agrees on one condition; part of her pay will be quilting lessons. Mrs. Compson quickly agrees and as Sarah spends more time with her she learns that Mrs. Compson truly is a wonderful person and also has many stories to tell and quilting knowledge to share.
Through these stories she is able to see why Mrs. Compson is the way she is and also why she is so hesitant to join a local quilting guild. They also try to devise a way to save Elm Creek Manor, Mrs. Compson's beautiful home.
The writing was largely in the 3rd person except for when Mrs. Compson is telling her stories. Those are told in the first person and are separated by different chapters from the rest of the text. A bit of warning, if you aren't familiar with quilting it could be somewhat hard to understand some of the terminology. As it is, as a novice quilter myself I had to go look up some of the patterns I didn't recognize. But really, that's half the fun!
I look forward to reading the next in the series. Chiaverini apparently has many books out that all relate so its nice to know I can continue enjoying the stories for quite some time. It definitely inspires me to go finish that quilt I've been slacking on!
The Quilter's Apprentice
Copyright 1999
210 pages
November 6, 2014
This is the fourth Elm Creek Quilts novel that I have read. This is actually the first in the series and explains how Sarah and Matt became involved with Sylvia Compson and began Elm Creek Quilts. The others were fine read out of order but it was nice to hear the beginning of the story.
Once again, well developed characters who had both their strengths and weaknesses and who fought to work through problems with other family members. The storyline was interesting as Sylvia brought Sarah into the world of her youth and young adulthood in order for Sarah to understand the complexities of what had happened to bring Elm Creek Manor to its demise. In turn, Sarah was able to help Sylvia forgive, forget, and move forward to bring Elm Creek Manor to life again.
Once again, well developed characters who had both their strengths and weaknesses and who fought to work through problems with other family members. The storyline was interesting as Sylvia brought Sarah into the world of her youth and young adulthood in order for Sarah to understand the complexities of what had happened to bring Elm Creek Manor to its demise. In turn, Sarah was able to help Sylvia forgive, forget, and move forward to bring Elm Creek Manor to life again.
March 1, 2021
I'm holding the first book in the Elm Creek Quilt series: I've not read any of these despite the fact they had been often recommended to me amongst my quilting buddies once they hear I am also a "reader." I didn't touch them simply because of that - I'm stubborn that way. Reason: Bound to be too easy, too cliche. Funny thing, though. I read one in the middle of the series on road trip and it sure did comfort me. Was like being in the quilt shop among my girls and fellow crafters, with scraps of family gossip, shop gossip, national news, Big Opinions about quilting techniques, the right way to hold a needle, the worst ways to mix fabric, best practices for . . .oh, hell, just about anything. If it exists, a quilter has a Big Opinion about it! And yet, they will come to your house and help you until deep in the night, so you don't have to face it alone, if you need it.
Since I'd started somewhere in the middle, I gave myself permission to quit the minute they get less than exactly what I need. This one, the first was how the beautiful family manor became the Elm Creek Quilt retreat center. I was hooked right there - having been a retreater for many, many years now. A little bit of WWII and tangled past histories, and a few cranky older females.
So. I will continue on. This is a specific interest series - you probably need to be interested in quilting, sewing, women's relationships and the joys and woes that arise therefrom. I qualify. If you do, too, I 3-star this book, with this warning - not rocket science. A nice, comfy read.
Since I'd started somewhere in the middle, I gave myself permission to quit the minute they get less than exactly what I need. This one, the first was how the beautiful family manor became the Elm Creek Quilt retreat center. I was hooked right there - having been a retreater for many, many years now. A little bit of WWII and tangled past histories, and a few cranky older females.
So. I will continue on. This is a specific interest series - you probably need to be interested in quilting, sewing, women's relationships and the joys and woes that arise therefrom. I qualify. If you do, too, I 3-star this book, with this warning - not rocket science. A nice, comfy read.
October 27, 2011
I started reading Jennifer Chiaverini's series on the Elm Creek Quilts. This first novel takes Sarah and Matt McClure to Waterford, Pennsylvania. Matt had accepted a position with a landscape architecture group in Waterford. Sarah had to leave her job and hopefully would find another in Waterford. Her potential was in accounting; but she hoped to try and get into some other area of business.
Sarah being unable to find a job, took a temporary job with Sylvia Compson to prepare her estate for sale. Matt had been assigned to help Sylvia also with refurbishing the grounds. Sylvia, being a master quilter, was approached my Sarah to give her quilting lessons as payment for helping her.
During the quilting sessions, Sarah begins to learn about Sylvia's life; the hardships, a family torn apart by jealousy and betrayal, misunderstandings, loss and a tragedy that couldn't be undone.
Sarah so much wants to help Sylvia turn her life around and help her through her sorrows.
These two women become fast friends and find a way for Sylvia to have a new beginning at Elm Creek Manor.
I am not a quilter, but I did enjoy reading this book. Maybe, it's not to late to learn.
Sarah being unable to find a job, took a temporary job with Sylvia Compson to prepare her estate for sale. Matt had been assigned to help Sylvia also with refurbishing the grounds. Sylvia, being a master quilter, was approached my Sarah to give her quilting lessons as payment for helping her.
During the quilting sessions, Sarah begins to learn about Sylvia's life; the hardships, a family torn apart by jealousy and betrayal, misunderstandings, loss and a tragedy that couldn't be undone.
Sarah so much wants to help Sylvia turn her life around and help her through her sorrows.
These two women become fast friends and find a way for Sylvia to have a new beginning at Elm Creek Manor.
I am not a quilter, but I did enjoy reading this book. Maybe, it's not to late to learn.
August 9, 2025
***Second read***
4+ stars this go-round. Books speak to me differently at different stages. I listened to this book for the first time while hand piecing and quilting a dorm quilt for my daughter. If you’ve ever been curious about the craft, you can’t go wrong with this book.
The main character has recently moved to rural PA due to her husband’s new job, and now she needs to find a new job herself. His first big project leads them both to an old mansion on an estate that’s seen better days.
An older woman has just lost her sister and has come back to the estate to administer her affairs. She is unhappy and lonely, and a talented quilter. When their two story lines cross, both of their lives are forever changed.
I really enjoyed this reread, including the audio narration and plan to continue the series soon.
***First read***
3.75 stars. This was a great cozy read, a bit predictable, but if you enjoy quilting, or would like to learn, this is definitely worth the read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series too.
4+ stars this go-round. Books speak to me differently at different stages. I listened to this book for the first time while hand piecing and quilting a dorm quilt for my daughter. If you’ve ever been curious about the craft, you can’t go wrong with this book.
The main character has recently moved to rural PA due to her husband’s new job, and now she needs to find a new job herself. His first big project leads them both to an old mansion on an estate that’s seen better days.
An older woman has just lost her sister and has come back to the estate to administer her affairs. She is unhappy and lonely, and a talented quilter. When their two story lines cross, both of their lives are forever changed.
I really enjoyed this reread, including the audio narration and plan to continue the series soon.
***First read***
3.75 stars. This was a great cozy read, a bit predictable, but if you enjoy quilting, or would like to learn, this is definitely worth the read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series too.
April 4, 2011
Lovely story-within-a-story telling of two women who learn to patch together the unraveled parts of their lives as they stitch together a quilt. My only disappointment is the lack of pictures or drawings of the quilt squares; they were well-described, but I would have loved to see what they looked like.
February 20, 2008
The novel was easy to read -- but I found that the storylines weren't really fleshed out as much as I would have liked it to be.
Still, the way the story is told mirrors a key element of the story itself, which I found to be a unique, rather charming idea. Sarah, the main character, is learning to quilt — and boy did I learn a lot more about quilting through reading this novel! As Sarah painstakingly pieces together scraps of fabric in contrasting hues, her instructor, a sour old recluse named Sylvia, shares vignettes from her past. Then, as Sarah begins stitching her blocks together to create a beautiful whole, Sylvia resolves to put away her hurt and anger and open her heart again to her home and family — making her whole again, too.
Still, the way the story is told mirrors a key element of the story itself, which I found to be a unique, rather charming idea. Sarah, the main character, is learning to quilt — and boy did I learn a lot more about quilting through reading this novel! As Sarah painstakingly pieces together scraps of fabric in contrasting hues, her instructor, a sour old recluse named Sylvia, shares vignettes from her past. Then, as Sarah begins stitching her blocks together to create a beautiful whole, Sylvia resolves to put away her hurt and anger and open her heart again to her home and family — making her whole again, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2025
The best thing about this book to me is how quilting symbolizes aspects of life and human interactions. Can I then say that the book is shallow? That is what I originally thought after finishing it. I don’t really know why I read the book. I have never been interested in quilts, nor had a desire to quilt even though I do other types of handiwork and have had friends who were crazy about it. I will just say that the book is a simple story, and I enjoyed it enough to complete it. But I probably won’t read any more of the series.
March 9, 2011
The first in the Elm Creek Quilts quilting series, Quilter’s Apprentice is disappointingly juvenile in its writing although Chiaverini does a lovely job of setting up the series.
The primary character, Sarah, has given in to her husband’s need for a job by throwing up her accounting position when Matt gets a job offer in another city. Sarah does not want to continue in accounting and is having trouble landing interviews for anything else so when Matt has the opportunity, he takes Sarah along on a project where she picks up temporary work helping a woman tidy up her sister’s estate. An estate which just happens to include quilts. Of course, Sarah has also whetted her interest in quilts by having stopped in at a quilt shop in town.
The more Sarah gets to know Mrs. Compson as well as attending quilting meetings, the more she realizes there is a connection between the two…or should I say three, as the estate, Elm Creek Manor, has its own connection.
I do plan to read more of the series as it reminds me of my own love of traditional quilts and Chiaverini includes the history of quilts, their production, and the different types of quilting frames in a very natural manner. And I love the cover with its house set within a heart against a quilted cream background although the needle seems rather large for a between…
The primary character, Sarah, has given in to her husband’s need for a job by throwing up her accounting position when Matt gets a job offer in another city. Sarah does not want to continue in accounting and is having trouble landing interviews for anything else so when Matt has the opportunity, he takes Sarah along on a project where she picks up temporary work helping a woman tidy up her sister’s estate. An estate which just happens to include quilts. Of course, Sarah has also whetted her interest in quilts by having stopped in at a quilt shop in town.
The more Sarah gets to know Mrs. Compson as well as attending quilting meetings, the more she realizes there is a connection between the two…or should I say three, as the estate, Elm Creek Manor, has its own connection.
I do plan to read more of the series as it reminds me of my own love of traditional quilts and Chiaverini includes the history of quilts, their production, and the different types of quilting frames in a very natural manner. And I love the cover with its house set within a heart against a quilted cream background although the needle seems rather large for a between…
September 15, 2014
Great story about a young woman learning to quilt. Not deep but meaningful.
March 15, 2019
Het boek begon erg leuk. Echt een feelgood roman. Helaas werd het verhaal op het laatst wat voorspelbaar en daardoor ook wat saai. Daarom heb ik het uiteindelijk drie sterren gegeven in plaats van de vier die ik eerst van plan was. Toch heb ik voldoende van dit boek genoten om wel verder te willen lezen met de serie. Tenminste als ik niet voor al te veel geld het tweede deel kan bemachtigen.
April 14, 2018
Wonderful book, especially when you're into quilting. I even cried a bit in the end, because isn't it wonderful when people are kind to each other?
May 29, 2012
I am a quilter. I should state that at the outset. But I don't make quilts like many other people make quilts. I admire lots of tiny little pieces and stitches, but mine are...mine. They sometimes resemble something you've seen before, but sometimes they are something completely different. It depends on the fabric. Fabric is usually my starting point, not the pattern. Anyway…
I initially resisted this series but I was desperate one day for an audiobook and my library had this first in the series. What kept me listening was partly the story: it reminded me of anything by Maeve Binchy because so many of readers’ wildest desires are quilted in that we can't resist. The other reason was that the speech patterns and cadence of the reader was so similar to the speaking voice of a person I know that I listened simply to hear how she would react to situations and how she would pronounce words.
Chiaverini is really very good. I enjoyed imagining the world created here, and like every other quilter out there, would love to have opportunities like those described in this novel. It is an excellent beginning to a series which I am sure has inspired more than one quilt. Chiaverini generously shares terms, techniques, and quilt names, all of which are candy to those of us who attempt these things every day. Even describing such things to someone outside the circle is difficult, but Chiaverini manages very well. She is the teacher we all wish we had.
I love the voice of the reader for the Playaway audiobook, Christina Moore. I have tried to locate a copy of the Mp3 audio file for my friend whose voice Christina’s resembles, but have not been able to locate a digital copy outside of a library. I will continue to try to find a digital download for my friend, but encourage interested “readers” to listen to any of the series books that Christina narrrates, especially since, if you are working on a quilt, it is a wonderful story to keep you working far after you would have thought you were finished for the day.
I initially resisted this series but I was desperate one day for an audiobook and my library had this first in the series. What kept me listening was partly the story: it reminded me of anything by Maeve Binchy because so many of readers’ wildest desires are quilted in that we can't resist. The other reason was that the speech patterns and cadence of the reader was so similar to the speaking voice of a person I know that I listened simply to hear how she would react to situations and how she would pronounce words.
Chiaverini is really very good. I enjoyed imagining the world created here, and like every other quilter out there, would love to have opportunities like those described in this novel. It is an excellent beginning to a series which I am sure has inspired more than one quilt. Chiaverini generously shares terms, techniques, and quilt names, all of which are candy to those of us who attempt these things every day. Even describing such things to someone outside the circle is difficult, but Chiaverini manages very well. She is the teacher we all wish we had.
I love the voice of the reader for the Playaway audiobook, Christina Moore. I have tried to locate a copy of the Mp3 audio file for my friend whose voice Christina’s resembles, but have not been able to locate a digital copy outside of a library. I will continue to try to find a digital download for my friend, but encourage interested “readers” to listen to any of the series books that Christina narrrates, especially since, if you are working on a quilt, it is a wonderful story to keep you working far after you would have thought you were finished for the day.
July 17, 2017
Recently I came across a tote of my grandmother's quilts which reminded me of this series.
I am not a re-read type of person. too many books not enough time.
But I dont remember much about the series or where I stopped reading( stupid looooooooong book slump and real life) so I am starting over with this series.
Sarah and her husband relocate to Waterford for his job. She has always been a dutiful daughter so she majored in accounting for job security as her mother preached.Upon arriving in town she tries to find a job in a different atea of business.
Meanwhile Matt's employer sends him off to Elm creek to ready the house for sale. Mrs Compton also needs gelp inside the house so Sarah accepts the job in exchange for quilting lessons.
This book is a good introduction to the series.The author gives us well rounded charctets complete with flaws, some history snd background on the town and info on quilting. Even though she is vivid in her descriptions I had a hard time seeing the quilting patterns.
I am not a re-read type of person. too many books not enough time.
But I dont remember much about the series or where I stopped reading( stupid looooooooong book slump and real life) so I am starting over with this series.
Sarah and her husband relocate to Waterford for his job. She has always been a dutiful daughter so she majored in accounting for job security as her mother preached.Upon arriving in town she tries to find a job in a different atea of business.
Meanwhile Matt's employer sends him off to Elm creek to ready the house for sale. Mrs Compton also needs gelp inside the house so Sarah accepts the job in exchange for quilting lessons.
This book is a good introduction to the series.The author gives us well rounded charctets complete with flaws, some history snd background on the town and info on quilting. Even though she is vivid in her descriptions I had a hard time seeing the quilting patterns.
January 26, 2022
This is the first book I've read about quilting and there are more than 20 books in the series already. I'm not a quilter and don't feel drawn into reading the rest of the series, although I liked this novel well enough. I like that it is a clean novel, so there was nothing objectionable - and that's precious in our day and age.
I was disappointed that there wasn't much said about the mysterious aversion Sarah had for her mother. Maybe it is spoken of more in another novel in the series, but there wasn't enough said in this novel to satisfy my curiosity about the issue of mother-abandonment.
What was really nice was learning about the art of quilting. If I were a beginning quilter, this novel would have been a great encouragement for me. I also liked that the book focused on the healing of grudges and relationships.
I was disappointed that there wasn't much said about the mysterious aversion Sarah had for her mother. Maybe it is spoken of more in another novel in the series, but there wasn't enough said in this novel to satisfy my curiosity about the issue of mother-abandonment.
What was really nice was learning about the art of quilting. If I were a beginning quilter, this novel would have been a great encouragement for me. I also liked that the book focused on the healing of grudges and relationships.
December 22, 2018
I know how this looks, but what can I say? I love quilting/knitting related fiction when it comes to calming and emptying my mind. You can always count on in depth life story telling, female friendships, and a strong female lead learning some valuable life lessons. This particular quilting journey has all of these key components, even though the writing definitely leaves something to be desired. Also I can’t think of a single person I would recommend this to! Wait - scratch that. My nana would love it.
April 11, 2019
3.5 - good enough that I will read number 2 in this series....
April 20, 2022
This is for those times when you need a feel good, nice read that evokes nostalgia for simpler times!
The story telling is such that I was completely engrossed. Quilting is a craft I have a very vague idea of and the descriptions of the materials, designs, blocks and stitching made me want to try.
More than anything,I loved the easy camaraderie between the members of the quilting guild and the way they included newcomer Sarah who has just moved with her husband to their town and is trying to settle and get a meaningful job.
Sarah's first meeting with Sylvia Compson , whose estate, Elm Creek Manor her husband Matt is employed to restore, leaves her feeling on edge. When the older woman,a master quilter herself, offers her a job helping to set right the manor, with quilting lessons as part of her compensation, Sarah accepts.
Working and quilting, she realises how lonely Mrs Compson is and gently draws out her memories of happier times at the manor and stories of the people who lived there. This part of the story is really told well; it's engrossing though heartbreaking in places and the bond between Sarah and Sylvia Compson is wonderful.
The social aspects of an activity like quilting are so amazing; the friendship and support, the feeling of togetherness and the sharing of lives while creating something so beautiful are all something to aspire for. The patterns and the names and history attached to them were very interesting too.
Overall this is a book that leaves you with a warm feeling and wanting to stay in the world of the quilters for a while longer!
The story telling is such that I was completely engrossed. Quilting is a craft I have a very vague idea of and the descriptions of the materials, designs, blocks and stitching made me want to try.
More than anything,I loved the easy camaraderie between the members of the quilting guild and the way they included newcomer Sarah who has just moved with her husband to their town and is trying to settle and get a meaningful job.
Sarah's first meeting with Sylvia Compson , whose estate, Elm Creek Manor her husband Matt is employed to restore, leaves her feeling on edge. When the older woman,a master quilter herself, offers her a job helping to set right the manor, with quilting lessons as part of her compensation, Sarah accepts.
Working and quilting, she realises how lonely Mrs Compson is and gently draws out her memories of happier times at the manor and stories of the people who lived there. This part of the story is really told well; it's engrossing though heartbreaking in places and the bond between Sarah and Sylvia Compson is wonderful.
The social aspects of an activity like quilting are so amazing; the friendship and support, the feeling of togetherness and the sharing of lives while creating something so beautiful are all something to aspire for. The patterns and the names and history attached to them were very interesting too.
Overall this is a book that leaves you with a warm feeling and wanting to stay in the world of the quilters for a while longer!
July 30, 2019
Reading about hobbies, like quilting, is interesting. I am very curious about all my life, for me, I think it is art to display as well as using them every day. I am intrigued to learn about the history of quilting and the stories behind the quilts and their blocks.
I picked The Quilter’s Apprentice because I heard Elizabeth from LizziefayeLovesBooks talking about this book and in one of book/reading podcasts they were talking about Jennifer Chiaverini. So I decided to pick it up when I saw it part of th Kindle unlimited handle I didn’t hesitate to pick it up and devour it in two sittings.
It is contemporary with historical fiction elements, it is a book about building new and old friendships, giving second chances to others as well as to yourself, and most importantly to learn forgive not only the other but also yourself.
You see how the quilting brings together all ages and now Sylvia and Sarah’s relationship blooms. It is heartwarming to see the connection of people through stitching and binding together a quilt.
I am looking forward to continuing with Elm Creek Quilts series and Jennifer Chiaverini’s other books.
I picked The Quilter’s Apprentice because I heard Elizabeth from LizziefayeLovesBooks talking about this book and in one of book/reading podcasts they were talking about Jennifer Chiaverini. So I decided to pick it up when I saw it part of th Kindle unlimited handle I didn’t hesitate to pick it up and devour it in two sittings.
It is contemporary with historical fiction elements, it is a book about building new and old friendships, giving second chances to others as well as to yourself, and most importantly to learn forgive not only the other but also yourself.
You see how the quilting brings together all ages and now Sylvia and Sarah’s relationship blooms. It is heartwarming to see the connection of people through stitching and binding together a quilt.
I am looking forward to continuing with Elm Creek Quilts series and Jennifer Chiaverini’s other books.
April 19, 2020
Okay, our family is in the middle of a major move and the majority of my books are packed away. Then as I am scanning my Goodreads pages I keep running across some of my favorites. Then I get that hankering to read them again. After this move is over I probably will not come out of my new reading nook for a very long time.
If you are a quilter you will really enjoy this story, and if you are not a quilter you will still enjoy this story. It brings out some wonderful things about relationships with others that you meet. It helps you to stop and not always base your opinion on the first meeting. Get to know the person and you just might find a new lifelong friend. I read it many years ago and then several other books in the series. It created a struggle for me. I wanted to read, but I also found myself just hankering to get back to my quilting and teach someone else to do the same. I found the characters to be real and engaging. I have enjoyed Jennifer Chiaverini's writings very much.
If you are a quilter you will really enjoy this story, and if you are not a quilter you will still enjoy this story. It brings out some wonderful things about relationships with others that you meet. It helps you to stop and not always base your opinion on the first meeting. Get to know the person and you just might find a new lifelong friend. I read it many years ago and then several other books in the series. It created a struggle for me. I wanted to read, but I also found myself just hankering to get back to my quilting and teach someone else to do the same. I found the characters to be real and engaging. I have enjoyed Jennifer Chiaverini's writings very much.
December 12, 2023
The first in a series - This book features Sylvia, owner of Elm Creek mansion, and newlyweds (Sara and Matt) who are new in town and looking for work. Matt owns a lawn and garden restoration business while Sara is having a very hard time finding employment in her field of education, accounting. Love all the characters and the stories told along the way. Looking forward to the next in this series.
July 13, 2024
3.5 stars
April 5, 2025
Really, REALLY struggled with getting into this book but it didn't get better until the end. Found it painful.
September 22, 2021
Perfect book for sinking into a relaxing feeling. Purely a vibe book. Don’t come looking for intense plots and devastating twists.
January 30, 2025
My first Chiaverini book and at just 22 pages in I am really enjoying it. These characters just jump off the page!
Really enjoyed this book. Anxious to continue the series!
Really enjoyed this book. Anxious to continue the series!
December 16, 2023
Newlyweds Sarah and Matt move to Waterford, Pennsylvania to make a new start. Matt is happily hired in his field of landscape architecture, but Sarah is not having much luck in the employment market.
When she visits Matt's most recent project at Elm Creek Manor and meets his employer, a grump elderly woman, Sylvia Compton, she is able to secure a temporary position with the benefit of learning quilting skills.
I quite enjoyed learning about all the quilts - Dresden Plate, Log Cabin, Posies Round the Square and Celtic Knot among others.
The story was entertaining even though Sarah did get on my nerves a bit.
This is the first of a long series.
When she visits Matt's most recent project at Elm Creek Manor and meets his employer, a grump elderly woman, Sylvia Compton, she is able to secure a temporary position with the benefit of learning quilting skills.
I quite enjoyed learning about all the quilts - Dresden Plate, Log Cabin, Posies Round the Square and Celtic Knot among others.
The story was entertaining even though Sarah did get on my nerves a bit.
This is the first of a long series.
January 23, 2016
I love this series so much and I have just now read the 1st book in the series. Wish I'd started here to begin with--I would have understood the other books I've read alot better--although it's not absolutely necessary. I don't quilt but I've always wanted to. I've tried and I'm just no good at it--so I love to listen to the stories of the women who are learning and sharing with one another. Great series!!
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