The Fabric Diary and The Runner's Quilt

by Jennifer Chiaverini

Two short stories by the New York Times best-selling author of the Elm Creek Quilts series, Jennifer Chiaverini. In “The Fabric Diary,” the new owner of a Manhattan bed-and-breakfast discovers a mysterious scrapbook of fabric swatches, compelling her to discover the connection between a beautiful antique quilt and the original owners of her historic brownstone. “The Runner’s Quilt” tells the heartwarming story of a young mother who discovers fitness and fulfillment by becoming a runner—and by making a special quilt for a new friend. Originally published in Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine and Quiltmaker, these two charming short stories appear together for the first time in one eBook edition.

Genres: Short Stories, Quilting, Contemporary

33 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2016

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

[Sherri Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two beautiful stories

I have loved Jennifer's books since the first one I discovered. She has never disappointed me with any book she has written. These two short stories are no different. My only regret is I wish they were longer. Lol. I wasn't ready to end reading about the characters and their lives. I really enjoyed his she showed quilts bring people together. Whether it is researching th origin of an old quilt or making memories piecing a new one.

[Suzanne E. Chisum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

These two stories remind me of a dish of chocolate. I always want a bit more. I loved how quilting is intertwined throughout the stories. Definitely a book I would recommend.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these two-in-one stories, and I'm really hoping that they will become a book with much more. I especially liked "The Fabric Diary" and want more! Both were very good and I really like the author.

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

These were two enjoyable short stories that I think could easily be turned into longer selections. The Fabric Diary was my favorite because of its sense of mystery. I've read a number of Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilt books and these stories encourage me to return to that series.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very Disappointed

This book, or should I say, two extremely short stories were an amazing disappointment to Jennifer’s talent. I e read many other books and these two stories were so simple and predictable that I wonder why she bothered to publish them at all.

[JMBooher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Book

I have had this book for awhile; life sometimes has a way of getting in the way. Since read to read today, so glad this book was here. Thank you Ms. Chiaverini.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great author and fun stories

I've read many of Jennifer Chiaverini's books including all of the Elm Creek Quilts series. Engaging stories that leave you hoping for more...

[Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love her quilting stories so much! I wish there were more....

[Margaret A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her books are always great

Both stories were entirely too short. I kept thinking of how she could extend them, or other situations they could be in..

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet

Two short quilt related stories involving women and quilts who become friends for different reasons. A nice quick read by a favorite author

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fabric diary and the Runner’s quilt

Everyone will enjoy reading both of these stories, thank you for writing the books, you do not know how much you have inspired me..

[Deborah Gaspar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short stories

Fun short stories about quilts, friendships and life. Good story with history. Good story about starting over or something new. Enjoy.

[Marlyn G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and informative about quilt history linage.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these 2 short stories by a favorite author. Would love to see them expanded into novellas or full-length novels.

[Jackalyn]

Two cute stories.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a couple of short stories. If you sew a lot a fabric diary looked like a fun idea.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was 2 short stories about quilters. I love quilting so I truly enjoyed these short stories and I love everything I have read of Jennifer Chiaverini. The titles really tell what the books are about.

[Kathy L · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those that are familiar with Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilters series, the first story in this 2 story book while be a bit of a tease. I takes a small section of I believe 'The New Years Quilt' and expands a bit on it. Just a teasing bit. Ms Chiaverini could expand upon the story and turn it into a book. The second story starts off at Elm Creek, but I believe that was an editing error because the story itself could not be considered any part of the Elm Creek series. That story could be good as a motivational piece, but I was not taken by it.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

These two stories are good, although, like other reviewers, I wish that Chiaverini would write the first, "The Fabric Diary," as a full-length novel. The second works well as a short story. Although I enjoy the author's more recent historical novels, her Elm Creek Quilt series is most dear to my heart.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too brief!

I feel this was an exercise for the beginning of two separate books. I wanted to know more about the quilts at the B&B and the women who made them. The second short story was more complete in and of itself.

[Cyndie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming

Just the right amount of meat on the bone for short stories. Liked the history and nostalgia of The Fabric Diary.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alright read

I really enjoyed the first story but the second one I didn't find that great. The 2nd story didn't have the focus of quilting as I would have liked.

[Cheryl Mikesell · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two shorts stories are really nice to read and great beginnings to reading the books. Hope you'll enjoy them as much as I have!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quilting inspiration

As a quilter, I enjoyed reading these two stories but I especially enjoyed the runner's story. As a retired runner, I'm inspired to make my own t-shirt quilt.