We were thrilled late last year when New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini of the Elm Creek Quilts novels submitted a block for our newsstand special 100 Blocks from Today’s Top Designers, Volume 3. This issue goes onsale May 10, 2011 and you’ll find Jennifer’s block there.
When we heard that Jennifer would be in Denver promoting her newest book, The Union Quilters, we invited her to join the QM staff for lunch so we could all get to know each other.
She flew in from Palm Springs with her mom and went to channel 9 news in Denver for an interview on the noon edition before heading to our offices in Golden.
Carolyn, Jennifer and June
June had requested several books from her publisher and asked Jennifer to autograph them.
We headed to the Table Mountain Inn in Golden for a delightful lunch. Jennifer and her mom really enjoyed the sweet potato fries!
We had polled our Facebook fans earlier in the week and asked what questions they would like us to ask Jennifer. During lunch we asked their questions plus some of our own.
How much research does she do on the historical background of her novels? A lot she said. She starts her research at the Wisconsin Historical Society library in Madison, Wisconsin, which she said was second in information only to the Library of Congress. From there she contacts the authors of any books she read in the library for additional information.
What plans does she have for more stories? The next novel, The Wedding Quilt due out in October 2011, will feature the contemporary Elm Creek Quilters. She will then return to the characters in The Quilter’s Homecoming for another historical novel.
Will a pattern book be written for the Hawaiian quilts from your book “The Aloha Quilt”? The next pattern book will be out this fall and will include patterns for two Hawaiian quilts and the wedding quilt along with patterns for seven other quilts.
What inspired her to write about quilters? Early on, she was taught to write about what she knows. Being a quilter herself, this was a topic she was familiar with. She adds, however, that her novels are about friendship, history and moral courage, and the reader doesn’t need to know anything about quilts or quilting to enjoy them.
Jennifer has also teamed up with Project Linus giving Elm Creek readers the chance to decide the sex of Sarah’s twins. The results will be revealed at the Project Linus Institute on Friday, July 22, 2011 at an exclusive sneak preview of an unpublished Elm Creek Quilts novel.
Leave us a comment by midnight, March 14th and let us know how many of Jennifer’s books you’ve read and which is your favorite. I’ll randomly select 2 winners Tuesday, March 15th to receive an autographed copy of The Union Quilters. [Update: Due to the unavailability of our blog, we're extending this deadline to midnight MST March 15 for comments and the winners will be selected on March 16.] The winners are JayTee, comment #45 and Carol, comment #89.
I think I’ve read all of Jennifer’s books, I hope I haven’t missed any. My favorite would be way back, The Round Robin Quilt. It spurred me to start a Round Robin project with friends, I enjoy returning to characters whom I’ve gotten to know over the years, who share all the joys and more difficult moments we all face. In life or in fiction, I could not survive without good friends.
You may be shocked to know that I have never read any of Jennifer’s books! Although I love to read, and love history, I’ve never acquired a copy yet! So I would love to read The Union Quilters.
I have read 7 of Jennifer’s books. I have loved them all, but I think The Runaway Quilt was my favorite. I love historical fiction (really, I do, I’m not just saying that because her latest book is!) and to add quilt history in is wonderful. I would be so thrilled to win a copy of this book. Thank you so much for a chance.
All of them! The Sugar Camp Quilt is my favorite. I love the histories.
I have read approx 12 of her books, I own 9 and have borrowed from my local library a couple more. My favourite book could be the last one I read The Christmas Quilt or was it The Round Robin or The Master Quilter. I love them all, the history for someone from another country is always fascinating. The friendships that continues between books make them family and something to be appreciated. I would love to win a copy of Jennifer’s latest book, thanks for the opportunity
I have all her books as of yesterday. What is this UNpublished book she speaks of??? Guess we’ll find out in July. My favorite is the Master Quilter.
I have all her books, I’ve never gotten the chance to met her so I would love to have a signed copy, of course I would give my newest copy to my friend who has started reading them. My favorite is The Aloha Quilt, she stood strong and made it through tough times, like alot of us have. Made me feel good to remember things I’d been through in my life, good and bad, and that I’d made it to the other side.
I own, and have read, several of Jennifer’s books. My favorite was ‘The Runaway Quilt.” I also enjoyed “The Round Robin Quilt” because of the opportunity to really “see” into the characters’ lives. Historical fiction is a favorite genre for me, so I am glad to have this chance to win the book from one of my favorite authors!
I have read them all and loved every one! I especially loved The Lost Quilter, The Aloha Quilt and Union Quilters which I finished last night!
I think I have read all her books but Aloha Quilt, I still need to get that one, It would be much to hard to figure out just one favorite, I loved them all.
I just discovered her books- I’m only in the first chapter of the Aloha Quilt, having been given it by my dear mother after she finished. She’s read them all, but she’s NOT a quilter!!! I think I need to change that.
I think I’ve read all the books. I especially liked “The Runaway Quilt”. I have been looking forward to this new one!
I have read all of her books and I would have a hard time deciding on just one of her books. I really enjoyed the Aloha Quilt. I own a few of her books and I will be getting the digital versions soon for my Nook. Thanks for the chance to win an autographed copy of her latest book.
I would love to read all her books, even if I have to start with the newest one….
I’m heading for my local library, hope they have some!!!!
I’ve read all of her books except her latest which I just bought. Love all of them! She’s my favorite author!
I bought An Elm Creek Quilts Album that contains The Runaway Quilt, The Quilter’s Legacy and The Master Quilter. I’d love to read more – thanks for a chance.
All of them I think! I love them all…and keep waiting for new books to come out, can’t wait for the new one (s!) to come out
I am in the middle of reading the Aloha Quilt. I have read all the books that came before it and own them all except for The Union Quilters, so it would be a good idea to win this one! It’s not possible to choose a favorite. They’re all just as good as the other ones.
Three years ago i found one of her books in a second hand store, read it and adored it . From there i bought all the other ones, received some as gifts can t wait to read this last one. Being a quilter myself i simply enjoy reading about these women and there adventures
I love, love love all Jennifer’s books. I currently own 9 novels and 2 quilt books and plan to have them all eventually.
I haven’t read any of her books yet, but am checking out my local library to borrow some. Sounds like they are great reads!
I have read all of the Elm Creek books so far. And thoroughly love all of them. Had to get the quilt books to feel that my set was complete.
I love the experiences and tales in her stories. And since I am a quilter too, I especially love how they relate to quilts. I am so glad to hear this new book is coming out!
Okay I will hold my hand up and admit I haven’t read any, but I am new to quilting so I hope I can be forgiven. Maybe I will win this to rectify it. Thanks for the chance. Linda
I have read all of the books except the Aloha quilt one. My sister is one up on me cause she’s read it! I check Jennifer’s website (I think it’s hers!) often to see about her new books. When my sister and I found her first book, we could hardly wait to read the next one. She is absolutely our favorite author!
I have read all her books apart from this one, which I have on the table beside me waiting to be read next. I think my absolute favourite has to be The Aloha Quilt and if I were fortunate enough to be picked, I would give the latest one to my friend who has only just started reading them.
I have read 3 of Jennifer’s books and enjoyed them all. My favorite was The Lost Quilter–I couldn’t put it down! I just had to know what was going to happen next.
I love the Runnaway Quilt – Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
A friend gave me the first 2 books and I was off and running! I love all of her books. WhenI finished reading The Union Quilt, I started all over with the first one. Her stories inspired me to start quilting and since then have found a group of wonderful ladies to quilt with.
Till now I have only read two. But I really loved them very much. Sadly those to were the only ones translated into german (as far as I know) so perhaps I have to start to read them in english!
I have read all of Jennifer’s books (so far!) and have loved each and every one of them for different reasons. If I had to pick a favorite, I would say “The Quilter’s Apprentice” because it was the first and started me on this wonderful Elm Creek journey. Thanks Jennifer for the many hours of reading pleasure! May your creative talent bring you continued success and many more books for your faithful readers to enjoy.
I have read, many times, all of the Elm Creek series, and own many of Jennifer’s pattern books. Love them all. It is so difficult to pick a favorite book though, because I can identify with so many of the characters and their sorrows and joys. I share the love of these books with many friends, too. Thanks!
I have read all of them and that is a priority when it comes to buying for my self…I found a life time friends through her SBS site and completed my SBS quilt in June of 2009.
I have read 3 of Jennifer’s books, my favorite (so far) was the cross country quilters. I have 2 more on my table ready to read and look forward to reading her latest. Thanks for the chance to win.
hello from australia…omg i am so excited at reading this post (typing 1 fingered here propped up with pillows as i have a broken arm)…i have all the books except the union quilters…i had ordered the aloha quilt before christmas and my hubby picked it up for me 2 weeks ago…i have just finished the quilters holiday (i would love to cook in the kitchen with anna)…the aloha quilt is next up…my favourite is the quilters homecoming…i don’t have this latest one (i don’t know when it will be available here but when i can drive again i will be off to the bookshop to see) but i do have all the others…this is such a wonderful prize…thank you so very very much for the opporutnity to enter (and yes i am still excited to have come across this)…happy reading, dzintra ingrid
I have read every one of Jennifer’s books and say that I have just one favorite. Every book is a cleverly spun tale…I often have to tell myself they are not real people. I am so happy you have included Jennifer in the pattern book.
I’ve read all the books by Jennifer except for her newest book. My favorite books so far is Circle of Quilters. Thanks for a great blog post and interview!
I HAVE YET TO READ ANY OF JENNIFER’S BOOKS, BUT I AM EXCITED TO SEE IF MY LOCAL LIBRARY HAS ANY FOR CHECK-OUT. LOOKING FORWARD TO READING MY FIRST BOOK FROM THE ELM CREEK SERIES. I HAVE ENJOYED THE BLOG.
I now reading The Master Quilter my second book of Jennifer’s
to read. I am planning on reading all the rest of her books. And
would love to win The Union Quilter autograped by her. Thanks so much for the chance to win!!
I have read them all! Each one was my favorite at the time…and I can’t wait until the next one comes out.
I’ve read all of her books (well, I’m just a bit more than halfway through the Union Quilters right now) and I think my favorite was the very first one.
ROUND ROBIN is my favorite!
Thanks for sharing!
I have only read the first 3 books, but have 4 more on my shelf that are just waiting for me! I really enjoyed all of them, but think the Round Robin is my favorite (so far). Jennifer is amazing – I have had the privilege of meeting her. I would love to win a copy of her new book!
I’ve read all of her books with the exception of Aloha quilt, which I am reading now. They are book I keep, and I’m not a big keeper of novels, I usually share or donate, but I won’t let go of these.
Lovely feature over at Leona’s blog! I’m popping over from there!
I came over from leona’s blog. I would love to read the Union Quilters.
I had relatives on both sides of the Civil War and have started the Civil War Diaries blocks. So this would be interestig to read the opposite side.
I’m afraid I haven’t read any of Jennifer’s books – in fact I hadn’t heard of her at all here in the UK!!
I’vr read 5 books by her. They are not translated in dutch anymore so I’m going to read them in English.
I love every one of her books. I have read them all. But the Aloha Quilt was neat. Maybe because I would read about a warm place when it is so cold where I live. She write about things that touch a woman’s heart.
I’ve read almost all of Jennifer’s books! I’ve re-read a lot of them too. I haven’t read the Aloha Quilt yet. I can’t wait to read the Union Quilters. I’m just starting to get into Civil War Repros, so that would be fun!
I haven’t read any of Jennifer’s books, and think winning one to read would be a great change of pace for me — we want to make a Civil War style quilt so this would be interesting to read. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
I am do far behind on this series! I have read the first 5, so far my favorite has been the Quilter’s Legacy. They all have been wonderful so far, though!
I have read about 3 of her books. My favorite so far is Aloha Quilt.
I’ve read all her books to date. Going to purchase Union Quilters as soon as possible. I’d love an autographed copy. She’s inspired me to do more quilting. My favorite book? It’s hard to say. After each book, I think that was my favorite.
I think I have read all of her books & it’s hard to pick a favorite. If I have to, I guess it would Runaway Quilt.
I have read all of Jennifer’s books and as for my favorite well….
I have to say it is each one as I have read them. It is a wonderful series. I have starte to re-read them again from the beginning.
I get more out of them the second time around.
I’ve read all of Jennifer’s books except Union Quilters which just arrived last week. My favorite is Runaway Quilt because I love the idea that something so “common” was used creatively to really help other people.
The runaway quilt was my favorite. Reading the aloha quilt right now.
I have read alomost all of the Jennifer’s books. I am just finishing the Union Quilter and will pass it down the line. All the books that Jennefer writes are great I can’t just pick ONE. Since I began reading them I took and interest in the Civil War and my family has also. I have begun quilts with block from that era and they really like what I find out and learn about it and and the time.
Thanks for the chance to win.
I just finished “The Lost Quilter” . I own all of Jennifer’s books except this newest one. I love the books regarding all the history, but my favorites are the ones with the Elm Creek Quilters. I feel like we are all friends when I read them.
I have read everyone of Jennifer Chiaverinis books. Once I pick one up, I can’t put it down so…..no quilting gets done in my sewing room till I’m done! I would love to meet her one day but I doubt that she would ever come near where I live in NW Arkansas. To pick a favorite book of hers is pretty much impossible for me because from the time I read The Master Quilter, everyone of the her following books have been just as wonderful and kept my attention at a peak. I thank her for the wonderful entertainment she has provided me with.
And thank you for this opportunity to voice an opinion.
Love all of her books and I think I have read them all. I have less time to quilt and get a lot of enjoyment reading about her quilting ladies. Wish we had her quilters’ camp. I’d love to go.
I have read all up to Aloha. Hope to get it soon. I can’t pick a favorite. Enjoyed the ones about the Elm Creek Quilters, the kitchen remodel, the lost quilt, and the runaway quilt. I also have one of her quilt books. I have a hard time thinking of the characters as fiction. They seem so real.
Being from Wisconsin, I have had the opportunity to see Jennifer and her quilts in person, I consider myself very fortunate! I can hardly wait until the next new book is published, and I am always checking the website to see what Jennifer is planning to write next. By listening to podcasts by Jennifer in the early years, I felt like I was a personal friend! I would be honored to receive an autographed copy of her
latest book.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed each and every book. Since one often is published around Christmas or my March birthday, they are my treat to me! My favorite so far has been The Lost Quilter. I just put the October drop of The Wedding Quilt on my calendar in AREA 51 aka my sewing room!
LJ Burns
I have read all of Jennifer’s books except the last 3 and they are sitting here waiting for me. I have liked every one of her books since reading the first one, recommended by a friend, and there is no way I could pick a favorite. Every time I read one of her books I feel as though I am returning to visit a group of good friends and to make new friends.
After reading most of the comments, I must agree; to pick only one or two favorites would be nearly impossible. We enjoyed the lovely fortune to have read them in order … ‘We’ being my friendship/sewing group (since 2002), the “YoYoSisterhood” here in Paso Robles, California (San Luis Obispo County). Anyway, there were about seven or eight of us who shared the books, audio tapes, and CDs one summer, I am thinking 2009, and I was ‘lost’ inside all the characters. I believe we read/heard them all. Having audio is such a wonderful treat, as we can still ‘work’ on projects and imagine the ‘family’ at Elm Creek .. sigh … would so enjoy cooking in that kitchen as well … planning meals … aaahhh … The Legacy Quilt, Master Quilter, Round Robin, Quilter’s Apprentice, oh, the list goes on and on … We have not read The Aloha Quilt, nor Union Quilter … so this would be a dandy prize to read and then share with our group. Thanks for the opportunity.
Love Runaway Quilt and Quilter’s Apprentice…actually all of them are wonderful!
I have read all of Jennifer’s books, some twice. Have listened to some of them on tape and then went out and purchased the hardcopy. My husband and I are beginning a Great Adventure – we sold our home in Pisgah Forest, NC, and will be setting out in a 5th wheel RV and my sewing machines will accompany us. We have very limited space but Jennifer’s books will be an integral part of the “stuff” we will have with us (along with fabric and more fabric!).
I have read every one of Jennifer’s books, except the Union Quilters, which my husband just came home with the other day for me to read. I started reading them in 2009 when I was laid up from a surgery I’d had. I have loved all of her books and couldn’t put them down. I have been recently loaning Jennifer’s books to my hairdresser, Jan, who is not a quilter, but has still enjoyed the books and has only two books to go before she also has read them all as well. Jennifer has a real gift for writing and holds your attention, even if you are not a quilter. I only wish she could write faster so she could give us more of her books (smile). Thank you, Jennifer…
I am now reading the Union Quilters. I started out checking out the books at the library, but recently decided I really wanted to own the series, so now I do. I love them all, but the historical ones best. I really look forward to each as they come out. I would love you to come to Central Virginia. I also have the quilt books. Thanks so much.
I have read gthe first 5 books and loved the runaway quilt. I enjoyed thinking about the underground railroad and how quilts played an important role in the trail
I have read every one of Jennifers books. I am reading the Aloha Quilt now and I think that I have to say it is my favorite. I am not an applique quilter, but after reading this book I am going to make a Hawaiian quilt.
I started reading Jennifer’s books when I first joined my QQ Guild in Columbus, OH. Am not surprised to read she does a lot of background work for her historical novels. The Thanksgiving book led me on a merry internet chase to research the Thanksgiving Feast that the Indians call, “The National Day of Mourning”. I then loggod onto the Phoenix Indian Museum and found that the Indian chef was preparing a buffet feast on Thanksgiving Day. I also enjoyed, “The Aloha Quilt” ,which made me feel a lot better about Bonnie and her new life. I was inspired to finally finish the pillow I bought from a Hawaiin quilter. Of course, the Civil War settings are absolutely wonderful – very appropriate during this 150th anniversary celebration.
I have all Jennifer’s book bar The Union Quilters and I have enjoyed them all. Writing in the style of a family, it is a challenge to remember back to the first one but it is always good to read them again and refresh my memory. The Aloha quilt is my favourite.
I haven’t read her books, but I do have Sylvia’s Bridle Sampler book and am working on some of the blocks.
Billie
I love all of the books. I agree that each one is my favorite at the time I’m reading it. Just received Union Quilters from my book club so can’t wait to get started on it. I would love to meet Jennifer, she seems like such a wonderful person.
i have read all of them, i think. my favorite is the runaway quilter, but i also like the aloha quilt as we go to hawaii quite often. sorry she couldn’nt make it to paducah the last year that i wass there.
I have ready all of her books and I could not even begin to think of picking a favorite. They are all wonderful. I can’t wait for her to publish more.
I’m new to quilting and have never read any of Jennifer’s books. I love history so will be headed to the library tomorrow to look for them.
I have read all of her books. My husband told me about them. We were living close to Waterford, PA and my last name is McClure. Was real fit. We moved to NH shortly after I read the first one. I have donated all of the books to our local library. At first they wrinkled their nose and indicated that the library is very small. Now they can’t wait until the next one is donated as it is an extremely popular series. I have still kept one of each for my own collection. My favorite is all of them!
I have read several of them, and my all-time favorite was the first one, The Quilter’s Apprentice. It was the first fiction book I read about quilters and quilts and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I have read almost all of Jennifer’s books and love them all! I, too, think The Quilter’s Apprentice is my all time favorite because it was the first in her series of books!
I love these books and started quilting right about the time I read The Quilter’s Apprentice. My favorite? It is very hard to choose – probably The Homecoming Quilt. I look forward to a continuation on that one! I also check out the Elm Creek website for patterns and news often. It is all wonderful, entertaining and educational!
I own all of the novels and two of the quilt books and love all of them. Possibly my favorite would be the Aloha Quilt. Can’t wait to find out what the babies are. My 10 year old grand daugher and I submitted quilt blocks to the project. Thanks to Jennifer for all her hard work.
I’ve not read the books, but listened to them while I was working on my quilting. I always check the local library for any books regarding the Elm Creek Quilters, love them, and would absolutely love to enjoy an autographed copy of Jennifer’s latest. I’d have to say that I really enjoyed the Circle of Quilters, and the Lost Quilter, really had brought tears to my eyes while listening to that one..although I’ve enjoyed all of her books, so I can’t really pick just one! Thank you, Jennifer, for being so talented to actually take us along with you in your books, it seems like we actually get to know these folks.
I found JC with her very first book and have happily followed the Elm Creek Quilters ever since I turned that first page. The Quilter’s Apprentice was the first and is my favorite.
Whenever I read one of Jennifer’s books, I wish I could go to quilt camp with the El Creek Quilters. What fun that would be. I think I’ve read all her books and love them all!
I have all her books and enjoyed them all, I especially like the Runaway Quilt and the Aloha Quilt, that one needs to continue,,,,
I have all of Jennifer’s novels and quilt books. I’ve read them all and am always anticipating the next one to catch on what’s going on at Elm Creek. I’ve heard Jennifer speak at Powell’s in Portland, Oregon and talked with her at the Sister’s Quilt Show in Sister’s OR.
I have read all of Jennifer’s books. I wish she could come to Anchorage Alaska, and meet the Anchorage Log Cabin Quilting group.
Sadly…, there aren’t any of Jennifer’s books in my country, hoping to read them all someday soon!!!
I have read the entire Elm Creek Quilters series and have enjoyed each and every one of the books. I think my favorite so far was The Runaway Quilt! I am looking forward to reading this new release.
I have read all her books and think I really liked the Master Quilter. Can’t wait for to the new one. I also loved the last book when Bonnie went to Hawaii. I think she needed to get away.
I haven’t read any of her books yet but I believe there is always a first time for everything.
According to my book reading log in Excel I have read 11 of Jennifer’s books, maybe more. I liked The Master Quilter, but The Union Quilters looks great! I’d love to win a copy.
I just read The Quilter’s Apprentice. It was shared with me by a quilting friend and I am passing it on with a giveaway on my blog. I would love to read more of her books. I really enjoyed her style of writing.
I have seen these books advertised on quilters’ blogs all over blogland. I’ve never read a single one!!! I’d love to win and read one. Thanks for the chance.
I’m still working my way through – I’ve read 7 of her books. Thanks for the giveaway.
I feel like such a loser. I’ve read through all the comments above and I’m in the minority…I haven’t read any of her books. Guess I need to get on the ball!! dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com
I liked best Jennifer’s “Circle of Quilters”. It was the first one I ever read, and it hooked me on the others. I’d love to win her latest.
I have never had the pleasure of reading one of Jennifer’s books – but boy, do I want to! I’ve heard so many great comments and reviews…just haven’t had the spare change to pick one up. Sure hope I can win!
I believe I have read all the Elm Creek Quilts books, except of course this new one. I just finished the Runaway quilt and loved it. I also loved Sugar Camp Quilt. So I am looking forward to the Union Quilters.
I have read all of Jennifer’s books in the order she published them. Each one has built upon the previous one, which really makes them enjoyable. The characters build and their relationships grow and change. It is really hard to pick a favorite, as each time I finish one, that becomes my favorite. I just finished The Aloha Quilter, so I guess that is my favorite…at least until I finish The Union Quilters. I also have all of Jennifer’s Quilting books. I guess you would say I am a FAN. I would love to have an autographed copy of The Union Quilters. Thanks for the opportunity to express the enjoyment I get when I read Jennifer Chiaverini’s books.
I have read all of her elm creek quilter books in the series. I am especially drawn to the history the reader learns from her novels. Historical fiction is my favorite and I am a passionate quilter. I must say that I had never been to a quilt camp until I started reading her novels. The quilt camps held at elm creek manor sounded like soooo much fun that I had to find one in my area to attend. Since then I have gone to quilt camp every year and it is truly an enjoyable experience . I cant help but feel that had I not read about it in her first book , The master quilter, I might have missed out on all the fun!
I have read all of Jennifer’s books and I can’t say I have a favorite because I have loved them all.
I’ve never read any of them, how sad Is that!
I really enjoy her books. Have not read the latest one. There are 3 gals living in our building that share books,so it would be great to get a new one.
I have read every one of them and loved them all. I’m just waiting for Jennifer’s latest one, The Union Quilters, to arrive in Australia.