Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Book Review -- and a Giveaway!

If you're a Jennifer Chiaverini fan, you'll want to comment on this post to win a paperback copy of "The Giving Quilt", along with three Elm Creek pins.


A couple of weeks ago, I was given a copy of the book and asked to review it and then sponsor a giveaway on my blog. Now I don't usually do things like this too often, but I've read most of the Elm Creek Quilts novels and have liked them, so I agreed.

Here's a synopsis from the publisher -- "At Elm Creek Manor, the circle of quilters is hard at work preparing for 'Quiltsgiving'. Held annually the week after Thanksgiving, expert and novice quilters from near and far gather for a special winter session of quilt camp to make pieces for Project Linus. As the week unfolds, the quilters respond to the question, 'Why do you give?' in ways as varied as the life experiences that drew them to Elm Creek Manor. Each of the quilters, including a librarian, a teacher, a college student, and a quilt shop clerk, uses her unique talents to teach, inspire, and give back to her fellow campers."

Since I am very much involved in making charity quilts, including for Project Linus, I enjoyed reading about the 'Quiltsgiving' camp at Elm Creek Quilts and "getting to know" the quilters who attended the camp. Each one has a unique story, but they all have the common thread of wanting to give back to others, even when faced with difficulties in their own lives. It's something that I see in my fellow quilt guild members as well.

You can read more about the book here...and it is now available in paperback.

Now for the giveaway...as I said above, I have a paperback copy of "The Giving Quilt", as well as three Elm Creek pins to giveaway to a lucky reader of my blog. To enter, just leave a comment on this post and tell me where you are from and what kinds of charity projects you enjoy. I'll pick a random winner in the morning of April 15th. One comment per person, please. And please, please, please, make sure there is a way for me to contact you if you are the winner. You may want to read this to make sure that your profile is not set to "no reply".

And if you don't win, you can still purchase the book from your favorite bookstore!

Good luck!

22 comments:

kutiequilter said...

I'm from Rome, PA. I belong to a local church group that makes quilt for those that need a Hug from God. It may be due to illness, a new baby, flood, fire, accident/injury, etc. We did one for a child who lost his dad. Whoever God lays on our hearts.
Karen K.
kutiequilter55@gmail.com

Kathy L said...

I am from Newington, CT, but living in Missouri now. I love Quilts of Valor. Thanks for the chance to win.

Susan said...

You know that I'm not a reader, but this sounds like a book that I might actually read! I'll have to check it out!

Vivian said...

Good morning, Anya. Thanks for offering this generous giveaway. I was born and raised in NE Iowa, and I'm still living in Iowa. I've made Quilts for Kids, many Quilts of Valor, occasional donations for local fund raisers, and I've made quilts of various sizes for numerous local projects our local guild takes on--quilts for kids at risk, homeless shelters, place mats for Meals on Wheels, nursing homes, etc. There are so many worthy places to share our talents, and I'm always happy to take part.
I'm currently making quilts for each lady in our dept at work, trying to boost morale as our jobs are being phased out in the not-so-distant future. I'm a lucky one. I'm ready to retire. There's always someone who can benefit from our ability to share.

Just Ducky said...

This lady id one of my favorite authors and quilters. I would love to win a copy of this book.
(linesmary1@gmail.com

Heather said...

I'm in Conestogo, Ontario Canada. At my local guild we do a bunch of community projects. in the past year we made pillow cases for two local Community living projects, placemats for Meals on Wheels, quilt tops for MCC(Mennoinite Central Committee) and over a hundred items for the tent sale at the MCC quilt auction in New Hamburg, Ontario.

Joyce said...

I'm from New Philadelphia, OH. I've participated in many charity or giving quilts. Some I do on my own, and some are done as group projects. I've been involved with Ohio Home of the Brave, Quilts of Valor, Project Linus, Quilts for Kids, Charlotte's Garden, and recently our quilting group has been making quilts for group homes in our area. The receipients are given a form to fill out and we do our best to see that their quilt is specific to them. Love the Elm Creek books! Thanks for the chance

maggie said...

Hi Anya, I'm an Aussie (Queensland)fan, both of the Elm Creek series and your blog! I belong to a local quilting group,a fibre art group and also contribute to Sunshine Linus. I think most quilters are happy to lend a hand to their community. We are a caring bunch!
p.s. I also have finished a "dear Jane" quilt although it could probably be more aptly called "Almost Jane" as I took a few liberties with it such as leaving out that pesky triangle border and adapting it to "quilt as you go".

hueisei said...

I am from Malaysia. I am new to her books and I bought two last weekend. It's The Aloha Quilt and The Winding way quilt. I am reading The Winding now. I love to win this new book. Thanks for the chance to win.

Ann said...

I'm from Prince George BC Canada. I don't belong to a formal group but have contributed to a few silent auction fund raisers and am now making a quilt for a water well.

Linda said...

I'm in North Texas. I love Jennifer's books, and would LOVE to win this one.

Sallie said...

I'm from Texas and enjoy making baby quilts for our church quilt ministry that sends them to foreign orphanages or gives them to the local pregnancy help center.

Deb said...

I've lived in VA all my life...currently in the Shenandoah Valley. I've never read any of the Elm Creek series but would love to get started. I'm a quilter!

Jean said...

I love this series of books and would love to win this one to add to my collection. I live in SW Iowa and help a lady from my hometown make charity quilts for a local homeless shelter. I can't get much sewing done, but give her cut strips and other misc. fabric.

Quilting Corner said...

I live in Betar Illit, Israel. My quilting group makes quilts for sick children and adults. Also for those that have been effected by terror attacks. Thanks for such a wonderful giveaway.

Margaret said...

I live in Dunham, Quebec, Canada. I don't make quilts for charity but I sing in a choir and twice a year we have concerts to raise money for charity. Our causes are varied and could be anywhere in the world. At Christmas we raised money for a local foundation that provides services to handicapped adults in our area. Next month we are doing a benefit for a women's centre and for a local summer camp program for children in need. My quilting is for family and friends and is also a great joy. I also love to read!!

Betsy said...

Anya, I live in central Florida. I have heard about how good these books are but have not gotten around to read any yet. Thank you for the chance

Sheila said...

Hi Anya, i'm another Aussie. I have read one of the Elm Creek novels , the one where Elm creek opens as a quilt retreat, loved every word. I have The Sylvia's Bridle sampler book , the quilt is on my one day list.. Dear Jane top almost complete, i just can;t seem to get to it. While i would love to read the book I'd love a pin to put on my guild lanyard.

qltnrt said...

Hi Anya,
I'm Betty from Corning. Enjoy this author so would love to win this book. Recently our quilt guild made heart pillows for post mastectomy patients. During the sew day we made many and it was fun to sew them knowing we were providing a much needed item.

Brenda said...

The guild I'm in like to sponsor "A Baby shower" every year by making and giving baby quilts to a large show that is held every year for expecting mothers. Every expecting mother gets a baby quilt. They also do other charities throughout the year.
hulseybg at gmail dot com

Tina said...

I Am From The FlorIda Panhandle Area. I HavrSde Quilts For Breast Cancer Awareness,Cancer Patients, Premmie Quilts,Charity Quilts For Local Quilt Guild And Bee And Missionaies.

Beth said...

I am from Clatskanie, OR. Ronald McDonald Houses are especially dear to me, because they were a comforting place for my sister and her little girls when her baby daughter was hospitalized. I've been making pillowcases and small quilts for the local RMH.

wordygirl at earthlink dot net