March 18th is Quilting Day. Whether you are a skilled quilter or, like me, not patient enough to even try it, here are some books that might catch your eye. These books, and more, are all available from the Chatham Area Public Library.
These fiction stories contain mystery, sweet stories of friendship, and romance, all under the umbrella of quilting. The Lover’s Knot by Clare O’Donohue is a mystery that takes place in and around a quilt shop. Nell Fitzgerald's joy is short-lived when her fiancé announces he's calling off the wedding. Heartbroken, Nell flees to her grandmother's home in quaint Archers Rest. When the body of a local handyman is found murdered in the quilt shop, Nell finds herself drawn into the case. The Elm Creek Quilts series by Jennifer Chiaverini is about a quilt shop and the women who own, work, and patron the store. The series begins with The Quilter’s Apprentice which follows master quilter Sylvia Compson as she shares the secrets of her creative gifts with her young assistant, Sarah McClure. During their lessons, the intricate threads of Sylvia's life begin to emerge. As the bond between them deepens, Sarah resolves to help Sylvia free herself from remembered sorrows and restore her life. In turn, Sylvia helps Sarah confront her own troubled past. Out of their shared triumph is born a lifelong friendship and a fledgling business called Elm Creek Quilts. Between Heaven and Texas by Marie Bostwick is the story of Mary Dell Templeton and her twin sister Lydia Dale. When they were children, their Aunt Velvet warned them away from local boys. This is the story of Mary Dell and her journey from a Texas ranch to becoming a wife, mother, and celebrated quilter.
These nonfiction books are for everyone, not just those who quilt. Quilts around the World: The Story of Quilting from Alabama to Zimbabwe by Spike Gillespie is the fascinating story of quilting around the world. Covering Japan, China, Korea, and India; England, Ireland, France, and The Netherlands; Australia, Africa, Central America, North America, and beyond, this book explores both the diversity and common threads of quilting. Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad by historian Jacqueline Tobin and scholar Raymon Dobard tell how enslaved men and women made encoded quilts and then used them to navigate their escape on the Underground Railroad. Along with these are plenty of books on patterns and how to quilt, both for the novice and the advanced quilter.
For the youngest readers, these two books tell poignant stories. In Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson, a young slave stitches a quilt with a map pattern which guides her to freedom in the North. Oma’s Quilt by Paulette Bourgeois tells of how Emily and her mother make a quilt out of things that will remind Emily’s grandmother of her home when she has a difficult time adjusting to life in a new retirement home.
Enjoy Quilting Day even without having to quilt. Let the Chatham Area Public Library help you find these books, or whatever you plan to read next.