Blog Give-Away: The Giving Quilt novel by Jennifer Chiaverini

Sometimes I am contacted by publishers of quilt-related books to do book reviews or give-aways for my readers.  Today I have a chance for you to win a copy of Jennifer Chiaverini's latest Elm Creek Quilts novel.

 

Here is the information sent by the publisher.

 

 

Thanksgiving inspires generosity once a year, but what happens to the spirit of giving on the other 363 days?  In THE GIVING QUILT, now available from Plume, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini offers an affecting novel that imagines what good could come from practicing the holiday spirit year round

 

With numerous New York Times bestsellers, Chiaverini is undoubtedly one  of the masters of both modern and historical women's fiction.  In the last year alone, her Elm Creek Quilts novels have graced the bestseller list twice, first with The Wedding Quilt, a twenty-first century celebration of a treasured romantic tradition, and again with Sonoma Rose, a prohibition-era novel about one woman's courageous fight to save her family.

 

Year after year, Chiaverini takes a page from her own life to deliver an emotional and poignant story very close to her heart.  As a long-time member and advocate of Project Linus, an organization dedicated to providing handmade quilts and blankets to children in need, Jennifer decided to donate a very unique and special gift- a prime spot in one of her bestselling novels.

 

At Elm Creek Manor, the circle of quilters is hard a t 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 s 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.

 

Once a gain Chiaverini delivers the complex characters and rich descriptions of setting and mood that fans and critics have come to expect.  Featuring not only well-loved characters but intriguing newcomers, THE GIVING QUILT will remind us all that it is truly better to give than to receive.

 

And now for the give-away:

 

Leave a comment on this post telling about any charity quilts or blankets that you or your quilt group have made.  Do you participate in Project Linus?  Leave your comment (and be sure to include your e-mail) by Monday,  May 20 at 9:00 PM. 

 

The winner will receive a brand-new paperback copy of THE GIVING QUILT, along with three quilt pins symbolizing three of the Elm Creek Quilts novels.

 

 

 

I have some extra quilt pins to give away, too, so if you enter the drawing you might win a lovely quilt pin.

 

I am currently reading the novel, and will post a review within the next few days.

 

Good luck if you enter the drawing!



 

 



We have a winner!

And the winner of the Japanese Lanterns pattern and Oriental fabric squares is ...

DRUM ROLL.....

#3, otherwise known as Jo!  Congratulations to Jo, and thanks to the other blog readers for playing along. 

Jo, send me your mailing address, and I will send your package to you.

A Little Give-Away

Sorry about the no-posting for the last week.  Ever since we got the Pod, I have spent my days organizing and packing "stuff" to put in it!  Our son Dave came over Wednesday night and helped carry some of the heavier bookshelves and furniture downstairs.   The Pod is only about one-fourth full.

Here is a little give-away:  I discovered a pattern for a "Japanese Lanterns" quilt, along with twelve squares of Oriental fabric, as I was organizing my sewing room.

 

I think I won this prize back in the nineties, not long after Al Gore invented the Internet!  All you would need to add is some black fabric for the sashings, white for the corner triangles, and a border fabric.

The directions are simple, only one page total. 

Since we will be building a log cabin, this style of fabric just will not work for our rustic environment.  If you would like to have the pattern and fabric squares, just leave a comment after this post.  I will choose a random winner Wednesday night.

I actually removed all the boxes and totes and piles of projects from both closets in my former sewing room.  Then I painted the inside and doors of the closets a gleaming white, so I could start putting some neatly organized containers back in.  I have found that the plastic containers that dishwasher detergent pods come in make good storage units that fit on the narrow shelf at the top of each closet.

The two rooms on the third floor are finished attic rooms, so there is the sloping roofline to deal with.  Most of the things neatly contained on the shelf were formerly spread across my workdesk, cutting table, or on the floor before the clean-up.

I have invested in lots of 15-quart, 34-quart, and 66-quart storage bins for the UFO's and fabric collections.  I like the Hefty brand, with snap-on handles that allow the lid to close tightly.  I think that my fabrics will be safe in the Pod in these containers. 

I am storing the books that go with each project in the container.  That way, if I pull the neatly labeled box, everything I need will be there, ready to get to work.

I finished with the bookcase yesterday.  Man, I have a lot of books.   The former HGTV program Simply Quilts cost me a lot of money!  Every time I saw a guest demonstrate a project I liked from her book, I ordered it.  If I had time, I would try to sell them on e-Bay, but it is easier to box up the ones I don't need and donate them to our local library or the Goodwill Industries.  I have kept all the books on art quilts and embellishment, and a few favorite quiltmaking books like the ones by McClun and Nownes.   I do have a new granddaughter arriving in December who will be needing a baby quilt! 

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win the Japanese fabrics and pattern!

Another Elm Creek Novel Give-Away

Once, again, the publishers of Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilters series have offered my blog readers a chance to win a free copy of the latest book.  This one is titled Sonoma Rose, and will be on sale starting today, February 21.

The publisher provided this information about the book.  "Jennifer has always been praised for her ability to write historical and present-day fiction with equal skill. While her last novel was set in modern times, Sonoma Rose tells the story of a young mother's heroic journey in Prohibition-era America.

Rosa Diaz Barclay is touched by the criminality surrounding Prohibition when she discovers that her husband, John, has given over the duties of their Southern California rye farm in favor of bootlegging. Fearing the safety of her four children, Rosa flees, carrying only a case of John’s ill-begotten cash and her mother’s two quilts. Lars Jorgensen, her true love and the father of two of her children, aids in her escape, and together the six travel north to San Francisco. Under assumed names, they are hired to work at a Sonoma vineyard, where Rosa creates a personal and professional identity that she would never have dared imagine at the opening of her tale, and one that brings great honor-and beauty-to all who surround her."

If you would like to win a copy of this book, just leave a comment on this blog post.  Make sure that I am able to get your e-mail address in case you are the winner.  I will announce the winner of the book on Monday, February 27.  Good luck!

Many thanks to Dutton, Penguin Group U.S.A for making this offer available to readers of All Things Quilty.

And the Winner Is...

Today I drew names to choose the winner of Georgia Bonesteel's first quilting book, Lap Quilting with Georgia Bonesteel.

And the winner is...Pat!

Years ago I used to check that quilt book out from the library for weeks on end. I get a little thrill just seeing the cover. I'd love to win it. Thanks for the chance.







January 20, 2012 6:34 PM

I am glad this little book that no one purchased at my guild's silent auction will be going home with some one who will love it!

Congratulations, Pat!

BTW, I am coming up on my four-year blogiversary, and my 1,000th blog post.  I will be thinking of some ways to celebrate with you.  Thanks to all who drop in to visit at All Things Quilty! 

"Little Daisy" Makes Her Debut (and a Give-Away)

Last night, I attended the Capital Quilters' Guild meeting in Raleigh...where we all got to meet "Little Daisy!"  Our next Heritage Day quilt auction (on Oct. 6, 2012) will help to raise money not just for the guild, but for the local Girl Scout council.  There will be two raffle quilts.  This one is "Little Daisy,"  a smaller version of "Daisy of Savannah."  Both quilts will feature the same fabrics and quilting, but the larger one will have five rows of five blocks each.  That one will probably be ready by the February meeting.

Here is a close-up of the beautiful quilting by The Quilting Cowgirl, Cathy Kirk.  Look at those splendid feathers!

If you look at the back side, you see that this could serve as a wholecloth quilt.

This is the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts.  The founder, Juliette Gordon Lowe, was nicknamed Daisy.  Everyone knows that the Girl Scouts are expert at sales- we have already had several knocking on our door for the fabulous annual cookie sale!  They will be helping to sell tickets for the raffle, so we should have record-breaking sales!

Also at last night's meeting, there was the annual Silent Auction.  Quilters bring in books, fabric, patterns, and other miscellaneous items that they no longer need.  Bids start at only twenty-five cents!  You would not believe the stuff that was available.  Since I need to start purging my personal "stuff" prior to putting our house on the market, I brought twenty books to donate to the auction.  Fortunately for me, they all sold except one.

The orphan from the auction is Lap Quilting With Georgia Bonesteel.   Georgia is an icon of the quilting world, at least in North Carolina, where her TV show on PBS has been airing every year since 1979.  I took a sun-printing class with Georgia at the North Carolina Quilt Symposium a few years ago.  What a generous, classy lady!  I was so impressed.  She told us that this first book was, ironically, also her best-selling EVER.

So, if you would like to have this book, leave a comment or drop me an e-mail by Sunday night.  If more than one person is interested, I will have a drawing to see who will be the winner.  Make sure I have your e-mail address.

Quilt Whisperer Give-away

Today I will pass along a chance to win a great prize from The Quilt Whisperer, Carla Barrett.  She is a fantastic longarm quilter, does freeform crochet, peyote stitch beading, and creates original cartoons featuring a rather sarcastic chicken.

Carla is having a free blog giveaway and is holding another Quilt Whisperer Class on January 9, 2012, a creative class on quilting design for all levels of quilters.

You can read about both the giveaway of one of her creations and the class on her blog, Feathered Fibers.

If I win, I will ask for one of her freeform beaded necklaces.  Here is an example of one.

Blog Give-Away: Elm Creek Quilters Novel

Are you a fan of the Elk Creek Quilts series of novels by Jennifer Chiaverini?   There is a brand new one just released titled The Wedding Quilt.

Author Jennifer Chiaverini will be in Raleigh, North Carolina for a reading at Quail Ridge Books on Wednesday, November 10 at 7:30. 

Dutton, a branch of the Penguin Group, has offered to give a free copy of the novel to one of my blog readers.  (I have no affiliation with this company other than to accept their offer of a give-away.)

Here is a summary of The Wedding Quilt that the publisher provided.

THE WEDDING QUILT is a tribute to one of America’s most romantic and enduring traditions.


Effortlessly weaving together past, present, and future, THE WEDDING QUILT introduces Sarah’s long-awaited twins twenty-five years into the future. Just as Chiaverini longed for a wedding quilt of her own, Sarah’s daughter also dreams of one with which to begin her marriage. Enlisting the help of her fellow Elm Creek Quilters, Sarah collects signatures of the wedding guests in order to surprise her daughter with a quilt to represent all of her loved ones as she begins her new life. Readers will delight in new insight of past Elm Creek Manor brides as Sarah reflects back on her life and the many joyous experiences she’s had with her friends and family at Elm Creek Manor.

If you would like to win a free copy of the novel, just leave a comment on this post telling something about the friendships you have enjoyed because of your love of quilting.  Are you in a guild?  A quilt bee?  An online group?  Have you made new friends as you traveled to a quilt show or taken a quilting cruise?

Leave your comment by Sunday, November 13, and I will randomly select the winner of the novel the next day.  I must be able to contact you by e-mail, so do not post anonymously.  I am looking forward to hearing the stories of your quilting friendships.

Good luck!

Three-Year Blogiversary Fabric Give-Away

I entered the world of blogging three years and more than 600 posts ago! When I began, I did not even know there was such a thing as a blog comment. What a delightful discovery that other people not only are actually looking at my blog, but they sometimes take the time to write an encouraging or supportive comment. Thank you to all my blogging friends, old and new.

Let's celebrate with some fabrics that will evoke memories of summer days, garden flowers, anything but winter! If you are like me, you are ready for this mess to be over. It snowed again last night, for Pete's sake!

When I was at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival last weekend, I liked the bundles with three-half yards of fabric that are packaged into peaks like little castles. They only had two like that in bright floral fabrics, so I put together three fabrics from my stash for a third prize package. Notice, my package is rectangular, since apparently I am not gifted in fabric folding. And when I send them out to the winners, they will also be folded flat for mailing purposes.

So, if you would like to receive one of these fabric bundles, just leave a comment after this post. No, you do not need to "follow" my blog, put a badge on your sidebar, or friend me on Facebook. Just be sure that you leave your e-mail address so I can contact you in case you win.

Good luck, and thank you so much for visiting All Things Quilty!

The random drawing will be one week from today, on March 10.

Happy Sewing Day

I have plenty of Quilty Things to report today

First of all, it was a Great Mail Day. In December, I participated in SewCalGal's Virtual Christmas Quilt Show, entering two of my Christmas quilts featured on my blog. It was fun to read all the lovely comments from viewers, and to see the lovely quilts on display.

To my surprise, I found out that I won some door prizes. Very wonderful, generous prizes!

The first package arrived yesterday from Daniela Stout at Cozy Quilt Shop in El Cajon, California.

The prize was a beautifully packaged set of 32 eight inch fabric squares, plus an autographed copy of Sharyn Craig's book Layer It Up #2. Sharyn came to our guild a few years ago, and I am a big fan of her books.

Of course, I had to open the package of fabric and spread the lovely squares out on the floor.

These are really soft, warm shades of earth tones. I am thinking they will make something cozy for our mountain cabin! Thank you for donating such a great prize, Cozy Quilt Shop!

I finished sewing the binding on my blue-and-white charity quilt last night. Here it is, with binding, pinned to my design wall.

Finally, I tried a quilt block construction technique that I saw on Del Thomas's blog recently. She has all the step-by-step procedure on her blog post, so I will show only my first two completed blocks. I used some patchwork that I had already pieced together from bright scraps.

There is a lot of seam-sewing involved here, but the intricate weaving of colors is interesting. I don't think I will make sixteen of these to make a 45" square quilt, but I can see a table runner or possibly a purse or tote bag made from this!

Today I head to the "Big City" (Raleigh, LOL) for lunch with one of my teaching friends, and a quick trip to JoAnn's and Michael's while I am there.

Blog Give-Away Alert: The Contented Quilter

Have been weeding and cleaning this week...just have to do it sometimes, and the weather has been sunny and breezy. Weeding is done...porch furniture is clean...car is clean...yippee! Actually, I have done hand-work at night, and finished the striped binding on the little girl quilt last night.


Here is a blog give-away you might like to enter at The Contented Quilter. There are actually two chances to win a charm-pack and a purse pattern or project book.
I want the purse pattern, but you are welcome to try for the other prize!