The Master Quilter (Elm Creek Quilts Series #6)

The Master Quilter (Elm Creek Quilts Series #6)
by Jennifer Chiaverini
Amazon.com
Edition: Paperback

A Cozy Quilt On A Cold Winters Night, September 8, 2008

The Master Quilter

I'm sure I skipped ahead with this book, since Sylvia is now married and I didn't see it coming. I still enjoyed jumping into this story. Quilt Camp has been established at Elm Creek Manor. Each of the quilters, from the Tangled Web Quilters, takes part in teaching classes on different aspects of quilting. Sylvia Compson, the owner of the manor, is able to share her vast knowledge of quilting, with both new and experienced quilters.

Sarah and Matt McClure live year-round at the manor. Sarah is the bookkeeper, while Matt is the groundskeeper. This story is woven in with the lives of the quilters. Sylvia got married to Andrew, and the Elm Creek Quilters want to make her and her husband a wedding quilt. Sarah sends out letters to Sylvia's friends and those who have attended quilt camp at the Elm Creek Manor, so they can make a special square for the quilt. Each camper writes a story along with the square, to tell what Sylvia means to them.

In this story, Gwen Sulluvan, the hippie mom, is passed over for a position at the college, where she works, for a younger colleague. Her daughter, Summer, has moved in with her boyfriend, Jeremy, without even telling her mother. Judy, who is from Viet Nam, and also a professor, is given an opportunity to teach at a larger college, but she is hesitant to let anyone in on her secret.

Diane, who is sometimes mouthy, and her neighbor, Mary Beth, who is the head of the Quilter's Guild, are feuding, but their boys are best friends. The feud has gone too far, and now the boys are involved.

Bonnie's quilt shop, Grandma's Attic, is losing money. Bonnie is trying to keep the business going, when her husband, Craig, secretly meets with a realtor to sell the business. Bonnie is ashamed to let her friends know her business is in trouble, not to mention her marriage.

Agnes and Sylvia, who are sisters-in-law, have been estranged for many years. They are able to pick up the thread of friendship and become better friends than ever before.

Will the Elm Creek Quilt Camp survive the changes in the lives of these friends? Will Bonnie ever be able to recoup her losses from Grandma's Attic and get her life back on track? Will Sarah be able to get enough squares to finish Sylvia's wedding quilt? Will the ladies be able to remain friends, with Judy moving away?

Reading about the love and friendships of the Elm Creek Quilters is as cozy as a warm quilt, on a cold winters night.

Jill Ammon Vanderwood
author: Through the Rug
Through The Rug 2: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)
Stowaway: The San Francisco Adventures of Sara, the Pineapple Cat