The Winding Ways Quilt (Elm Creek Quilts Series #12) (edition 2008)

I went to the Library to look up a visual journaling book and decided to pick up a couple of novels as well. This book is a slight diversion, I hadn't read it and it happened to be on the shelf, so it came home. I knew it would be a quick read. It was ok. I like the characters and think there is a lot of potential for compilations of biographies of the characters. I think that Chiaverini is having trouble keeping all the characters straight. If she isn't, she isn't communicating their stories well. I like the stories and background of the characters, but there are just too many of them to do each of them justice. I think that Chiaverini should create a compendium, so non-groupie readers can look up the characters and be reminded of their place in the story. On the positive side, this issue means that there is no problem in reading the books again! (

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jlapac | Aug 14, 2013 |

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Another good instalment in this series. These books are like comfort food to me and I enjoyed revisiting the characters. Changes are ahead for the Elm Creek Quilters so I'll be interested to know where the next book goes. (

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secondhandrose | Oct 31, 2023 |

This is a wonderful introduction to the new characters and recap/history of all the characters of this series! (

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cubsfan3410 | Sep 1, 2018 |

The Winding Ways Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini
The new teachers are in place at the retreats. Love hearing all about their new techniques and how they are done.
Overlapping circles that curve symbolize the twisting paths others have taken.
This story has chapters by Sylvia/Andrew and Sara/Matthew who cook and she quilts before the quilting retreaters show up for their week long sojourn learning new things from others.
There are chapters from Gwen and Summer as their relationship changes.
Chapters from another founding member: Judy who will be leaving soon. The travel from one end of the state to the other is giving her problems to care for her mother and continue her work.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). (

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jbarr5 | Feb 10, 2014 |

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jlapac | Aug 14, 2013 |

I loved listening to this book and did the second half of it in one afternoon. We caught up with all the current Elm Creek Quilters and delved more into their pasts. I didn't get that she was spending so much time on Judy since she was leaving, but understood later when she did almost as much with Summer and then wrapped up with another chapter on Sylvia's presenting the quilts. There was also more on what camp life was like as it took place during summer and added the new cook Anna with awesome sounding dishes. I'm looking forward to seeing how the new teachers fare. (

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eliorajoy | May 6, 2011 |

I love all these books, and I don't quilt! (

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mchwest | Jan 30, 2011 |

I loved this book. Apparently it is only one in a long series, but I found my way among the personalities and relationships without much trouble. This story concerns one summer in the history of the Elm Creek Quilters - a group of women who live and/or work in an old manor house teaching quilting classes. Each section of the book is told from the viewpoint (3rd person) of one of the women. It is fascinating to watch the threads of these stories weave together into the satisfying whole at conclusion. (

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MerryMary | Aug 27, 2009 |

Light, fun, great, read. I read it in a day! I love this whole series, they are such feel good books and yet not always full of good things either.

I love the way the women pull together and I think it's the friendships that they form and care for that makes me love the books the most! =) (

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Brandie | Jun 9, 2009 |

12th in series. Very enjoyable (

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brsquilt | Aug 31, 2008 |

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, there isn't much plot - it's more like a bunch of interconnected short stories. On the other hand, this structure goes hand-in-hand with the kind of quilt being created over the course of the book. It was enjoyable, but not compelling. I'd like to see Ms. Chiaverini go back to a compelling plot, instead of trying to track all the different characters we have come to know. (

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tjsjohanna | Jun 27, 2008 |

Back to the roots of the series - the ladies. I like catching up with them and seeing their internal struggles as they relate to each other. Also a good look at some of their backgrounds and how it relates to them in present time. (

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