Three charming stories of cozy quilting circles and budding romance Patchwork Promises by Amy Clipston When Colin Zook and his beloved grandmother lose everything in a fire, their greatest loss is a beloved family heirloom quilt that helped keep her dementia at bay. When Joanne Lapp hears about the loss, she decides to re-create the quilt. Colin soon feels himself developing feelings for her, but he’s held back by the knowledge that a future with him would involve care of his grandmother and his farm. Will Joanne look past his list of responsibilities and see him for who he truly is? A Common Thread by Kathleen Fuller Susie Glick returns from a shopping trip laden with beautiful fabric for her quilting group. On the bus ride, Alex Lehman—her crush from three years ago—sits next to her. Alex left Middlefield to explore the country, and now he’s back and ready to join the church. Susie was just a kid when he left, but now she’s a woman—and she definitely has his interest. The women in her quilting circle aren’t as excited about Alex’s return, assuming that he’ll leave again in search of adventure. Susie is convinced they’re wrong, but just as they start dating, Alex tells Susie he has to leave. He says he’ll return, but Susie must decide whether or not she can trust the man she fears has captured her heart. Stitched Together by Shelley Shepard Gray Rosie’s joy is her yearly project for the Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale, and she dreams of being the top earner. But she’s worried that she’s bitten off more than she can chew with her latest entry. To make things even more confusing, after coming to terms with her single state, she’s recently formed a friendship with Tim Christner. He’s only in town for a month, but he has Rosie wondering if she’s found love at last. Now all she has to do is figure out how to get the quilt done so she can concentrate on him. But with her once very organized life in total disarray, everything comes to a head just before the sale. Rosie is forced to reexamine her priorities before she loses not only her place in the quilt show but everything else she’s ever wanted. Sweet Amish novellas with happily-ever-afters Book length: 75,000 words Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Design, snip, clip . . . Welcome to the quilting bee! With the help of popular author/illustrator Gail Gibbons, you'll learn how quilts are made and discover their fascinating history as well as lots of fun facts. Back in colonial times, quilting bees were important social functions, combining both work and pleasure. They still exist today and attract thousands of snippers, clippers, and stitchers from all walks of life. Some traditional quilt patterns have funny names: Trip Around the World, Bear's Paw, Crazy Quilt. Today's quilt makers also use their imaginations to create new designs that are works of art. Here's the book to get you started in the wonderful world of quilts. Maybe you'll want to make one of your own!

By thoroughly examining all of these aspects, Amish Quilts is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of these beautiful works.--Roderick Kiracofe, author of The American Quilt: A History of Cloth and Comfort, 1750-1950 "Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies"

Discover why so many Amish and Mennonites, committed to a simple life, make beautiful quilts. This book looks at quilting in plain communities and the possible origins of quilt patterns popular among the Amish and Mennonites. Why do so many Amish and Mennonites who are devoutly committed to a simple, austere life make beautiful quilts? Why this splash of beauty? What are the favorite designs? How has quilting become a part of the very fabric of Amish and Mennonite life? What are basic how-tos of quiltmaking? "Quilting has survived among these frugal, simple people because a quilt is not only apiece of art. It is also functional."

Three charming stories of cozy quilting circles and budding romance. Joanne Lapp attempts to re-create a heirloom family quilt that Colin Zook's grandmother lost in a fire. Alex Lehman has returned to Middlefield after three years, and begins dating Susie Glick, but can she trust him if he leaves again? Rosie Raber's yearly project for the Pinecraft Mennonite Quilt Sale may be more ambitious than she can handle, especially when friendship with Tim Christner forces her to re-examine her priorities.

Briefly describes the history of Amish quilts, explains how to make and use patterns, and provides a selection of traditional quilting designs