In this mystery featuring a bonus quilting pattern, a retiree moves her romance to the next level—while at the same time trying to untangle a murder… Years ago, a policeman named Charles came to Sarah Miller’s door to break the sad news to her that her husband had died. Little did Sarah know that one day, she would move into the Cunningham Village retirement community—and run into Charles again. Their friendship has grown into something more, and they’re currently dealing with the joys—and challenges—of combining households. But amid this activity, they and their friends have to pull together to defend one of their own accused of murder… Includes a bonus quilting pattern!

When Bob Thompson asked his granny years ago why she continued to create so many of her beautiful quilts, she said it was the only way she could reach across time, touching and giving her descendants her energy. And just like his granny, Thompson's gift of storytelling provides a reverence and buoyancy all its own. This collection combines personal and family experiences to create a patchwork quilt of gripping stories with the comfort of memory. Thompson draws on his mother's seventy years of diaries, handwritten notes, and recipe cards to reveal that every story, no matter how small, has some wisdom to impart. He describes how, as a child, he would pass his days on the front porch of his granny's country store in western Kentucky and listen to regulars swap stories and spin yarns, which cemented his passion for storytelling. His granny's methods of quilting provide an interesting perspective on life: "She never hurried; her stitches were small and even. Fascinated with numbers, I counted as many as eight hundred per square and did the math, sixteen thousand for a twin-bed-sized quilt! When I mentioned that some of Great-Grandmother Brim's quilts had stitches so large that you could get your big toe caught in them, Granny smiled and said, 'It's not the size of the stitches that count, it's the spaces between them.'" Thompson's poignant narratives of community, friends, and family impart the significance of the quiet moments and meaningful spaces between everyday events. In doing so, they demonstrate that there is something to be gained from every human experience.

From the blanket that his great-grandmother made for him as a boy, to the friends he gathered together in San Francisco as a young man, to the idea for a monument sewn of fabric and thread, Cleve Jones’ extraordinary life seems to have been stitched together bit by bit, piece by piece. Mentored by Harvey Milk, Jones first had the vision for what became the AIDS Memorial Quilt during a candlelight memorial for Milk in 1985. Along with friends, Cleve created the first panels for the quilt in 1987. The AIDS Memorial Quilt grew to be one of the largest public arts projects ever and helped grow awareness of HIV and AIDS. The Quilt is an iconic symbol of hope and remembrance and is Jones' shining achievement. It has since toured the world and been seen by millions. This evocative biography is a touching tribute to Jones' life of advocacy, the positive effects of a community working towards a common goal, and an inspiring story for young readers. Includes a timeline and extensive back matter.

“With its diverse selection of fabrics and designs, A Quilting Life is a fine pick for any quilter looking to produce family-oriented keepsake results.” —The Needlecraft Shelf Bring the handmade tradition home with these charming quilts and home accessories. Inspired by a grandmother who loved to sew for her family, quilter and blogger Sherri McConnell gives traditional patterns like hexagons, stars, snowballs, and Dresden Plates a new look featuring fabrics by some of today’s most popular designers. Nineteen cozy projects include pillows, tote bags, table runners, and larger quilts—quick and easy designs that make great gifts. “Sherri’s book is a treasure! It’s full of fun and straight-forward patterns for quilts, table toppers, pillows, bags and more—all the goodies to make a cozy home.” —Thimbleanna “Would you like the opportunity to make tomorrow’s heirlooms in today’s vast selection of prints? . . . If so, this could be the reference book that will get you started. There are 19 projects, mainly focusing on handmade household items but including some larger quilts too.” —Fabrications Quilting for You “Beautiful inspiration if you are a seasoned quilter, but also a great resource with clear and in some cases, simple patterns for newbies as well.” —Diary of a Quilter “Color photos of finished needlework projects accompany step-by-step diagrams and assembly patterns, while at-a-glance sidebars covering materials and cutting allow needleworkers to gauge the complexity of each project.” —The Needlecraft Shelf

Learn to create modern quilts more quickly and easily than ever with this popular method, featuring thirteen projects and twenty-five bonus ideas. Do you believe rules were meant to be broken? If so, this improvisational quilt-as-you-go technique is for you. Instead of dealing with precise paper patterns and cutting measurements, you’ll learn how to piece fabric onto small, manageable batting blocks. Let your creative juices flow as you quilt directly on the blocks (not the whole quilt!), whether in large abstract zigzags or small structured stitches. After the blocks have been joined, all you need to do is add backing fabric and binding, and—voila—it’s finished! A modern approach to quilting that’s fresh, fun, and simpler than it sounds; it will change the way you quilt (for the better) Great for moms or anyone with a busy schedule—these thirteen projects are easy to transport because they make it simple to pick up where you left off Go your own way: This method allows you to use a pattern or improvise, creating a wide variety of design options Save money! Learn how to finish your own quilts without the use of a longarm professional “Quilting is easier than ever with Jera Brandvig’s modern spin on the popular quilt-as-you-go technique.” —Modern Quilts Unlimited “Quilt-as-you-go (QAYG) is one of those techniques that every quilter is curious about trying, but can be daunting as the process is so different to the traditional process of making a quilt top and then quilting it. . . . The book introduces the technique very thoroughly, so you can clearly understand the difference between traditional piecing and quilting and QAYG. Then there’s a great selection of gorgeous quilts that are sure to appeal to the modern quilter. A must if you’ve ever thought about trying QAYG and haven’t had a clue where to start.” —Make Modern Magazine

9 Romances Stitched with Love Treasure this collection of nine historical romances. Faced with finding the right fit in life and love, nine young women seek the courage to stitch together romance. But when unexpected obstacles abound, will love unravel before their eyes? Tumbling Blocks by Andrea Boeshaar Elsa Fritch’s dreams tumble from their heights when Shane Gerhard comes to town to collect on the contract between their parents. Could God expect her to endure an arranged marriage with a man who antagonizes her and disregards Him? Old Maid’s Choice by Cathy Marie Hake Betsy Larkin thinks she must choose between the siblings she is rearing and a man who loves her. Blacksmith Tyson Walker is used to bending iron, but can love and patience bend the will of a woman who is sure she is destined to be an old maid? Jacob’s Ladder by Pamela Kaye Tracy Samantha Thomasohn dreams of riches and of escaping the mundane life clerking for her father’s store. One man holds the riches while another holds her heart. How is true love to be defined, and where will Samantha place her priorities? Four Hearts by Sally Laity Diana Montclair covers her loneliness with an arrogant exterior and a drive for perfection that keeps friends at bay. She reluctantly endures the weekly sewing circle. Can Mrs. T.’s words of truth and a newfound friend help her realize she has been seeking the needs of her heart in the wrong places? Back flap: (30-word blurbs for 5) Marry for Love by Janet Spaeth Wild prairie-born Brigit Streeter lacks the domestic and social skills she needs to marry the cultured new minister, Peter Collins, who has come to the Dakota Territory from St. Paul. When Peter’s supervising elder brings Brigit a gift of fabric to make her wedding dress, Brigit is lost. She can’t sew. Can Brigit become a Psalm 31 wife? Basket Stitch by Cathy Marie Hake Bride-who-isn’t-to-be Rosemary Preston finds herself stranded in No Man’s Land without a groom. Rescued and taken to the Stafford ranch, she discovers Micah Stafford is everything she ever prayed for in a mate. Can a sampler-stitchin’ city woman soften a rough-and-rugged man’s heart? Double Cross by Tracey V. Bateman Ignoring Josephine Stafford’s vehement objections, Grandma determines to make her granddaughter into a proper lady. The whole venture becomes worth it when Pastor Mark Chamberlain starts showing interest in Jo—that is, until a “friend” double crosses her by blabbing all about Jo’s tomboyish ways. Will Mark abandon Jo, or will he love her for being true to who God created her to be? Spider Web Rose by Vickie McDonough Josh Stafford’s a tease, but he doesn’t like it when the joke’s on him. The spunky lad he found stranded in No Man’s Land has turned out to be a lovely young lady. When Josh and Rachel Donovan are together, tempers flare. When dreams would lead these two in different directions, is God weaving a web of love to keep them together? The Coat by Tracey V. Bateman As a jobless widow Leah Halliday struggles to clothe her son in the aftermath of World War II. When her boy’s coat, lined with an heirloom quilt, causes him to be the target of teasing at school, the headmaster’s heart goes out to him. But Max Reilly has a scandalous history. Should Leah trust him?

If you love vintage quilts and admire how they contain an incredible variety of fabrics, this book is for you. Gather your quilting friends and create your own Quilt Club. Together you can make super scrappy quilts the easy way! Sharing quilt blocks with friends is like adding extra helpings of scrappiness and happiness to your next project. Paula Barnes and Mary Ellen Robinson, owners of the pattern company Red Crinoline Quilts, are known for their stunning quilts that often replicate patterns from the 1800s. Their instructions are geared toward today's quilters, tools, and methods, so you can easily re-create the vintage look. Gain expert tips on setting up a block exchange so you and your friends can take advantage of everyone's fabric stashes. Make quilts with the help of your friends, or sew on your own. Instructions are suited to both options! Get ready to fill your home with spectacular scrap quilts reminiscent of days gone by.

Ready to take the triangle challenge? Choose from 70 pieced modern triangle blocks and 11 exquisite quilts that wow! Fourth-generation quilter Rebecca Bryan is back—this time with beautiful 3-sided blocks sewn from pieced stripes, chevrons, curves, and more. A dedicated graphic design chapter will help you choose a winning color palette, play up unexpected elements, and achieve balance and symmetry. Grab your favorite ruler and the full-size block templates to create equilateral, isosceles, and right triangles with ease. With no tricky seams, these sampler blocks are perfect to mix and match.