What are Comfort Quilts?

I had no idea what a comfort quilt was before I read The Giving Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini. I also did not know quilters are so passionate about quilting! This new book, released October 30th, is an Elm Creek Quilts novel. And it has inspired me with a desire to read the other books in this series.

I chose this book, not because I am an avid quilter, but because the title intrigued me. I was not immediately drawn in because the initial few pages seemed to be awkward as the sentences were too long and complicated. But I persevered and I am glad I did. The author skillfully interweaves the stories of multiple quilters who attend an annual retreat to make quilts for a children's charity. She reveals their struggles, their friendships and their passions for quilting.

I never realized there were quilting guilds, quilting retreats and multiple charities for which quilters make quilts. You do not need to understand quilting in order to enjoy this book. It had me laughing and crying as I felt a part of the lives of the ladies attending the "Quiltsgiving Retreat". There they made comfort quilts, which are quilts made to give to charity organizations. So now you know what a comfort quilt is. If I was a quilter, I would thoroughly enjoy making one to give away.

I would highly recommend this book. It is a good way to start off the Thanksgiving season.  So head to your local brick and mortar bookstoor and pick up a copy.

Happy Thanksgiving to you.