When New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Chiaverini began writing about a group of friends who called themselves the Elm Creek Quilters in 1999, she simply wanted to explore the relationship between quilters and their art.
A quilter herself, Chiaverini said she was enthralled not only by the artistry of quilting, but by the uniquely social atmosphere surrounding it.
"It has a wonderful social aspect," said Chiaverini during a phone interview from her hotel in Portland, Ore. "Experienced quilters are very open to share tricks they've learned, and they're always welcoming to someone who wants to give it a try. There is such a warmth and generosity. That social aspect was absolutely enchanting to me."
Sixteen books later, Chiaverini said she has seen the Elk Creek Quilt series expand in ways she never could have imagined. From a fabric line with Red Rooster Fabrics to three pattern books based on quilts described in the novels, Chiaverini said she is thrilled at the response from readers who feel connected to the Elm Creek Quilters.
In Chiaverini's latest novel, "The Aloha Quilt," Elm Creek quilter Bonnie Markham leaves her home in Pennsylvania to help her college friend Claire set up a quilters retreat at her bed and breakfast in Maui.
Trying to escape a bitter divorce, Bonnie jumps at the chance for an extended vacation and an opportunity to get lost in the intricate world of Hawaiian quilting.
While there, Bonnie learns the secrets of the historic art from Midori, a housekeeper and cook at the Hale Kapa Kuiki Inn. As Bonnie designs and sews a Pineapple Patch quilt under Midori's watchful eye, she becomes absorbed in the vibrant native culture and the people around her.
The Pineapple Patch, Chiaverini said, is especially significant to both Bonnie and the Hawaiian culture because it represents hospitality and is seen in previous books on a jacket Bonnie wears when she needs courage.
"It formed a nice bridge to the new style of quilting that [Bonnie] was going to attempt and her past," Chiaverini said.
Although she examines the profound bonds of friendship that are formed through quilting and the heartache of a lost love, Chiaverini lends even more depth to the novel by exploring Hawaii's rich history through Hinano, Midori's nephew and Bonnie's guide-turned-confidante.
"I wanted her to get to know the individuals who live there," Chiaverini said, "not just the tourist aspects."
Chiaverini said she visited Hawaii four times while writing "The Aloha Quilt" and spent time talking to residents in order to dig beneath the typical tourist side of Maui.
"I spoke with as many people as I could while there," Chiaverini said. "I did a lot a reading and had a lot of help via the Internet. Especially on matters of the Hawaiian language, I'm no expert."
For each novel she writes, Chiaverini makes a quilt described in the book and posts the photos online at www.elmcreek.net. Both the Aloha Quilt and Bonnie's Pineapple Patch Quilt are currently up and provide another dimension into the lives of the characters Chiaverini delicately crafts.
Chiaverini said she began the ritual of making a quilt based on the novels for fun but quickly realized it was a way for her to help readers connect with the Elm Creek Quilters on an even deeper level.
"I just tried it and readers responded so warmly so I kept doing it," Chiaverini said. "I have heard from readers who have enjoyed making them and say it helps them stay in touch with the characters."
Next up for the series, Chiaverini said, is a historical novel called "The Union Quilters," which is set to be released in March 2011. The novel will delve into historical America through ancestors of the Elm Creek Quilters.
On a book tour promoting "The Aloha Quilt," the Utah Quilt Guild has arranged for Chiaverini to visit The King's English in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 21, to talk to fans and sign copies of the books.
e-mail: amears@desnews.com
If you go …
What: Author Jennifer Chiaverini presents "The Aloha Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel"
Where: The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East
When: April 21, 7 p.m.
Phone: 801-484-9100