A quilter's holiday - Jennifer Chiaverini

The Elm Creek Quilters are home for the Christmas, where hand-stitching brings out the holiday spirit in for their loved ones

Just as Thanksgiving is always celebrated on a Thursday, the day after the holiday marks its own special occasion, the beginning of the Quilting Season. On every such Friday the Elm Creek Quilters gather to prepare for the festive times ahead, and to plan hand-made gifts for loved ones. Eager to continue the traditions they have created together, they commence the season by feasting on a potluck lunch made from the leftovers of Chef Anna's delicious roast-turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

InThe Quilters' Holiday,Master Quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson is thankful for the opportunity to revive a family tradition. A recent remodelling of the kitchen at Elm Creek Manor unearthed a cornucopia made by Sylvia's sister, Claudia. Restored to its former place as the centrepiece of the holiday table, Sylvia explains that the Bergstroms chose this decorative receptacle to harbour their thankfulness and gratitude. Just as Sylvia's aunts, grandparents, and cousins contributed a symbolic object to the cornucopia, Sylvia invites the Elm Creek Quilters to make a quilt block, representative of their holiday hopes and wishes.