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Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft
 
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Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft [Hardcover]

Jane Kirkpatrick (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)

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More from Jane Kirkpatrick
Jane Kirkpatrick's historical Christian fiction is honestly conceived and executed, deeply moving and exciting. Visit Amazon's Jane Kirkpatrick Page.

Book Description

December 16, 2008
A fantastic journey. A remarkable commitment. And a simple faith.

Wrap yourself in a riveting American tale told in beautiful stitches and craft

Master storyteller Jane Kirkpatrick extols the beautiful treasures, unknown to a wider public, rediscovered in the Old Aurora Colony of Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. The people and legacy of Aurora, a utopian community founded in the mid-1800s, will stir your imagination, hopes, and dreams; and remind you that every life matters–every daily task, love, aspiration, and endeavor.

~Featuring~
Unique and treasured quilt pattern variations
More than 100 photographs (many never-before published) from 1850 to today
Cherished stories from Aurora descendants
Discoveries of fine crafts from the Colony and private collections
With an introduction by renowned American Artist John Houser

Aurora
is about the difference every ordinary life can make–and a beautiful celebration of a time and place in which people expressed their most cherished beliefs through the work of their imagination and hands.

Frequently Bought Together

Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft + An Absence So Great: A Novel (Portraits of the Heart) + The Daughter's Walk: A Novel
Price For All Three: $35.91

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Like a master quilter, Jane Kirkpatrick has pieced together scraps of remembrances, letters, and artifacts into an intriguing history of a unique community defined by faith and craft. Quilters especially will enjoy her exploration of the domestic arts and how they enrich the lives of women, past and present.”
Jennifer Chiaverini, author of the Elm Creek Quilts novels

“Jane Kirkpatrick is a remarkable storyteller in her historical novels, but in Aurora, she lets the quilts and crafts tell the stories of a Christian communal settlement in nineteenth century Oregon. She became intimately familiar with these stories in her research for the Change and Cherish Historical Series. This book is a welcome addition, particularly for its photographs and related information, on the history of the Aurora Colony.”
James J. Kopp, board member of the Aurora Colony Historical Society and author of Eden within Eden: Oregon’s Utopian Heritage.

Aurora, brings a warm remembering of one man’s effort to establish a caring, sharing community. Jane Kirkpatrick’s writing honors the skills and connected lives of a group of people who created a neighborhood, impacting their entire region. Her story inspires the readers to hone their skills, simplify their lives, and serve others. The colorful pictures bring a by-gone era to life.”
Mary Tatem, author of the bestseller The Quilt of Life; and Beautiful Threads and The Quilt of Hope

“The Diamond Rule at Oregon’s 19th century Aurora Colony was that one should make life better for others. Using her extraordinary gift, Jane Kirkpatrick gives us a story of spirituality and creativity that enriches our lives. Through the agrarian colony’s crafts, especially its quilts, Jane recreates the lives of those pioneers who colonized the western wilderness in a spirit of perseverance, cooperation, and harmony.”
Sandra Dallas, author of Tallgrass and The Quilt That Walked to Golden

“Jane Kirkpatrick brings the Aurora Colony alive through words and pictures. Readers are immersed in the colonists’ culture and craft. We can’t help but admire how these men and women put beauty into even the most utilitarian objects.”
Judy Breneman, quilt historian and founder of www.womenfolk.com celebrating quilts and crafts

“A book on the quilt collection has been a longtime dream of those behind the Aurora Colony Museum. Now, with the skills of writer Jane Kirkpatrick; knowledge of curator Patrick Harris; and commitment of museum volunteers and members, this book is a reality. Enriched by the expanded focus of family, faith, and community, this project celebrates the same patient energy, perseverance, and cooperation the colonists demonstrated more than 100 years ago. Sehr Gut [very good]!”
Mary Bywater Cross, Oregon quilt historian and author of Quilts of the Oregon Trail

“Fascinating and memorable, Jane Kirkpatrick’s Aurora gives voice to the enduring spirit of our pioneer foremothers and the work of their hands. Anyone interested in our pioneer heritage will love this book. Quilt-lovers and historians will want to add it to their libraries.”
Stephanie Grace Whitson, author of Unbridled Dreams and A Hilltop in Tuscany; speaker, and quilt historian

“Do you often wonder what lasts after you’ve gone? Aurora, shares the legacy left by a creative community who crossed the Oregon Trail to live simply in a new land. These families were drawn together by faith, hard work, and service, as well as amazing fiber arts, crafts, and culinary delights. Delve into the beautifully-illustrated pages of this book and savor the quilts that tell a story not only of struggle and sacrifice, but also joy and journey. Then do the hard work of examining your own life and tell your own story, leaving a legacy of purpose and grace. Aurora is a reminder of what’s truly important–that, indeed, our lives are the stories others read first.”
Lucinda Secrest McDowell, author of Quilts from Heaven and Role of a Lifetime

Review

“Like a master quilter, Jane Kirkpatrick has pieced together scraps of remembrances, letters, and artifacts into an intriguing history of a unique community defined by faith and craft. Quilters especially will enjoy her exploration of the domestic arts and how they enrich the lives of women, past and present.”
Jennifer Chiaverini, author of the Elm Creek Quilts novels

“Jane Kirkpatrick is a remarkable storyteller in her historical novels, but in Aurora, she lets the quilts and crafts tell the stories of a Christian communal settlement in nineteenth century Oregon. She became intimately familiar with these stories in her research for the Change and Cherish Historical Series. This book is a welcome addition, particularly for its photographs and related information, on the history of the Aurora Colony.”
James J. Kopp, board member of the Aurora Colony Historical Society and author of Eden within Eden: Oregon’s Utopian Heritage.

Aurora, brings a warm remembering of one man’s effort to establish a caring, sharing community. Jane Kirkpatrick’s writing honors the skills and connected lives of a group of people who created a neighborhood, impacting their entire region. Her story inspires the readers to hone their skills, simplify their lives, and serve others. The colorful pictures bring a by-gone era to life.”
Mary Tatem, author of the bestseller The Quilt of Life; and Beautiful Threads and The Quilt of Hope

“The Diamond Rule at Oregon’s 19th century Aurora Colony was that one should make life better for others. Using her extraordinary gift, Jane Kirkpatrick gives us a story of spirituality and creativity that enriches our lives. Through the agrarian colony’s crafts, especially its quilts, Jane recreates the lives of those pioneers who colonized the western wilderness in a spirit of perseverance, cooperation, and harmony.”
Sandra Dallas, author of Tallgrass and The Quilt That Walked to Golden

“Jane Kirkpatrick brings the Aurora Colony alive through words and pictures. Readers are immersed in the colonists’ culture and craft. We can’t help but admire how these men and women put beauty into even the most utilitarian objects.”
Judy Breneman, quilt historian and founder of www.womenfolk.com celebrating quilts and crafts

“A book on the quilt collection has been a longtime dream of those behind the Aurora Colony Museum. Now, with the skills of writer Jane Kirkpatrick; knowledge of curator Patrick Harris; and commitment of museum volunteers and members, this book is a reality. Enriched by the expanded focus of family, faith, and community, this project celebrates the same patient energy, perseverance, and cooperation the colonists demonstrated more than 100 years ago. Sehr Gut [very good]!”
Mary Bywater Cross, Oregon quilt historian and author of Quilts of the Oregon Trail

“Fascinating and memorable, Jane Kirkpatrick’s Aurora gives voice to the enduring spirit of our pioneer foremothers and the work of their hands. Anyone interested in our pioneer heritage will love this book. Quilt-lovers and historians will want to add it to their libraries.”
Stephanie Grace Whitson, author of Unbridled Dreams and A Hilltop in Tuscany; speaker, and quilt historian

“Do you often wonder what lasts after you’ve gone? Aurora, shares the legacy left by a creative community who crossed the Oregon Trail to live simply in a new land. These families were drawn together by faith, hard work, and service, as well as amazing fiber arts, crafts, and culinary delights. Delve into the beautifully-illustrated pages of this book and savor the quilts that tell a story not only of struggle and sacrifice, but also joy and journey. Then do the hard work of examining your own life and tell your own story, leaving a legacy of purpose and grace. Aurora is a reminder of what’s truly important–that, indeed, our lives are the stories others read first.”
Lucinda Secrest McDowell, author of Quilts from Heaven and Role of a Lifetime
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 168 pages
  • Publisher: WaterBrook Press (December 16, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1400074282
  • ISBN-13: 978-1400074280
  • Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 0.6 x 8.3 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #351,451 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

If you'd like more information about me, please come visit my website at www.jkbooks.com and click on my blog. My dog also has a blog and you can find out what it's like to be Bodacious Bo, too. A monthly newsletter called Story Sparks is my way of sharing books about authors I enjoy as well as commenting on life and love. You'll find out more about me than you probably ever wanted to know! You
One item not listed on my lists of books is my selection included in an anthology called "Crazy Woman Creek: Women Rewrite the American West" published by Houghton Mifflin I also have a piece in Storytellers II, a book published a few years ago by Multnomah Press and a few short selections in Daily Guideposts of a few years back. My first novella, "The Courting Quilt" is part of a collection that made the New York Times bestsellers this past September in a collection called Log Cabin Christmas. The rest of my writing, as they say, is history. Or it was until my first contemporary came out this fall. Called Barcelona Calling, it's the story of a writer who loses her way as she seeks fulfillment thinking she'll find it with fame. It's a laugh out loud book according to reviewers. I hope you'll enjoy it.

 

Customer Reviews

12 Reviews
5 star:
 (8)
4 star:
 (3)
3 star:
 (1)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.6 out of 5 stars (12 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinating Book, February 27, 2009
This review is from: Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft (Hardcover)
I hold in my hands the book that held me spellbound and kept me awake until 1:00 this morning. This treasure holds a fascinating story, circa the mid-1800's, complete with treasures from Oregon's Old Aurora Colony in the Willamette Valley.
Aurora is about the impact ordinary lives can make, with fascinating text. Kirkpatrick travels worldwide, telling stories, and she brings her excellent skills to this book. She also shares her research in the form of--
§ Unique and treasured quilt patterns
§ More than 100 photographs from 1850 to today
§ Cherished stories from Aurora descendants
§ Discoveries of fine crafts from the colony and private collections.
William Keil, called Dr. Keil, directed several communal colonies in the mid-1800s, including Aurora. Father of eight children, he built the utopian community of his dreams, where everyone contributed to the group's bank account and worked together for the common good. In Oregon, members sold fine tailored garments, wonderful quilts and other necessities to their neighbors after meeting their own needs. Keil treated illnesses with herbal remedies and led most of the group spiritually. He did allow different denominations, though, and appeared to be open to other ideas. However, he forbade at least one couple to marry, and they heeded his order.
With Aurora, you will find your imagination stirred, and a reminder that every daily task, love, aspiration and endeavor, matters.

Kirkpatrick is a native of Oregon, an award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction books, and an international speaker. You will like Aurora.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Aurora by Jane Kirkpatrick, February 13, 2009
This review is from: Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft (Hardcover)
I recently read Jane Kirkpatrick's A Mending at the Edge and was eager to find more about the quilts the women made. Although the pictures of the quilts were really good I felt the book was more about the history of the settlers at Aurora than the actual quilts. I would have liked to know more about the quilts, did they use commercial fabric as well as handwoven, where did their homespun fibers come from as well as the dyes. Did they share patterns?

My pure joy was from the pictures of Emma Giesy
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinatin g Book, January 16, 2009
This review is from: Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft (Hardcover)
Jane Kirkpatrick has written a fascinating history of the Aurora Colony in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Founded by Dr. Wilhelm Kiel, the members helped each other to survive. Dr. Kiel ruled with an iron hand. He even had the right to approve or disapprove requests to be married. There's a picture of a gorgeous wedding dress that was never worn because Dr. Kiel refused to give permission for the bride and groom to wed. The dress was made by hand, each tiny stitch representing a dream brought down by one man's selfish belief he had a right to rule other people's lives. The pictures are stunning, particularly the ones of the quilts. Quilters and lovers of history will treasure this book. Recommended.
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