Customer Reviews

Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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.

My first thought was that I've only made 2 quilts myself, so wasn't really interested in the Aurora book...but...I DO read anything Jane Kirkpatrick writes, as she is my favorite author. I ordered it. WOW! What a great Christmas gift I gave myself today! It arrived & I cannot put it down. I've read all Jane's books, so this one in particular comes alive seeing photos, memorabilia, and all that is written. This is an excellent book & highly recommended. I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I.

Was thrilled to find this book at a bargain price. Knew condition wasn't the best, but price was. All pages there. Thanks so much.

This was an interesting follow up to the series on these people. It was not my favorite book however.

Have purchased this item four times, three of which were gifts. The last one I am keeping. Will be going to the annual quilt show in Aurora, Oregon and find this book full of useful historical information. Always enjoy Jane Kirkpatrick's books.

This book is very interesting to me. It is part of my family history. The illustrations of the quilts are amazing, too. Anyone who likes quilts will like this book.

As I began to look through Aurora I found myself caught up in the unfolding story of a time long ago, when love of family and friends worked its way out of the heart through creativity and craft. What a blessing to be transported to a simpler time, when communities were purposed not only to serve God, but also for God to serve man through them.

Interesting historical book about the settling of Aurora and quilts. I have read all of Jane Kirkpayrivk's books and this gives a good history of the times of several of her books.