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The Quilt
Hallmark and Bethany have teamed up to produce a lovely gift edition of this bestselling novella by T. Davis Bunn. The Quilt is a beautifully woven intergenerational story of a grandmother who uses a quilting project to pass along her spiritual heritage to family and friends. As the women gather together to share thanksgiving and requests as they quilt, they end up weaving both aspects of prayer into the fabric of their lives. In a world where people often are too busy to talk to those around them, let alone truly care for them, here is a welcome invitation to sit quietly, pray for others, and give thanks to God. A perfect gift for women of all ages, especially those who enjoy quilts, quilting, and other crafts.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1993
152 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
T. Davis Bunn
80 books148 followersAlso writes under the names Thomas Locke and Davis Bunn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
December 30, 2017
First published in 1993, "The Quilt" is a lovely short story that tells the lasting legacy of a family's matriarch as she sets her last task on earth is to create one last quilt of thanks for the gifts she has received in her life. A truly beautiful story during this holiday.
July 7, 2017
This was a pretty good short story about an elderly woman named Mary who has arthritis who with the help of her friends and family makes a prayer quilt and teaches them to give praise and thanks to the Lord your God every day. If you like Christian Faith type stories like this, Then definitely look for this book and your local library and wherever books are sold.
July 19, 2013
I bought the "little" book at Goodwill. I've read several T. Davis Bunn books. My Mom participates in a Prayer Shawl ministry. The ladies knit a shawl for a shut-in and while they knit they pray for that person. Well, this book's storyline is similar except the ladies in the book are helping a very elderly lady, Mary, make a quilt. Mary teaches the ladies the importance of prayer especially the giving of thanks. The following story is told by Mary after one of the ladies find a poem written on a sheet of paper stuck in one of Mary's old Bibles (George Matheson was the author of the poem):
"George Matheson was a man of the Lord, born and raised in Scotland. I forgot when he lived, but I know it wasn't in this century. He fell in love with a beautiful young lady, and they planned to marry. Not long before his wedding day, George Matheson discovered he was going blind."
Mary waited until the room quietened, then continued, "He did what he had to do, went to his young lady and told her the news. Told her she could break off the engagement if she wanted, but that he still loved her and wanted to marry if she would have him. The woman thought about it for several days, then came back and said that though she loved him, she did not want to spend the rest of her life with a blind man. And the wedding was off. Soon after this, George Matheson wrote a hymn."
Mary turned back from the window. She lifted the brittle page with trembling hands, looked at it for a long moment, then handed it over to Lou Ann. Her voice was as shaky as her hands when she said, "Read that first verse for me, honey, my eyes aren't what they used to be."
Lou Ann studied the ancient script, read in a halting voice.
O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
"The Lord holds me always in His love, Dr Caswell [this was her preacher who had given her this poem/hymn shortly after her baby had died) told me," Mary said to the silent room." Always there, always loving, always giving, always healing. At my weakest, the Lord is strongest."
Mary paused a moment, kneading one hand with the other, then said, "George Matheson went blind, and he didn't marry the girl. He lived a full life for his Lord, and toward the end of his time on earth he wrote a prayer. I think more than anything these words were what saw me through my own dark times." She looked at Lou Ann, said, "Just read that section there at the bottom that starts, 'My God,' please child."
Lou Ann cleared her throat, wiped her eyes, read,
My God,
I have never thanked thee for my thorn.
I have thanked thee a thousand times for my roses,
But never once for my thorn.
Teach me the glory of my cross,
Teach me the value of my thorn.
Show me that I have climbed to thee by the path of my pain.
Show me that my tears have made my rainbows.
"There's lessons right along to the end of the road," Mary said, her eyes back on the window. She sighed, shook her head, said softly to the world outside, "What strength that man must have had."
If you enjoyed this story you will enjoy the book!
"George Matheson was a man of the Lord, born and raised in Scotland. I forgot when he lived, but I know it wasn't in this century. He fell in love with a beautiful young lady, and they planned to marry. Not long before his wedding day, George Matheson discovered he was going blind."
Mary waited until the room quietened, then continued, "He did what he had to do, went to his young lady and told her the news. Told her she could break off the engagement if she wanted, but that he still loved her and wanted to marry if she would have him. The woman thought about it for several days, then came back and said that though she loved him, she did not want to spend the rest of her life with a blind man. And the wedding was off. Soon after this, George Matheson wrote a hymn."
Mary turned back from the window. She lifted the brittle page with trembling hands, looked at it for a long moment, then handed it over to Lou Ann. Her voice was as shaky as her hands when she said, "Read that first verse for me, honey, my eyes aren't what they used to be."
Lou Ann studied the ancient script, read in a halting voice.
O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
"The Lord holds me always in His love, Dr Caswell [this was her preacher who had given her this poem/hymn shortly after her baby had died) told me," Mary said to the silent room." Always there, always loving, always giving, always healing. At my weakest, the Lord is strongest."
Mary paused a moment, kneading one hand with the other, then said, "George Matheson went blind, and he didn't marry the girl. He lived a full life for his Lord, and toward the end of his time on earth he wrote a prayer. I think more than anything these words were what saw me through my own dark times." She looked at Lou Ann, said, "Just read that section there at the bottom that starts, 'My God,' please child."
Lou Ann cleared her throat, wiped her eyes, read,
My God,
I have never thanked thee for my thorn.
I have thanked thee a thousand times for my roses,
But never once for my thorn.
Teach me the glory of my cross,
Teach me the value of my thorn.
Show me that I have climbed to thee by the path of my pain.
Show me that my tears have made my rainbows.
"There's lessons right along to the end of the road," Mary said, her eyes back on the window. She sighed, shook her head, said softly to the world outside, "What strength that man must have had."
If you enjoyed this story you will enjoy the book!
February 24, 2023
An oldie novella from one of the most versatile authors to ever write ChristFic.
This isn't a story with a sermon or a come-to-Jesus moment stuffed into it to make it "Christian." Rather, one woman's soul-deep task of faith is the story here, along with the way she gently impacts the lives around her.
It's a simple tale but not a shallow one. Heartwarming but not corny or oversweet. The style is almost rambling, but it's an intentional ramble, taking its time to show the intricate nature of some imperfect, loving relationships between compellingly human characters.
Really, Mary's relationship with her younger, middle-aged son, a bond that isn't particularly sentimental but that's still deeply felt on both sides... I could have read this book just for that.
It's a poignant story—not the kind to reach for when you're looking for an upbeat, happy ending for everyone. Rather, it's for those contemplative moments when you feel like pausing to appreciate the blend of joys and sorrows that make up this priceless thing we call life.
This isn't a story with a sermon or a come-to-Jesus moment stuffed into it to make it "Christian." Rather, one woman's soul-deep task of faith is the story here, along with the way she gently impacts the lives around her.
It's a simple tale but not a shallow one. Heartwarming but not corny or oversweet. The style is almost rambling, but it's an intentional ramble, taking its time to show the intricate nature of some imperfect, loving relationships between compellingly human characters.
Really, Mary's relationship with her younger, middle-aged son, a bond that isn't particularly sentimental but that's still deeply felt on both sides... I could have read this book just for that.
It's a poignant story—not the kind to reach for when you're looking for an upbeat, happy ending for everyone. Rather, it's for those contemplative moments when you feel like pausing to appreciate the blend of joys and sorrows that make up this priceless thing we call life.
January 6, 2019
This is the kind of book that I could read over and over. I have spent hundreds of hours quilting at a frame, I have pieced and sewed but never had it occurred to me to pray while quilting. I do that now while making art. Quilting started me on to my artistic journey. This book was so heartwarming and the type of book that reminded me of my mother and her generation of which I relate to the most. Read the book and you'll be the better for it.
August 31, 2014
This is one of the most wonderful books I have ever read. While we are all so caught up in our lives and worries that those of us who do pray are most always prayers of requesting things, asking for forgiveness. This little gem of a book teaches one simple lesson, to remember to say prayers of Thanksgiving, not only for the good things in our lives, but also the bad, unhappy things.It is in the suffering of the bad things that we are made stronger. It is so easy to celebrate the good things in life, but to not only accept the bad things, but to be thankful for them, for the strength they have given us and the lessons that they have taught us is truly a lesson well learned and a life well-lived. The other prayers are important too, but not nearly as these prayers of thankfulness. I hope this book will stay with me for the rest of my life and that I don't ever forget the lessons it has taught me.
March 14, 2011
For a short book, I teared up often. This is a sweet book that makes me want to hug my grandma.
December 16, 2015
A sweet little book.
July 18, 2022
My first read from Davis Bunn left me un-wowed as the ending on this is rather flat. In a nondescript small town in a nondescript era sometime between ww2 and the end of the century, an elderly woman approaches the end of her life. The townspeople love her but her family, while faithful to visit, doesn’t seem to know her well and one son even proposes to “put her in an old people’s home” because she decides God told her to make a quilt. The quilt does bring some people together to pray but the ending seems abrupt. I had difficulty believing in the turns of events near the end and everything happened very quickly, with the spiritual application of the quilt’s reason being only dimly implied and the lesson unclear.
March 2, 2022
"Tomorrow never comes. You either have it today, or you don’t."
I can't begin to say how much this small story has moved me and how grateful I am to have been told about it by CN. It's hard to put into words what I feel. I have memories of my Grandmother Anna, herself almost blind because of diabetes. I never saw her quilt but I recently passed on those memories to her grandchild . The stories that were shared about how and why she worked on them were gifts I will always treasure. And in the end that is what we are called to do, to take the past and with your own self, be an integrated child of G-d. Highly recommended 5/5
I can't begin to say how much this small story has moved me and how grateful I am to have been told about it by CN. It's hard to put into words what I feel. I have memories of my Grandmother Anna, herself almost blind because of diabetes. I never saw her quilt but I recently passed on those memories to her grandchild . The stories that were shared about how and why she worked on them were gifts I will always treasure. And in the end that is what we are called to do, to take the past and with your own self, be an integrated child of G-d. Highly recommended 5/5
August 30, 2025
I enjoyed this story. partly the idea of friends coming together to complete a quilt. the love, time, energy and care that goes into a project like that is amazing. but I loved it more for the emphasis on giving thanks to God in all things. making a conscious effort to actively give thanks and glory to God.
August 1, 2024
This short and sweet book packed a punch! A perfect reminder to pray and thank God for everything. I plan to read this book at least once a year, but maybe even more often. I am also going to recommend this book to several of my quilting friends. 🥰
November 26, 2023
Absolutely beautiful story that I will keep in my heart!!!
December 14, 2024
Love this for many reasons. Especially like that the narrator was familiar from my favorite quilt series.
July 15, 2025
This makes me have hope. I love the faith in this book and the sweet aspect.
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: A Truly Beautiful Story That Transcends Time and Place
The Quilt is the story of Mary, an elderly grandmother whose gnarled, arthritic hands have a beauty all their own. They represent so many skills, so many memories, so many stories to be told. Anyone who had met Mary described her as beautiful--she had always been there to listen and comfort and encourage those who were in pain, those who had lost their way. And yet in the twilight of her days, Mary felt a gentle yearning in her heart, the whisper of a melody she strained to hear.... There was something left undone.When Mary becomes convinced that the task still unfinished is to make one more very special quilt, with every stitch sewn in prayer and thankfulness, the impact on her family and the surrounding community cannot be contained. No one who gets involved with this quilting project will ever be quite the same again!
REVIEW: This was a story that truly touched my heart. An easy-to-read, one sitting novella that is a lesson in gratitude. The main character, Mary, is an elderly lady and she teaches those around her to be thankful at all times. This simple story is full of tiny gems of writing that will stay in your mind for a long time. I have read many books by Davis Bunn, most of them historical. This is a totally different type of writing from him and it was excellent.
FAVORITE QUOTES: Really too many to list but here are a few:
"The Lord holds me always in His love...Always there, always loveing, always giving, always healing. At my weakest, the Lord is strongest."
"And I saw how all the things that I worried about were shadows that kept me from seeing what I really needed to do, which was be thankful."
"Son, let me tell you a little secret I've learned in these long years of mine. Tomorrow never comes. You either have it today, or you don't."
The Quilt is the story of Mary, an elderly grandmother whose gnarled, arthritic hands have a beauty all their own. They represent so many skills, so many memories, so many stories to be told. Anyone who had met Mary described her as beautiful--she had always been there to listen and comfort and encourage those who were in pain, those who had lost their way. And yet in the twilight of her days, Mary felt a gentle yearning in her heart, the whisper of a melody she strained to hear.... There was something left undone.When Mary becomes convinced that the task still unfinished is to make one more very special quilt, with every stitch sewn in prayer and thankfulness, the impact on her family and the surrounding community cannot be contained. No one who gets involved with this quilting project will ever be quite the same again!
REVIEW: This was a story that truly touched my heart. An easy-to-read, one sitting novella that is a lesson in gratitude. The main character, Mary, is an elderly lady and she teaches those around her to be thankful at all times. This simple story is full of tiny gems of writing that will stay in your mind for a long time. I have read many books by Davis Bunn, most of them historical. This is a totally different type of writing from him and it was excellent.
FAVORITE QUOTES: Really too many to list but here are a few:
"The Lord holds me always in His love...Always there, always loveing, always giving, always healing. At my weakest, the Lord is strongest."
"And I saw how all the things that I worried about were shadows that kept me from seeing what I really needed to do, which was be thankful."
"Son, let me tell you a little secret I've learned in these long years of mine. Tomorrow never comes. You either have it today, or you don't."
October 9, 2012
This book resonated with me on many different levels; aging, a mother named Mary who loved quilting, and also has a strong presonal relationship with God. The message of being thankful and also full of praise is one I can benifit from and would do well to remember on a daily basis. It hit home in so many different ways!
August 25, 2007
I truly enjoyed this short book about thankfulness and the impact one woman's thankful heart had in her family and community. I cried buckets.
October 7, 2008
A tender touching story of how one person can influence the lives of many through a very simple way.
August 8, 2015
This was a great book about giving thanks to God... Very enjoyable
January 5, 2018
This is a slow, lovely story to read while having a good cup of tea. Just a story for your heart.
February 20, 2020
I cant tell you how many times I've read this book over the years. It's not the kind of book or even writing I normally gravitate towards, but there is a simplicity and beauty weaved in its pages that brings me a smile over and over again.
The idea of having a thanksgiving quilt where eachbstitch is given in prayer of thanksgiving has always captivated me.
As I read this for the first time theough my more mature eyes, I held on to this section:
"'Nor gave thanks to Him,' " Mary repeated. 'Isn't that something. We're not just talking about some little act we can take on when times are good and there's a few extra minutes lying about. Paul says plain as the nose on your face that this is one of the most basic responsibilities we have. We must glorify our God and we must give thanks to Him. All the sins and all the confusion that Paul talks about for the rest of that chapter stem from people not doing those two things."
This book is is so short but it's always like a familiar friend dropping by for a cup of coffee and a friendly chat.
The idea of having a thanksgiving quilt where eachbstitch is given in prayer of thanksgiving has always captivated me.
As I read this for the first time theough my more mature eyes, I held on to this section:
"'Nor gave thanks to Him,' " Mary repeated. 'Isn't that something. We're not just talking about some little act we can take on when times are good and there's a few extra minutes lying about. Paul says plain as the nose on your face that this is one of the most basic responsibilities we have. We must glorify our God and we must give thanks to Him. All the sins and all the confusion that Paul talks about for the rest of that chapter stem from people not doing those two things."
This book is is so short but it's always like a familiar friend dropping by for a cup of coffee and a friendly chat.
April 15, 2023
This is a delightful gem of a book. It is the type of book that one can re-read many times and find a new lesson in it every single time! Miss Mary is approaching the end of her life. As a woman of deep faith, she feels God directing her to make one more quilt...a 'prayer' quilt. Her family and her circle of friends doubt her ability to finish the quilt but she perseveres. The entire community comes together to help Miss Mary with her quilt. The only 'rule' that Miss Mary insists on is that the workers offer prayers of thanksgiving as they work on the quilt.
As a person of faith and a seamstress that has sewn many, many quilts and items of clothing through the years, this story touched my soul. I have 'prayed' many garments into being. I often sewed 'guardian angel' coins into the formals I made for teen aged girls. This story is my story and I'm so thrilled this book landed in my lap! "This is a day that our God has made...let us rejoice and be glad in it."
As a person of faith and a seamstress that has sewn many, many quilts and items of clothing through the years, this story touched my soul. I have 'prayed' many garments into being. I often sewed 'guardian angel' coins into the formals I made for teen aged girls. This story is my story and I'm so thrilled this book landed in my lap! "This is a day that our God has made...let us rejoice and be glad in it."
January 24, 2023
This is such a sweet little book with a powerful message that knows no span of time. A gentle reminder to give thanks in all we do and for all we have the attitude of thankfulness. Which is exactly what the women in this novel do as they come together to stitch a quilt for their beloved Mary. A elderly lady who is like a grandmother to all. In her waning days she follows her heart of God to have the women in her community come together to stitch a quilt with one wish. That with each stitch a prayer of thanksgiving is sewed. Mary whose arthritic hands while no longer can do what they once did still are a reminder of the lifetime they’ve held. This can be read in one sitting and will leave you with a peaceful feeling. We need to slow down and enjoy each moment and stage in life because it goes by so quickly. A satisfying little book with a big message.
April 27, 2020
I loved this story. Miss Mary lived a long life with many bumps. She decided to make anther quilt. Her son was not pleased with this idea.
Miss Mary went up into her hope chest and dug out some old clothes. All the items could bring back special memories. She received many visitors and they talked among themselves that Miss Mary will need helping hands to complete this quilt.
Miss Mary agreed with strong conviction that every stitch that was made, there was a prayer to be said.
This was very enjoyable to read the determination of love and faithfulness of Miss Mary and the people in her life time.
Miss Mary went up into her hope chest and dug out some old clothes. All the items could bring back special memories. She received many visitors and they talked among themselves that Miss Mary will need helping hands to complete this quilt.
Miss Mary agreed with strong conviction that every stitch that was made, there was a prayer to be said.
This was very enjoyable to read the determination of love and faithfulness of Miss Mary and the people in her life time.
July 27, 2021
No words wasted...a treasure in story-form
The chain on my necklace broke and so did my heart. The links held a pendant that held gems on a tree with each of my children's birthstones. With no way to display their beauty i was devastated...until I found a jeweler who could repair it wonderfully. The pages of this small(yet HUGE)tale has the same joy of discovery;displaying what treasure there is in a thankful heart. Thank-you, Mr.T. Davis Bunn, for the richest gift of sharing The Living God in a well-lived life...
The chain on my necklace broke and so did my heart. The links held a pendant that held gems on a tree with each of my children's birthstones. With no way to display their beauty i was devastated...until I found a jeweler who could repair it wonderfully. The pages of this small(yet HUGE)tale has the same joy of discovery;displaying what treasure there is in a thankful heart. Thank-you, Mr.T. Davis Bunn, for the richest gift of sharing The Living God in a well-lived life...
July 28, 2018
This very small, short book was a delight to read. An elderly and arthritic woman, Mary, believes God has told her to make one last quilt. Friends and relatives think she might not be thinking clearly. When some women go to talk her out of the idea, they instead find themselves offering to help. Mary has one mandate - to pray constantly while sewing thanking God for their blessings.
What follows is a sweet story that will have you smiling and counting your own blessings.
What follows is a sweet story that will have you smiling and counting your own blessings.
September 27, 2022
This was both an uplifting book but also a little sad. Mary says that God told her a quilt must be made, she is in physical shape to make the quilt, so she asks for help, she has one condition, for every stich a prayer of thanksgiving must be said. Mary's sons remember their mom while the quilt is being made. Read the book to see if Mary's friends and family understand what Mary is trying to tell them. A very inspiring book.
November 22, 2024
Mary tells her family she had a quilt to make. God told her to. Her family especially one of her sons was having a fit saying she was in no condition to make a quilt. Her eyes, her hands etc. so her family decided to help but Mary had a condition if they were to help.... with every stitch they were to give a prayer of thanks. What was so important that Mary finish this quilt A short but tender story
Sweet read
Sweet read
March 1, 2025
Mary, an elderly mother and grandmother feels God is telling her to make a quilt. With her deformed, arthritic hands, her family is not on board with this idea. However, she begins the task, and some family and friends join her. Even when she is physically unable to work on the project, she reminds the quilters every stitch is to made with prayer and thankfulness.
Prayer and thankfulness is a theme that runs through this book. It is short, sweet, and very enjoyable
Prayer and thankfulness is a theme that runs through this book. It is short, sweet, and very enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews