I too love the Elm Creek Quilters and listen to them, borrowed from my local library. Although there is some building of relationships and events, you do not need to listen to them in order. The author does start off in a clear building of story but then in another book will return to previous eras/generations. I have favorites that I love to hear over and over again. The characters are like old friends who stop by now and again and it is fun to listen to their tales again, even if you heard those stories before.
I now follow this author into some of her historical novels. Still often contain sewing and mentions of quilting but not to the level of Elm Creek.
I will be looking for the recommendations of other on our board. Always up for a good read/listen.