If I was asked which book I would recommend as a great Christmas gift for a quilter, I would not hesitate to recommend the book titled At Peace with Time – a Woman’s Journey Stitched in Cloth, written by Kristin C. Steiner & Diane C. Frankenberger. This absolutely beautiful book is published by C & T Publishing and is available at any good bookshop. (See link below)

The one thing that shines from the beginning to end in this book is its essential highlighting of the goodness of the human spirit, the wonderful fellowship of fellow stitchers that we enjoy, all tied up with a pinch of wisdom and a sprinkle of words from the gospels, and the awesome watercolors and drawings by Diane C. Frankenberger.

If you never make the quilt, blocks or other goodies displayed in this book, it is such a wonderful manuscript to read, that you will feel like you’ve been stitching. I was given this book when “doing time” in hospital. It was the most wonderful dose of medicine, every time I picked it up, I felt fully satisfied that I had enjoyed a quilting moment.

Apart from the full instructions for making their lovely quilt of pieced and appliquéd blocks, the book also includes instructions for creating a Travel Journal, A traveling Sewing Kit, a lovely baby quilt titled Ring Around the Rosy, a doll and doll quilt, a gorgeous pillow with a title of Profound Pillow and as a bonus, a number of yummy recipes and lots of sayings, quotes and simply inspiring words.

The Authors Kristin C. Steiner and Diane C. Frankenberger have given a great deal of thought to the layout of the book, keeping its integrity of providing simple pleasure throughout the whole book. The illustrations are extremely clear and concise and easy to understand. The cutting instructions are incredibly simply described, no chance of getting the wrong message here.

As mentioned previously, this is not necessarily a book that only a “doer” will enjoy. All of us go through cycles of getting quilting done, and then not getting quilting done. Sometimes our heart isn’t in its right phase, or the family is demanding more of our time.

This book is a perfect solution to the “don’t have time to stitch” syndrome that we all suffer from time to time. A few minutes spent pouring over this book; will give you the feeling of having stitched. I try to use the same theory when on a diet. I spend a bit of time looking through a recipe book with the hope that I’ll feel like I’ve eaten!! (I wish!!). Go and have a look at this delightful creation. It’s one of my all time favourites.