Book Review: Quilting for Peace

Quilting for Peace is a fantastic new book by Katherine Bell. Shortly after I got my copy I took it with me on a long subway ride figuring that I could thumb through it and get a sense of the projects and tone. I wasn't really planning on reading every word. Once I started reading it however I realized I was in for a surprise- It's a total page turner, far from the mildly pleasant pattern book I was expecting.

The book is organized as a series of inspiring short stories about people turning quilting from a hobby to something that affects the rest of the world in a positive way. People like Susan Finch who started Binky Patrol, an organization that gives lovingly handmade quilts to comfort children in need. I actually almost cried right there on the number 1 train reading all of the beautifully written tales of people making quilts for soldiers suffering from PTSD, babies in the hospital and the homeless. I love that each story concludes with a small section that explains how to get involved with that particular cause. It all seems so do-able!

So often we, as quilters, get caught up in trying to make things look perfect. This book is much more outward looking than that. It's about using what you love to do to create positive change in the world, not about matching up your seams. There is a wonderful section about the organization "Quilts of Valor" which was started by a mother who lost her son in the war in Afghanistan and gives quilts to wounded veterans coming home. In the pattern that follows the story (for a Saw Tooth Star Quilt) the author gives the following words of wisdom, "Don't worry if the points of your stars aren't perfect; they will still be beautiful."

The 15 lovely projects included in this book range from the aforementioned sophisticated Saw Tooth Star Quilt, to a darling stuffed owl named Mirabel, to a cheery Preemie Pinwheel Quilt. None of the patterns are very hard and they all have clear, well written instructions. We are particularly excited about the quilts in this book because Purl Patchwork and Purlsoho.com supplied almost all of the fabric for each beautiful piece. We are so glad to have had some part in this truly lovely book.

Quilting for Peace would make a great gift for any quilter or for yourself. It will make you think differently about the quilts you make and hopefully inspire you share your work with those who need it most. You can get yourself or a friend a copy of this lovely book right here! -- Molly

P.S. You can learn more about the book, its author and more charitable organizations at quiltingforpeace.com.

Comments

[jennifer s]

thank you for the book review! i'll have to check this one out. i definitely know how the charity quilt making bug bites - i've become addicted to making quilts of valor. three QOVs finished and two more in the works this year. i've got a box with baby blankets for binky brigade, but haven't sent it off yet.

i'm always seeking more inspiration. this looks like a good place to find some.

[elsa]

what a lovely book and well written article ... makes me want to go out and get the book right now! I am so inspired by creative people who give of themselves ... purely for the giving. thank you.

[Heather]

I have been thinking about doing some book reviews. This is very inspirational, helpful and full of great pictures. Thanks for sharing!

[Jen]

Hurray! Great review, and what an exciting-sounding book! I recently joined my local Quilters' Guild, since they have a program to donate baby quilts (that the families get to keep) to the local Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I am so excited to try and help in providing some comfort in this way!

[Andi]

Looks like an amazing book. I'm off to check it out.
Thanks.
Andi :-)

[Kathryn]

Wow, I'm sold just reading this post! I hope to get a copy very soon!

[Dianne]

What a wonderful book and quilits. I too give baby quilts to a local shelter and I will have to try out some of the patterns in this book. Can you please tell me what fabric you used in making the pink baby blanket? I took a look at the Purl Soho website but wasn't able to find it.

THANKS and keep up the good work!!
Dianne

[purl bee]

Hi Dianne-
Thanks for your comment. I didn't actually make the quilts in the pictures above, they are photos from the book which is by Katherine Bell. The author did use fabric from purlsoho.com however so hopefully I can help. I think you're asking about the pink and brown blanket with the blue binding (the second picture from the top.) Unfortunately we are sold out of the main pink floral in this project and not expecting to get any more in. But we might have some alternatives that you'd like. Here are some suggestions:

http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/4333

http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/4541

http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/4215

http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/4411

http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/4412

Hope one of these works!- Molly

[julie k]

What beautiful quilts! I can't wait to get a close up look at the book. (And probably buy it, too!) Thanks for such a thoughtful review.

[Ashley]

Oh, what a lovely idea! Thanks for the review!!

[Katrina]

I just made a quilt from the book!!! It is the block square one. You may see photos and my blog post about making the quilt at the URL I posted with my name!

or...

http://exscapes.blogspot.com/2010/11/quilt-is-done.html