Customer Reviews

Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This book is fantastic! Just what you expect from Joelle Hoverson and Stewart, Taboori, and Chang. The pictures are beautiful and the projects are varied and interesting. Like her Last Minute Knitted Gifts, this book is broken down by estimated time to make the project. The first projects are simple and take only and hour or two. The projects are all very original, and go from the simplicity of little quilted coasters to an heirloom-worthy log cabin quilt. There are gifts you could make for many different people, from babies to your grandma!
The instructions are very clear, and even if you have been sewing for years you will learn new techniques. I cannot wait to try out the technique for applique- much easier than the needles turned and stitched method! I cannot wait to make the wonderful quilt with the birds in the tree. If you enjoy sewing, and making handmade gifts for people, then you will definitely get your money's worth from this book!

I bought this book because of the lovely, stylish and reasonably easy projects it includes. These are beautifully photographed and I enjoy owning and perusing the book. However, the first of the projects I attempted -- the jolly pincushion -- is inadequately documented. The template provided produces a differently shaped patch than the one in the photograph in the directions, it is not made clear where seam lines should be in relation to the template edge, nor are instructions on how to blanket stitch the cushion closed. I was able to ad-lib solutions to these issues, but I think additional pattern-testing by novice sewers might have led to improved instructions.

This book has many different projects to choose from. Many of the projects are simple quilts. These gifts are generally traditional, not very "trendy", though there are a few unique ideas. (I love the color wheel quilt and a sailboat wall hanging!)
This book does not include assembly diagrams. The instructions are pretty clear, but if you are a visual person, this may be a little difficult.

***If you are a serious quilter, and dislike "stitching-in-the-ditch", this book is probably not for you! Most of her quilted projects call for this practice. I think stitching in the ditch is sloppy, but I will use these patterns and come up with an alternative way to quilt the projects.

If you are considering other popular sewing books, here are some thoughts:
Amy Butler's In-Stitches or Lotta Jansdotter's Simple sewing are other alternatives. They offer ideas for gift projects that are are more modern. The projects are not quilted, and they are more everyday objects. You will find patterns for placemats, napkins, bedside organizers, potholders, pet pillows, various bags and totes. Both books have a project or two that are impractical, but generally good ideas.

All good books. Last-Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts is great for a beginner who wants some simple quilt ideas but nothing too flashy.

such wonderful projects, really nice instructions, and what a beautiful book, the photography is stunning, the fabric choices are so interesting as well. this is a must-have addition to any modern crafter's library, even if you just get inspired by the ideas and never make them. Well worth the Amazon price and this will be the gift for my favorite crafting-mother in law this Christmas for sure.

Others have mentioned the cover of the book was the selling point. I must say that is what sold me on the book. After looking inside, I was a little disappointed. The instructions are the worse. "Cut one 38 inch deep piece." What on earth does that mean? Is that length or width? Don't waste your money. You will read the instructions a million times before you understand what the author wants you to do.

Such style, great projects, beautifully photographed. I was inspired to sew lots of these gems, so for me, that equals a great book. Reading the history behind each project was also great.

The book has great pictures but instructions are poor! I made the project, "peanut the wee elephant (not created by the author)" and had a terrible time trying to figure out some steps that the author just ignored to write down. I had to write to Hillary Lang the designer of the pattern to be able to know what to do (there was no diagram on how to put the pieces together)! And believe me, I was not the only one with this problem apparently she had to re-direct some with the same problem to another thread online. Not only that but the book says you can do the project in 4-8 hours ....no way that is true seeing diagrams and instructions are missing! I am now put off by all the other projects in the book which is a pity. I would advise if you really really want the book to get it and use very cheap fabric for the first time you make any project in the book and you have to be extremely patient because some instructions are just left out. To tell you the truth you can get many other projects on other great blogs out there for much less than the book, you just need to do some research. I really feel like I was triked by the pretty pictures in the book, sorry but if I buy a book for $27,50 and I have to get the rest of the instructions in a thread online I think its the most absurd thing I ever heard. I real RIP OFF!!! I would not recommend this book to my enemy!

I picked this up on a whim, and am delighted with it. Every other page was, "Oh, I want to make that!" It's an entirely worthwhile purchase for the experienced sewer/crafter -- even if you only want to buy one book this year. The projects are straightforward, beautiful and not too cutesy or country (which is a big turn-off for me).

Yes, there's a bit of a focus on designer name fabrics. I forgive it because those of us who haunt the remnant tables at the chic fabric stores understand the magnetic pull of amazing cloth. Don't let it turn you off. And, don't think you have to be a quilter to do these projects. If you're comfortable with straight stitches on a sewing machine, most of the project ideas are already in reach.

It's wonderful to see some fresh ideas in a project book. Overall, the stunning photos and inventive projects are all do-able and an inspiration to get out your sewing machine and rummage through your stash boxes of fabric.

I love the pictures but, as other reviewers have mentioned, the instructions are horrid. Instructions were missing or so vague it took forever to figure it out. (I was making the little elephant.) Mind you I have been sewing since 7th grade and I am 52, so I have some experience. I quilt and have made many clothes and other things along the way. I have never seen instructions like this. Please do not buy this book unless you just want to look at the pictures. It was a waste of my time and money and I threw the book away.

I love this book. I saw it at my local fabric shop, and I picked it up there. I have done several projects out of this book with much success. I would recommend this book for anyone who needs to make small gifts for friends. From easy to hard, this has great variety.