Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts

by Joelle Hoverson, Anna Williams (Photographs)

A follow up to the Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, this book - designed for use by both first-time and long-time quilters - features 30 patchwork and quilted projects organized according to the amount of time it takes to complete them: less than 2 hours, 2 to 4 hours, 4 to 8 hours, 8 to 12 hours and 12 hours or more.

Genres: Crafts, Sewing, Quilting, Nonfiction, Reference, Art, How To

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Darcie K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update: After checking this book out from the library THREE TIMES, my very own copy arrived in the mail today. I guess I'm changing my rating from four to five stars.
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Usually with project books, about half of the projects are hideous, a quarter are way too hard, and a quarter are just about right. I liked almost all of the projects in this book and made 3 or 4 of them--a good sign, indeed. One quibble: the author is big on process. Her process. This means that she'll tell you how to cut the fabric by folding it in half, trimming the selvage, and cutting the remaining piece into four pieces or whatever, but never gives you the measurements for each individual piece of fabric. This is annoying if you're trying to make do with scraps that you have on hand and don't have a piece that was cut at the fabric store specifically for the pattern.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book for over a year. Initially it was just an inspiration and idea book for me (the pictures are gorgeous), but I continue to use the book as a how-to reference. The instructions make sense to me, and I know that the Joelle way of doing whatever it is I need to do (attach a quilt binding, miter a corner, etc.) is likely to be a good, traditional method.

I rarely follow anybody else's actual pattern for a quilt, but I did follow the "Cutting Corners" quilt instructions pretty faithfully, and it came out beautifully. The projects are tweaked classics that are not going to get stale, and are easily adapted to your own esthetic.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a sweet, simplistic sensibility that I really like. The projects are separated into how long they should take you to complete from 2 hours up to 12+. They range from a pin cushion and needle book to a stuff elephant and table coverings to wall hangings and bed quilts. Many of the latter are very simple and yet have a big impact.

There's nothing particularly unusual or different about any of these projects but they're pleasant and simple and the instructions are easy to follow (no abbreviations!)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am particularly interested in making the elephant, the colored pencil roll, and the little bits and stacked coins quilts from this book. The projects are beautiful and instructions seem to be very clear and easy to follow.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely collection of quilted projects to make separated into catagories by how long it takes to complete the project. Solid section of quilting basics to help new quilters. If I find the time will revisit to make Peanut the wee elephant and use the (sort of) crazy quilt as a stepping off point for a quilt of my own.

[Slynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really liked the variety of the projects in this book, especially the fact that may of the are modern designs, using modern colors. Only thing I didn't like was that there weren't full length photos of all the projects.

[Amberwench · Rating 4 out of 5]

From simple ornaments to complete quilt patterns, this book has a selection of projects for all skill levels and gift needs. A pleasant way to spend the weekend.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book with practical, create-able projects!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

some great knitting ideas I love that they are grouped by number of hours per project and they are some great ideas

[Jessica]

DNF

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with fun projects for all levels of sewing / quilting. The instructions are clear and the visuals are even better.

I have made several items from this book.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someday, after I've saved up an undisclosed sum of money, I'm going to Purl Patchwork. This summer I made my boyfriend drive to Gastonia, NC, (home of the world's largest American flag!!) just so I could go to Mary Jo's Cloth Store, so there's a good chance I really will go to NY just to visit this store. Maybe when I finally graduate.

Anyway, Last-Minute Patchwork is one of those sewing books that is just about perfect--fantastic fabrics (from Victorian reprints to modern dots), beautiful photographs, and really clear directions. Plus, the gifts are fairly unusual--the little birds, for example, make lovely decorations, Peanut the wee elephant is adorable, and I'm incredibly frustrated not to have nieces and nephews old enough (yet) for two of the quilt projects. What I like most, though, is the wide-range of projects, from sewing on cardboard to piecing together duvet covers. Hands down the best gift book I own (thanks, Susan!!)

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has scads of lovely ideas for gifts. I'm not much of a quilter, but I did get a lot of joy out of some of the simple quilt ideas. I was especially thrilled that it has a pattern for a Puzzle Ball in it. I had one as a child and have been wanting to re-create it for my son, but had no idea of where to start.

This would be an excellent book for anyone who wants to do some basic but non-traditional quilting projects, or anyone who is just getting into sewing...you know how to sew seams and hems...now what do you do with that information? This book has some good ideas for non-clothing projects.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the patterns and directions in this book. While there could be more pictures with the explanations (and no text, as far as my learning style is concerned!), the projects are beautiful, inspiring and realistic. The list of web resources in the back is particularly tempting - lots of yummy websites selling great craft gear! This book also includes an excellent, extremely clear discussion of basic quilt construction (making the "sandwich," binding, etc.) that I use as a reference all the time.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having seen this book lovingly written up on many a craft blog, I very happily ordered it at a discount from Amazon. After just a quick read through I am already committed to making at least one baby quilt for my newly-pregnant friend, and hope to find a Christmas present or two in its pages.

I love how it is separated by project length (2 hours, 4 hours, etc.) and that the projects are beautiful but still tackle-able for a beginner. :)

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love patchwork and cute gifts (or heck, even making things for yourself) you will love this book! Filled with cute things, and the projects are divided into groups by the approximate time they should take to be finished. Need something for tomorrow? There is a section for crafts that can be made within hours. Do you have a few days or a week? There is a section for crafts that take longer...along with everything inbetween.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The visual layout for this book is gorgeous, and I love the fabric patterns and color choices that the author uses in her projects. Some specific projects that are especially cute and do-able that I definitely want to sew: the "on pins and needles" books, the quilted coasters, the sweet dreams sailboat wall quilt, and if I get especially ambitious that I'll want to check this book out again from the public library--the color wheel wall quilt.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joelle owns purlsoho a fun yarn and fabric shop. The website is my only experience with the shop but the fabric and patterns they sell there are some of my favorites. The book does not disappoint. The Pencil Case is one of my favorites and I am looking forward to making one at some point. Lots of fun projects, definitely one to own.

[Jodie St. Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome sewing book! I made the elephant, but also plan on making the birds and the pin cushion. This is definitely going on the future wish list (I checked it out from the library). Make sure to read the instructions carefully. Sometimes they are a little unclear, but make sense as you go. Many of these projects are small enough that you could make them over and over.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

So inspirationsal! I've already made the pieced pillows on page 37 but I just appliqed the strips to the fabric instead of inserting them. Too much work otherwise!

Love the bags, the quilts, the pin cushions, etc. Glad I own this book.

I love the instructions for the crazy quilt on page 117. They seem way more intuitive than Denyse Schmidt's method of cutting out pattern pieces.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister gave this to me for my birthday. What a beautiful book! I had to laugh at the table of contents though. This would be more accurate for me: instead of, "Less-Then-2-Hour Gifts", it should say, "One-Week Gifts". I know it will take me much longer, but I can't wait to make some things out of this.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I am not always a last minute person, I do need quick crafty ideas as I love to give handmade gifts. Good variety. Not all quilts. And not all for kids and/or for adults. Many projects can be changed just by color to fit the gender you want it for.

Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts

[Mindofwinter · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are simple projects if you have patchwork experience, but I am relatively new to patchwork and quilting so it's right up my alley. Regardless of skill level, there are projects in here that are cute for gifts and would be useful to just about anyone. Joelle's color sense is always inspiring, and there is a lot of good information about quilting basics.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visually stunning book, Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts is great for sewers of all levels. The directions are simply stated. Further instructions, if needed, are located out of the way in the back of the book.

This is part of the Purl Soho brand which is well-polished, unique, and inspiring.

[Jess Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I browsed through this at the bookstore, and couldn't help but buy it. The book is organized into projects based upon the length of time they'll take to complete - from less than 2 hours to more than 12. The photographs are beautiful, and the directions clear.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was going to buy this while I was in the actual Purl Patchwork shop this winter, since I had coveted it for several moons, but good thing I held back -- it was waiting for me when I got home from holiday, a present from my BFF's mother.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love this book. As I learn more about quilting it has been an invaluable resource. I still haven't done any of the projects, but I'm incorporating her advice on my own projects a ton. I also love her list of books in the back, especially loving Denyse Schmidt's book.

[Holly Booms Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am buying this book - both for the inspiration and the patterns themselves. Lots of great easy projects, with eye-candy photos to make you want to make them. Particularly good for modern, simplified quilts.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Detailed instructions - so easy to follow. My favorite part was seeing the different mixes of fabrics used for each project, so beautiful. I've already completed one project from the book, and I can't wait to try all of them.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I'm learning to sew and I came across this great book at the library. It's got easy gifts to make and since I'm doing homemade gifts all year, it's perfect. I've tried the coasters and succeeded!!