Last-Minute Knitted Gifts

by Joelle Hoverson, Joelle Hoverson

Today's knitters are chic, smart-and busy. Although they love to knit and enjoy making gifts for family and friends, they're constantly faced with the challenge of finding enough time to actually finish what they've started. Last-Minute Knitted Gifts solves this problem. Joelle Hoverson, owner of Purl, the hip knitting supply store in downtown Manhattan, has designed more than 30 fun, fresh, beautiful patterns, most of which can be made in less than ten hours-some in as little as two!

Known for her keen sense of color, Hoverson includes instructions for classic gifts like baby booties and bonnets, sweaters, and scarves, plus imaginative options like a cashmere tea cozy, a felted yoga mat bag, floor cushions, and a poncho-surely something for everyone on the gift list. And to make each present extra-special, Hoverson offers easy tips on how to incorporate knitting and other yarn embellishments into the gift wrap.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, How To, Art

144 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was initially attracted to this book by the concept of chapters broken down by the hours needed to complete a knitted gift: "Less-Than-Two-Hour Gifts", "Two-To-Four-Hour Gifts", "Four-To-Six-Hour Gifts", etc. Fabulous last minute gifts in just a few hours? Just what I needed. I was curious to see what wonders this book held.

Well ... I have to take issue with most of the "Less-Than-Two-Hour Gifts". Pom-poms and tassels are not gifts. Can you imagine Christmas Day opening a package and finding a single pom-pom? Really. As for the hours required, the hourage might be accurate for an expert knitter, but I (an average knitter) found the projects to reliably take double the indicated time. So far I have made the "Airy Scarf", "Wrist/Hand Warmers" (men's version), and "Men's Rustic Scarf" and they all took twice as long as specified. I would completely avoid the last chapter "More-Than-Eight-Hour Gifts". Sweaters and blankets aren't quick last-minute gifts.

The projects I knitted all produced lovely, quality items extremely suitable for gifting. The patterns are simple, but the finished items are nice with broad appeal. I loved that there are two patterns for classic men's scarves. It's hard to find men's knits that guys will actually wear but these two are definite winners.

I would recommend that if the yarn specified in the pattern is not used, that something as close as possible be substituted. The author has a sublime sense of yarn and to get the true loveliness of these designs, the yarn choice is a huge factor.

The book also contains informative chapters on color, natural fibers, and wrapping handknits. The whole book is written in a friendly, conversational tone. All of the projects are gorgeously photographed.

The writer of this book also wrote a sequel, "More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts" and has a website, "The Purl Bee" (http://www.purlbee.com), both of which have many more similar knitted gift patterns.

[Celeste Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose it depends on how fast a knitter you are whether or not these gifts are truly last-minute, but this is a nice collection of quicker knits that you won't likely be embarrassed to give as a present. Not surprisingly, several of the patterns are for babies and small children.

Every pattern book has a few that are just filler, like the patterns for tassels and pompoms, and as it was published a couple of years ago, it fell victim to the unfortunate poncho fad that gripped the nation. Most of the suggested yarns are quite pricey, but they're not so unusual that you won't be able to find a decent substitute.

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a pleasant collection of patterns with good instruction. I would have preferred more pictures, but the ones included were clear and helpful. The book lost a star for claiming that leg warmers that stretch to 15" diameter would fit "all". My 24" calves disagree.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the library specifically for the floor cushions pattern I saw when flipping through it. Other than the cushions, I like the men's scarves, they are simple patterns that you can find many places but I liked the rustic colors. I also liked the circle of friends blanket because I would like to start a knitting/crochet circle. Instead of for a baby I think it might be nice to modify it to make it larger for bigger children or adults.

I don't think that any of these projects can be completed in the time frame listed, except maybe the items in the under two hour section, but I guess that depends on the person. I wouldn't want to rush a nice hand knitted gift.

I enjoyed the exploring color section of the book. As an artist/painter I feel that it is good for others to know the terms and complexity of color. There is also some nice break downs of tools you will need, types of fibers and pattern abbreviations that you may like if you are a beginning knitter.
Pattern wise, an average book, but like I said, I picked up for one pattern. Lay out and pictures above average.

[Julie Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this book was broken down into chapters based on how long it would take you to knit them, although given the fact that very few people knit at the same speed, this shouldn't be taken as gospel. I took it to be more of an average time, so I personally didn't have a problem with that. The pictures were lovely and the directions were easy to follow and understand. Some of the projects weren't really what I'd call gifts, but to each his own. I enjoyed leafing through it and picking out my favorites. The projects I did make, though, turned out nicely.

5/5 stars.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a fairly experienced knitter so I skimmed over the materials and techniques sections and dove right into the patterns. I think it's very helpful to newer knitters that the projects are organized by how long it would take to complete (Less-Than-Two-Hour Gifts, Two-to -Four-Hour Gifts...). The photography is professional and clear. Stitch diagrams and schematics are included where necessary. My issue is that there were no projects that I found interesting enough to whip up. I'm culling my bookshelves again, so this book doesn't make the cut.

[Frances Sawaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't really say that I have finished this book because it is one that should be leafed through and used when searching for patterns for handmade gifts/projects. The section on color was not useful in that pictures or color charts would have provided a better idea of the author's goals. The projects themselves are quite nice although I bet that the times given would apply to more experienced knitters than I am.

[Donna Hutt Stapfer Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, simple reference

Good for any experience level, and all of the projects look solid, attractive and useful - nothing for the sake of making a thing by hand. Good for the library!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This knitting book ha a lot of good, interesting patterns with detailed instructions. I liked the library book so much I purchased a copy.
I agree with the other reviewers regarding the length of time necessary to complete these projects.

[Xinma]

I had this recollection from years ago that this had something sweet and quick that I would want to knit, but alas, there was only 1 item, and nothing that wowed me. That said, the projects are quick

[Margaret Closs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Resource

As a knitter for over 30 years this is one of the most refreshing knitting books I’ve seen in a while. Thank you!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute projects but I wish the author was more clear about the weight of the yarn she used. Hard to tell for some projects.

[Laceystew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok book

Maybe 3 patterns I see myself knitting. The others are meh!

Brought it on Amazon, on sale for Kindle - $2.99.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

projects organized by length of time to knit. some good inspiration for last minute gifts

[Marcie Lovett · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few interesting ideas, but the directions were difficult to follow. Be aware that these are not projects aimed at beginning knitters.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't often review knitting books, but Open Road put this up on NetGalley and one should always try to review what one requests. A pretty little book, Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson delivers exactly what it promises -- a collection of patterns that take less time than you might otherwise think. The gifts that are truly short on time aren't necessarily something that serious knitters will be tempted by (and, let's face it, the "linen tassel" for a bookmark is a bit of a joke and doesn't quite belong here), but for those knitters who are just starting to stretch their legs, this might be a nice book to consult when you're looking to find something that knits up "quickly." Note that "quickly" is a somewhat relative term, as there are patterns for blankets and sweaters in here... they just happen to be somewhat simple ones. The book itself doesn't seem concerned that "last-minute" usually implies that most of these patterns should be for quickly knit items... not perhaps one-skein things, but at least things you could conceivably finish within a few days (where the entirety of that time isn't spent furiously knitting). Some of these are definitely "Oh dear, so-and-so's birthday is a month and a half away, what do I do?" kind of things, so take "last-minute" with a grain of salt. There are some particularly pleasing scarf patterns that provide some nice inspiration and there's a pretty set of hand/wrist warmers. I, for one, will be making ample use of the angora bootie pattern as I struggle to keep up with knitting some tiny-yet-heartfelt presents for pregnant co-workers.

[Carole Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started knitting purposefully in 2008, this is one of the first books I bought. There's great information at the beginning of the book about choosing colors for your project, types of yarn, tools for knitting, knitting from a pattern, understanding gauge, swatching, and finishing your project. The next sections divide patterns into less than 2 hour gifts, 2-4 hour gifts, 4-6 hour gifts, 6-8 hour gifts, and more than 8 hour gifts. For me the length of time to complete a project may be meaningless. It depends on the amount of time it takes to understand the pattern and how much time you have to work on a project. Of course, the patterns with less time to finish are the easier patterns. One of my favorite projects was the Soft Drawstring Pouch. I made several and gave them as gifts. Another favorite was the Airy Scarf. I made several of these and gave them as gifts. There are patterns that I would to make and haven't gotten around to yet.
This book is filled with good illustrations of the finished project and lots of details on finishing a project. Happy Knitting!!

[Lisa B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts:

I love nothing better than giving or getting a homemade gift. I thought this book had some very cute ideas. What I liked most is how the author organized the book. There was a lot of information that I thought a first time knitter (me) would find helpful. It started with a chapter about color selection, then on to knitting basics. Next came chapters on knitting projects categorized by how long it should take to complete each. Finally, and I liked this touch, there was a chapter with suggestions on how to wrap the item for gift giving.

As God is my witness, I am going to make several of the items from this book - especially the Ombre Alpaca Blanket!

Thanks to Open Road and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Inder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a sucker for pretty photos and simple, old-fashioned styles.

I have now used this book for several projects. I made the baby bonnet, and the pattern was clear and easy, and if it didn't turn out exactly like the one in the picture, that was my fault, and not the book's.

I also finished one wristwarmer - there, I found the directions impossible (it calls for one circular needle but you clearly need DPNs) and confusing, and pretty much ended up figuring out my own pattern with some help from a friend (thanks Andrea!).

Overall, this book is very inspirational and pretty but not written with beginners in mind.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is what it says it is, but I was kind of disappointed. The "gifts" are the sort of thing my mother in law used to buy me for holidays when she had no idea what I liked. Little pouch. Washcloth. Spa set.
Then, the time frames are silly, the categories are split by time "2-4 hours" etc then they timed an EXPERT knitter. Why not time a few people and give the average? Or not give specific times... cute category names like "WAIT IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY???", "Hm, that's coming up", and "Early Holiday Stockpiling" would have worked just as well without giving unrealistic expectations. I don't care how quickly an expert who designed the pattern can make this. How quickly can I make this?

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good knitting book with some nice patterns. There are a couple that I have made over and over again. However, there are some that are ridiculously expensive and impractical if you make them with the materials they suggest For example, the yoga mat bag which would cost $75 to make using the yarn they suggest in the quantity that is needed. For real? On the other hand, I love the knitted gift bags that can be made out of virtually any yarn in dk/sport weight or worsted weight. Pretty photographs, neat stuff.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to renew this from the library as I actually found it useful and practically organized. Projects are divided into the numbers of hours you have to dedicate to knitting them. These are sensible gifts and the knitting short-hand is easy to understand. Will be transcribing some of these projects into my knitters journal and trying them out in the future. Beautiful photographs accompany this hard-bound book. A great library find, my first knitting book that I actually think would be useful to own.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some nice ideas in here, and the time estimated per project is helpful when you're down to the wire. But this book was last minute in and of itself, and you have to be careful you have checked the most current errata before beginning a project. The even got simple things wrong, like the fact that you need double the yarn given for the legwarmers. Unless you're knitting for an amputee.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit, some of the patterns in this book seem a little bone-headed. Er, I mean, charmingly simple. But sometimes you just need somewhere to start. I've made quite a few of these projects (hats, mini socks, mini sweater, child's pants, pom poms), and it's good for browsing and getting ideas. Because I'm the type of person who, 5 hours before the party, really does needs to know "this project will take approximately 4 hours". Time left over to shower!

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was totally not blown away by this book. I love the title, love the breakdown by knit time, but am not crazy about most of the patterns. The two that I would consider knitting are the very cool kid's rainbow scarf, and the lovely chevron scarf, both of which have really good color action going on. Many of the rest were sort of ho-hummy and a few were just kinda silly (pom poms & tassel). It is a very pretty book to look at, though.

[Jessica]

There are some cute and some kind of corny gifts in this book. The greatest thing about it is that it's organized by how long it will take to finish a project, in hours, making it easy to choose a project to suit your time frame. There are also a lot of cute baby items in the book, if you're looking for a baby shower gift, or a gift for all the babies your friends and family are having (or is that just me?).

[Chryse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I like this book, but as others have mentioned, some of the projects, like pom poms and tassels aren't really "gifts", and many other projects require far more lead time than "last minute" allows. The Chevron Scarf, for example, is a great scarf, I love mine, but there is nothing last minute about knitting a scarf out of 800 yards of sock yarn. I worked on this fairly diligently and it still took a long, long time.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've made several gifts from this book. She uses high quality yarn, which is of course expenseive, but for some of the projects (the scarf made with Kidsilk Haze), they really work the best. For others, you can always substitute. The projects are divided into the time it takes to make them, which is really handy.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of these patterns ARE indeed good for last-minute, and some of them take a little longer. But they are all good. I really like most of the patterns in this book. I have to say, though, that the author does have a handy online resource for corrections in some of the patterns as she has revised them, and I highly recommend looking these up if you plan to knit something up from the book.