Quilt a Gift

**********The author sets exactly the right tone for this book with her insightful foreword: in our fast-paced world, it is more important than ever to remember that simple joy is found in acts of creating, and giving. With years of experience and her own pattern company, author Barri Sue Gaudet has poured her heart into this book, which is full of gift projects.

Apart from the blessings you’ll be passing to your friends and family with your quilted wonders, you’ll be able to build your needlework confidence with this book. All skill levels are covered, so whether you’re new to the sewing scene or a master of the art, you’ll find something that suits you. Quilt a Gift is also fun because it doesn’t only have strictly traditional quilting designs: nearly all the projects incorporate felt, appliqué and whimsical embroidery too.

Projects are carefully grouped according to special occasions and themes like Birthday, Thank you, Wedding, Baby, Mother’s day, Hearts and home, Friendship, and Christmas. Visually, the book is wonderful, containing large colour photos of each creation, as well as smaller ones of stitching details. After seeing the sweet pin cushion beside a sprig of blue forget-me-not flowers, I was ready to get sewing.

What I really liked about this book (apart from all the charm) is its reader-friendly layout. For example, above each project Gaudet suggests how long it will take to complete. This makes it so easy to page through and find a project that fits the amount of time you have available. I fell for the cute little felt cupcake gift tags that only take 2 ½ hours – perfect for a last-minute gift.

All the patterns are included at the back of the book, as well as “General instructions” to help avoid making silly mistakes. A really useful feature is the page full of local supplier details for across the country and online. So, you’ll be able to stock up on threads and fabrics without a fuss.

Quilt a Gift doesn’t just offer many striking and beautiful patterns; it reminds us to value the people in our lives with personal expressions of gratitude and love.

Reviewed by Dale Sandberg

Published by Metz Press