I made my person in question a small nine-patch pillow, and watched her reaction. The two of us have very different taste, and since she does not hand make anything, it is hard for her to realize the amount of work that goes into projects.
To my delight, she loved it, and even wrote me a thank you. I will now be confident in my decision to make her a throw (if I ever get good enough to complete one that is not totally crooked!) I think you are wise to check things out first.