One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Projects; Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yard of Fabric! (STO-24493)

I bought this book because, well, who doesn't have that beautiful one-yard piece of fabric either bought specifically for the design itself or left over from a previous project. So I thought this book would provide me with either inspiration or ideas. Who knew it had volumes of both??I flipped through it last night for the first time and just flipped out! I have sticky note after sticky note on pages of what to make first and also things I want to go back to for reference.For starters, I found the explanations on stitches (such as slipstitch, aka blindstitch) and key techniques (like a scant 1/4-inch seam, and how to make and use piping) clearly explained and illustrated, which is fantastic for a relatively new sew-er like me. Although I've made women's tops, children's clothing, and a few quilts and wall hangings, I'm somewhere between beginning and intermediate sewing due to the inherent difficulties in being self-taught with no one's shoulder to look over and observe. So I have a bookcase pretty well stocked with sewing references and design books, but this is the first book I've read that explained some of these things so clearly and illustrated so well.Moving on to the patterns, where do I begin? I think this book has ample samples using some of the most popular fabrics (and of which I was happy to be able to snag a few before they were discontinued). Their ideas include household goods, craft organization, bags, clothes, carry-alls, accessories, play things, and pet projects.The best thing that I like about the book is the variety of projects I haven't found in other books - like the tabletop ironing-board cover. I have both a tabletop and larger ironing board, and I'll adapt the pattern so I can make this project for my larger ironing board. The instructions are simple enough that even I can figure this one out! I'll make it in the very fabric they used as an example too. I say this because it's one of those cases like they cite up front - that rare fabric I just had to have and this is really a stellar use of it, because if I ever want to repurpose this gem of a fabric later, it will be largely in tact.The women's cape is really a grand idea as well. I could use some of my precious designer quilting cotton, but the authors clearly explain in the fabric options which materials would really suit the project best, and I appreciate their counsel. I'll probably use what they suggest (sigh - like I need an excuse to go buy more fabric, but hey, it's only ONE YARD! ;-)And the bags! I'll have to make the Folklore Bag, the Bohemian Banana Bag, and the Quilted Circles Shoulder Bag for sure. That's just for starters.And the Beanbag Booster Seat. Well, I don't really need one of those, but after reading the instructions (only one page, as are more of the instructions for these clever patterns), I'm going to use their method of making a square three-dimensional chair cover out of one yard of oilcloth I have to make a cushion for our rocking chair. Having a seven-year-old at home, I have discovered that using my precious designer quilting cotton to cover chair seats isn't a good idea, unless spaghetti stains and cookie crumbs match the beautiful print somehow. It's a wonderful thing that great oilcloth selection is now available, and this one-yard pattern makes it both do-able and affordable!The authors do a magnificent job of communicating how to make very useful, practical, sensible and beautiful pieces that even a relative beginner like me can translate the ideas to accommodate similar projects around my own home.There's plenty more in this book. I'm so pleased to finally have a book that I can USE for more than just one project. I can see that this book will keep me "in stitches," that is, sewing very happily (and rapidly!) for a long time, while coming back again and again to this gem of a book!! I'm very grateful to the authors for putting together one wonder of a sewing book. My hand-sewn hat (there's one of those in the book too) is off to them.

I have recently started sewing again, and I love fun projects that can be finished quickly. Unable to find certain items in the stores that suited my needs, tastes, or budget, I wanted to try making them myself. I am always looking for a good insulated lunch bag for my husband and a belt bag for my sister. I also wanted to make a pet bed and dog jacket. My husband recently asked me for a laptop sleeve. Mom wanted a garden apron. I have a hard time finding cute hats that fit. All of these projects and many more were in this one book!I hoped this book might have a couple of ideas so that I could put my fabric stash to good use. Was I ever surprised and delighted! There's something for everyone. I've already earmarked five projects and started two of them. The instructions are (generally) easy enough for a beginner, although I was confused with some of the directions. I intend to make templates for future projects that do not have patterns. I love that there are actual patterns for many of the projects and that the book is spiral bound so that it lays flat. I wish there were more drawings and photos of the finished projects, but I still give it 5 stars.Overall, I think this is a great book for beginners and those looking for really useful, quick, fun projects. It would make a great gift for a beginner sewer.

I am new to seeing. These patterns are easy, with clear and thorough instructions. Lots of fun patterns suitable for gift giving.

There are several projects for gifts for children. I particularly like the stegosaurus, I will make it as a stuffed toy, not as a pull-along toy. I knew the steggie pattern was in the book, and the steggie was the reason I bought the book! Peg Bear is adorable as well.Not all the projects require a pattern, sometimes measurements for a project are included right in the book. When a pattern is needed, it comes with the book. there are several large pattern pieces, each has multiple patterns printed on it. I cut apart all the patterns and stored each pattern in an envelope on which I wrote the name of the project and the correlating page number for each pattern. I also indicated the number of pattern pieces for each project.In order to keep everything intact, I highly recommend cutting out and organizing all of the pattern pieces right away. It is helpful to devise a way to keep everything together. I use a plastic container about 10" by 14" . It holds both the book and the patterns. The lid locks on, it keeps everything together. If you like to sew there are many good patterns and good directions. I really like the project for kids.

This is a great starter for my grand daughter! Photos are large, good detailed instructions and many excellent projects for a yard!

This is a nice book, however, the whole reason I bought it was for the templates and patterns. The copy I received had neither. I think I should be given at least a partial refund.

Presentation is great. The variety of projects. Many people want to make something themselves for gifting and I believe this book can help them decide what to make and learn how to make it.

A perfect start for a new sewer! There are beautiful pictures and instructions as well as all of the patterns you need for the projects :)Would definitely recommend!!

Bin von diesem Buch positiv überrascht! Klar kann einem nicht alles 100%ig gut gefallen weil die Geschmäcker nun mal verschieden sind aber im großen und ganzen ist das ein wunderbares Buch für mich. Die verwendeten Stoffe sind vom Design her auch nicht mein Geschmack aber ich muss ja nicht diese Stoffe verwenden wodurch das eher zur Nebensache wird.Es sind nicht nur Schnittmuster in Originalgröße im Buch drinnen, sie sind auch noch auf Seidenpapier gedruckt und überlappen sich nicht. Dadurch kann man sie ausschneiden und sofort los legen, übertragen oder gar vergrößern ist nicht nötig. Die Schnitte sind toll beschriftet so dass es auch nicht zu Verwechslungen kommt wenn man schon viel aus den Bögen heraus geschnitten hat.Das Buch hat ein praktisches Format und bleibt dank der Ring-Bindung offen liegen. Die Beschreibungen sind sehr genau und übersichtlich. Wenn wo mal etwas schwieriger ist dann hat die Anleitung bis zu 4 Seiten, so kann eigentlich nichts schief gehen weil alles ausführlich erklärt ist.Das Buch ist in Englisch geschrieben und meine Ausgabe ist in Yards angegeben. Mich stört dass nicht, beim kauf sollte man aber daran denken damit es dann nicht zu Problemen kommt.Besonders nett finde ich, dass auch einige Anleitungen drinnen sind die ich sonst noch nirgends drinnen habe. Katzen Bett, Hundeleine und Halsband,

Excellent book, a mine of great ideas, with little fabric. The book is organised in chapters (on the go, carry it all, ...) and it makes it even easier to find what you want. To buy without hesitation by anybody interested in sewing ;-)

Nice looking book. Full of simple projects, nothing I haven't seen before though. I would still recomment this book because it is very well presented and contains full size patterns which is a must in my opinion.

This book is great! It has lots of original ideas and cute projects. The pictures are good and the instructions are easy to follow. I would definitely recommend this book to sewers of any skill level. It is also perfect for all those fabric junkies who are looking to use up some of their stash.