November 2015
Another Half Yard book from Debbie Shore, this time crammed with Christmas ideas for things you can make from all those scraps of leftover fabric. Debbie has created over 30 projects to decorate your home in festive handmade style all with clear instructions and plenty of photographs to keep you on track. The projects are divided into chapters depending on your Christmas decorating style; Rustic, Scandinavian, Traditional, Monochrome, Kids or Contemporary. With a hessian wreath in the Rustic Christmas chapter to a simple blanket stitched felt gift bags in the Kids' Christmas chapter and a modern Christmas tree quilted table runner in the Contemporary Christmas Chapter there are four projects for all sewing abilities and experience. This is a great book for some inspiration for new Christmas decorating ideas. I am going to steer our house towards the Scandinavian chapter but I'm guessing I will probably end up in the Kids section wearing a homemade Santa Hat!
* Popular Patchwork *
Shore (Half Yard Gifts) continues her quest to help crafters use up their fabric stash with her latest book, which focuses on Christmas decor. The projects are arranged by style (e.g., Scandinavian, traditional, rustic, contemporary) and include a variety of items, such as a burlap-and-linen Advent calendar, a no-sew holiday wreath made of scrap fabric, a variety of ornaments, gift boxes and bags, and placemats. Shore's directions are easy to follow, and key steps are illustrated with photographs to provide additional guidance. Most of the projects can be completed in a short time, making them ideal for last-minute gift giving.
VERDICT There's a pleasant variety of styles in this collection, and crafters with a taste for homespun or rustic design will find many of the projects especially appealing.
* Library Journal USA *
This book is divided into various themes of projects: Rustic Christmas, Scandinavian Christmas, Traditional Christmas, Monochrome Christmas, Kids' Christmas and Contemporary Christmas. Each theme has between four to seven projects in it. There are even suggestions for changes to make some projects a bit differently. I decided to find some ornaments to make since I am participating in an international ornament swap. I started by making Ball Decorations from the Traditional Christmas section. The hardest part of these was the stuffing since the openings are so small on the bottom. I made three of them, but have not sewn the other two up yet. (I know Hazel will want to keep one of them for us.) These ornaments remind me of a patchwork quilt, so I felt like it was a good representation of me. Next I made the Stocking Decorations also from the Traditional Christmas section. They are very quick and easy as well. The final project that I have made so far from this book is a fabric poinsettia. It is from the Table Centerpiece project in the Monochrome Christmas section. In her side note Debbie Shore suggests making a single flower using red instead of the black and white and making it into a poinsettia. It would be perfect for the top of a gift. We are going to have fun with these projects and many of the other ones in the books. There are patterns for boxes, chair covers, Santa hats and so much more!! It really has everything you might need for your Christmas celebration and the instructions are easy to follow and the projects are relatively quick to make. I can honestly say this book is a great craft book and has many creative ideas in it.
* craftymomsshare.blogspot.co.uk *
December 2015
Debbie Shore's latest addition to her best selling Half Yard series will have you feeling festive in no time at all. Featuring 30 stylish projects that use just half a yard of fabric through six themed chapters -rustic, traditional, contemporary, monochrome Scandinavian and kids - there's something for everyone. Select your favourite Christmas style or mix and match throughout your home. Packed with friendly advice and easy-to-follow photography, it's not only an ideal book for beginners but also great inspiration for more experienced sewers too.
* Love to Make *
July 2015
What can you do with small pieces of leftover fabric? Be a green crafter and make them into Christmas decorations! Much more fun than a trip to the recycling center...
I do like a book that starts with something like "no fancy sewing machine required." Just a working model that does a straight stitch, plus pieces of woven cotton fabric and some felt. There are projects in here for children to make too so they can get involved with the Christmas preparations, another nice touch. Not too much sewing know-how is involved either to make the items, and the techniques (most very simple and basic) and all explained at the beginning. Cut your own bias strips, mitre corners, learn a few hand sewing stitches and set up your machine for free-motion embroidery among others; nothing too hard. If you don't favor the traditional colors of Christmas then there are five other styles to choose from, as the projects are listed in themed chapters.
Full Review can be found at http://myshelf.com/howto/14/halfyardchristmas.htm
* Myshelf.com *
TV sewing star Debbie follows her previous sewing books with this new title for the festive season. Using small quantities of fabrics, over thirty delightful items can be created for the home. Clear step-by-step illustrated instructions allow the maker to produce a range of easy sewing projects, in different styles, to be enjoyed year after year by the family. Excellent value for money, highly recommended.
* East Kent Embroiderer's Guild *
July 2015
What can you do with small pieces of leftover fabric? Be a green crafter and make them into Christmas decorations! Much more fun than a trip to the recycling center... I do like a book that starts with something like "no fancy sewing machine required". Just a working model that does a straight stitch, plus pieces of woven cotton fabric and some felt. There are projects in here for children to make too so they can get involved with the Christmas preparations, another nice touch. Not too much sewing know-how is involved either to make the items, and the techniques (most very simple and basic) and all explained at the beginning. Cut your own bias strips, mitre corners, learn a few hand sewing stitches and set up your machine for free motion embroidery among others; nothing too hard. If you don't favor the traditional colors of Christmas then there are five other styles to choose from, as the projects are listed in themed chapters. Into watching all that Scandi drama on TV? There is a section for this. Also an ultra modern monochrome style, a rustic style (lots of Hessian), a contemporary white and green look and a fun felt one for the children. Make table and tree decorations, advent calendars, wreaths, stockings, gift bags and more with projects laid out clearly with lots of staged steps. There are not many templates at the back because - another nice touch - the author encourages you to make your own (don't worry, this is very simple). This does help to add an extra dimension to making it yourself, and as nothing will take too long to make you can make all the items in one section to suit a theme. A good user friendly book with wide appeal.
* Myshelf.com *
Issue 108 June/July 2015
Half yard christmas contains over 30 stylish festive projects in six christmas themed chapters - rustic, traditional, contemporary monochrome, Scandinavian and kids. Crafters can select their favourite christmas style or mix and match them throughout the home. Featuring Debbie Shore's informative and friendly guidance, this book is ideal for sewers of all abilities.
* Craft Business *
December 2015
Are you craving a crafty, creative Christmas? Featuring six themed chapters - rustic, traditional, contemporary, monochrome, Scandinavian and kids - there's something for everyone. You can select your favourite Christmas style or mix and match throughout your home. With over 30 simple, stylish projects, each requiring only a half yard of fabric, this book will have you feeling festive in no time. Featuring Debbie's unique brand of friendly guidance, and packed with easy-to-follow photography, this book is ideal for beginners as well as providing inspiration to more experienced sewers.
* Sewing World *
