Half Yard™ Winter Collection - Review

Half Yard™ Winter Collection: Debbie’s Top 40 Half Yard Projects for Winter Sewing

Author: Debbie Shore

Publisher: Search Press

Release Date: September 13, 2022

ISBN: 9781782219293

Pages: 176

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A collection of Half Yard™ sewing projects for wintertime style, designed by the award-winning and best-selling author Debbie Shore.

Sew your own winter wonderland with just half a yard of fabric! Debbie has chosen her favorite winter designs from her much-loved Half Yard™ series, including five brand-new projects for you to sink your needles into.
 
Whether you're decorating the house for the holidays, looking for crafts to keep the little ones occupied or searching for gift inspiration, you'll find a gorgeous collection of items to make: from classics such as stockings, advent calendars and fabric baubles to snugly slippers,gorgeous gift bags and cheeky Christmas gnomes!
 
Each item requires no more than half a yard of outer fabric, plus all the necessary hardware, trimmings and lining. As always, every project features Debbie's friendly, easy-to-follow instructions and a beautiful photograph of the finished make.

MY THOUGHTS:

I love Debbie Shore! When I want some inspiration, I will go to her YouTube Channel and binge watch to get my creative mojo going. Imagine my elation when I found a copy of her book "Half Yard Winter Collection" available for review! If you are anything like me, you have a lot of fabric in your sewing/craft collection that needs used, but you haven't found what you want to use it for. This book helps you use up your half yard cuts and make some lovely projects out of.

Half Yard Winter Collection is written for all sewers/crafters. It starts with the basics and then moves into the projects. What I love about Debbie's project is most don't need a pattern, but only measurements. There is one project, Winter Gnomes, that uses the supplied  templates, but outside of that, there's no need to trace or copy. With LOTS of beautiful photos for each project, one is certain to have a successful completed project, as these photos take the guesswork out of how to put things together and questioning if one has done it correctly. Much nicer than just written instructions!  

The projects lean towards a shabby chic, however they will fit into any decor - just change out some of the fabrics, etc. if you prefer.  I love so many of the projects included in this book. Some of my favorites are Winter Gnomes (they are ADORABLE!!),  Draught Excluder, Snowman Wreath, Slippers (easily adjustable for any size) and a variety of bags/totes for gift giving or using yourself. There are so many lovely projects in this book that can be made for other times of the year by just changing the fabrics or embellishments.

I cannot say enough about Debbie Shore's Half Yard Winter Collection. It is definitely being added to my sewing and craft library in hard copy. I'll be ordering it the next time I place a book order. Yes, it's that good! 

Highly recommended!

I received a copy of this book through Edelweiss+. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Cozy Knits - Review

Cozy Knits: 30 Hat, Mitten, Scarf and Sock Projects from Around the World 

Authors: Sue Flanders, Janine Kosel

Edited By: Kari Cornell

Publisher: Voyageur Press

Release Date: March 15, 2022

ISBN: 9780760373538

Pages: 453

Genre: Knitting, Crafts, Hobbies

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cozy Knits presents 30 of the coziest, globally-inspired patterns for hats, mittens, and gloves—including stylish traditional projects from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Americas, and Asia.

What is everyone’s favorite thing about hand knits? The coziness! This book offers 30 knitted patterns inspired by international knitting traditions for socks, sweaters, scarves, and hats.

If you are a fan of cozy fair isle—it’s in here. If you are looking for a cozy Norwegian knit pattern—it’s in here—the cozier the better. These stylish projects are inspired by knitting traditions from around the world, such as Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Americas, and Asia.

Each project is partnered with complete illustrated patterns, beautiful four-color photography, schematics and diagrams, and alternatives for yarns and needle weights and sizes to help you get the results you want. The patterns range from simple to more complicated, making this a great book to grow your craft.

With Cozy Knits, create beautiful and gift-able cozy knits for friends and family—or even maybe just for yourself!

MY THOUGHTS:

Cozy Knits is a treat for any knitter who loves to try something new. These smaller projects will be done in no time and one will enjoy learning something new as well as having a lovely finished item at the end.

The book is filled with patterns from some of my favorite designers: Nancy Bush, Dawn Brocco, Donna Druchunas, Lily M. Chin, Anna Zilboorg plus many others. The patterns are not only beautiful and well written, but there are also charts included for colorwork, etc. I cannot comment on the charts as my review copy did not included them, however, the instructions are clear and easy to understand. 

Cozy Knits is a gorgeous book filled with beautiful photographs and lovely patterns that will be demanding calling out to you to make them. It would be perfect for any knitter's library!!!

I received a copy of this book through Edelweiss+. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

One-Stitch Baby Knits - Review

One-Stitch Baby Knits

22 Easy Patterns For Adorable Garments and Accessories Using Garter Stitch

Author: Val Pierce

Publisher: Design Originals

Release Date: June 10, 2019

ISBN: 9781054801102

Pages: 144

BLURB:

Welcome your new baby to the world with lovingly knitted garments and accessories! This book is filled with easy-to-knit projects you’ll want to make for the baby in your life. Top knitwear designer and author Val Pierce presents 25 simple patterns for practical but adorable baby knits, from bootees to hats to blankets. Whether it’s a kimono-style jacket that you don’t have to pull over a newborn’s head or drawstring mittens that keep your little one from pulling them off, One-Stitch Baby Knits is full of thoughtful details that parents will love. Each and every one of these irresistible garments is made entirely with the garter stitch—the easiest stitch in knitting—making them accessible to beginners and quick and simple for more experienced knitters. Designed with small babies in mind, Val’s patterns can be readily customized to get exactly what you want in a garment that’s cheaper and sturdier than anything you’ll find in stores.

MY THOUGHTS:

One-Stitch Baby Knits is one of those books that you will find yourself turning to again and again. It contains 22 patterns that are easy to construct and are based on just one simple stitch: the garter stitch. The garter stitch is one of those stitches that seemed to be overlooked because of it's simplicity, however there's no stitch that is as soft and squishy as well as absorbent (when it needs to be) as this stitch.

The author, Val Pierce, plays on this stitch to create some cute and beautiful items that would be welcomed by any new mother or mother-to-be. The items look more complicated to do than they really are, and the patterns are easy to read, follow and understand. The photography of this book is gorgeous and each photo calls out to you to make the item pictured.

Some of my favorite patterns are the Easy Burp Cloth, Bunny Earflap Hat, Sleepy Cow Hat and Drawstring Mittens (featured on the cover), T-Shaped Sweater and Simple Shoes, and the Geometric Blanket. I love how nicely they all work up and the best part is how simple they were to make! The Geometric Blanket is a little more fussy with the color changes and weaving all the ends in then piecing it all together, but the finished product looks so much more complicated than the blanket was! The Easy Burp Cloth is not the normal square cloth but one that has an interesting shape and also another that looks so much harder than it really is to make. Then there's the Cow and Bunny hats - absolutely adorable and not at all hard to construct.

One-Stitch Baby Knits is a book that needs to be added to anyone's library that knits for babies and new mothers as well as anyone who loves to make items to donate. This is a book that will be returned to again and again! 

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Whittling Workbook - Review

Whittling Workbook

Author: James Ray Miller

Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing

Release Date: August 3, 2022

ISBN: 9781497102705

Pages: 112

Availability: Paperback and Kindle

BLURB:

The ultimate beginner-friendly project guide to whittling flat-plane carvings with a modern twist! Whittling Workbook is perfect for anyone seeking a range of easy wood carvings they can accomplish with just one knife – including roughing out. All you need is a block of wood and one knife to achieve any of the 14 wood carving projects featured within these pages! From a simple strawberry and a whimsical wand to a sailor, Martian, pig, and so much more, each project includes detailed step-by-step instructions to walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Also included are insightful overviews on basic carving cuts, painting and finishing techniques, safety notes, and how to join a carving community. Author James Miller is a recent college graduate and a protégé of decorated Scandinavian-style carver, Harley Refsal. James has been a regular contributor to Woodcarving Illustrated since 2010 and published his first book, Whittling Flat-Plane Animals, in 2020.

MY THOUGHTS:

I bought a whittling/carving kit that had everything needed except for gloves and a strop. I opened the box, looked at the pattern and watched the video, but didn't begin as I felt somewhat intimidated by it. I just didn't feel comfortable as a beginner starting it. 

Then, quite by accident, I stumbled across the Whittling Workbook that was available for review. I jumped at the chance to request it and was thrilled at what I found. This book is a wealth of information! Perfect for the beginner, it explains in detail about tools, wood, how to cut the wood, how to finish the wood by painting, sealing, etc. Best of all, it also has some amazing step-by-step instructions for 14 projects including a hedgehog, grandma & grandpa, a sunflower and more!

Whittling Workbook is filled with very detailed photographs that truly help one on their journey to learning the art of whittling. I have been so inspired with what I learned that I picked up that kit and started to whittle! I'm not finished yet, but at least I gained the confidence to try thanks to Mr. Miller! I can't wait to finish my kit so that I can move on to the projects in this book.

If you are interested in trying a new hobby that is inexpensive and relaxing, I recommend you pick up a copy of the Whittling Workbook. It is the perfect resource for the true beginner and will give you all the information you need to start creating your own lovely pieces. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!! 

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Review: A Crafter Knits a Clue by Holly Quinn

A Crafter Knits a Clue 

A Handcrafted Mystery Book 1

Author: Holly Quinn 

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books 

Publication Date: October 9, 2018 

ISBN: 9781683317715 

336 pages

Blurb:

For fans of Betty Hechtman and Maggie Sefton, the latest craft frenzy is this charming cozy mystery series debut starring amateur sleuth Sammy Kane—and featuring bonus knitting patterns!

Sammy Kane just moved back to her hometown to run a craft store. But when the owner of a nearby yarn shop is murdered, Sammy will needle little help finding the killer.

When a heartbroken Samantha “Sammy” Kane returns to her hometown of Heartsford, WI, for her best friend Kate’s funeral, she learns that Kate’s much-loved craft store is in danger of perishing with its owner. Confounding all her expectations of the life she would live, Sammy moves back home with her golden retriever and takes over Community Craft. A few doors down Main Street, fellow new arrival Ingrid Wilson has just opened the Yarn Barn, a real “purl” of a shop. But when Sammy strolls over to see if Ingrid could use a little help, she finds Ingrid’s dead body—with a green aluminum knitting needle lodged in her throat.

Detective Liam Nash is thrown for a loop as every single citizen of Heartsford seems to have a theory about Ingrid’s murder. And nearly everyone in town seems to be a suspect. But the last time Sammy did any sleuthing was as a little moppet. And this is not fun and games. Sammy is eager to help the handsome Liam—who seems to be endlessly inventive in finding reasons to talk with her—and when Liam arrests affable woodworker Miles Danbury, Sammy puts everything on the line to help clear Miles.

As the case comes dangerously close to unraveling, Sammy must stitch the clues together. But the killer has other plans—and if Sammy’s not careful, she may wind up in a perilous knot in A Crafter Knits a Clue, the first warm and woolly yarn of Holly Quinn’s new Handcrafted mysteries.

My Thoughts:

What a fun read!!! I really enjoyed not only the characters but the storyline as well! Being a crafter and knitter, I found it refreshing to find a book that centers around my interests and because of that, I think I may have gotten more involved in the story. 

The characters themselves were quite easy to be able to identify with and all were quite likeable. I will say that Sammy could be a bit "over the top" at times, but I think that made her more fun. Then there's Detective Nash, he's, well... you will just have to read the book to find out more about him.

I found A Crafter Knits a Clue  a very enjoyable and an easy read. It went quickly, almost too quickly! I was almost sad to have finished the book but happy to find out if my theory of "who done it" was correct. There were enough red herrings that I changed my guess a couple of times. Once I get caught up on my reading list, I will definitely be getting the next book in the series: A Crafter Quilts a Crime! 

This is definitely a must read for anyone that loves cozy mysteries - especially those that love cozies based on their passion of crafting!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Bluprint -vs- Creative Bug

Photo by Surene Palvie from Pexels

I love all types of crafts, from needlework to making wreaths, so I'm always doing something with my hands and always looking for new and interesting things to try. I've done subscription boxes, combed the net for new projects, watched hours and hours of YouTube and am a member of a couple of guilds.

When I check my email, I'm always getting offers to join a new club, take a new knitting class, etc., and honestly, it seems like every time I try these things, they are underwhelming and I end up cancelling after just a couple of months.

Bluprint

So when Craftsy starting sending me their offers, I did the free week, downloaded a few of their free classes and patterns, but couldn't justify the price. Then Bluprint merged with Craftsy, and the price came down. I got some great offers, but still didn't join. Well, the price came down more and after a week free preview, an offer for a free knitting kit, I said to my husband I'm going to try it out. I paid the yearly fee up front (saving some money there) and picked out my kit from their list. I chose the LaMott Wrap Knitting Kit by Erika Flory featuring Cloudborn Highland Sport in the Santa Fe colorway. Within 2 days from the time I signed up, my kit was in hand! I was impressed with the quality of the Cloudborn wool as well as the pattern instructions. The kit retails for almost $47 - over half of what I paid for my yearly membership ($79.99)

The classes are well done and very professional looking. Yes, you can probably find videos that cover some, if not all, the topics on YouTube, but I can tell you, I've spent a lot of time trying to find exactly what I needed and weeding through a lot to finally find it, and sometimes the information that is given is not correct. Provided with the classes are downloadable materials. They may include patterns and/or other helpful information.

Another perk from the Bluprint membership is 12 keep forever classes that you choose. If you decided not to renew your membership, those classes will always be available to you to watch - as well as all the class materials that come with them. You get the codes for 3 of them every 3 months.

Included with the membership is free shipping on any order from Bluprint's shop. I didn't think I'd use it really, because the prices I viewed as a non-member seemed a bit high. Well, I got a surprise with that! Members get 15% off, which is ok, but the real savings comes from their coupons. For example, I found a 60% off coupon code on my member page off one item. I used it on a wool sweater kit. I chose the largest size I could  buy so that I was sure I'd definitely have enough yarn. This kit also has a class that goes with it, so not only am I trying a new technique, but I have a class to explain everything about this sweater. The cost? $33 including shipping! I got a lovely wool cardigan kit for the cost of what I would have spent on acrylic yarn to make the exact same sweater!

I have made a couple of other purchases since I've been a member, and believe me, the savings alone has more than paid for my membership! Everything is shipped by FedEx and I usually have the items in hand in 2 days. (This time frame could be different, depending on where you are located).

Creative Bug

Right after I became a member of Bluprint, I received a free month trial from Creative Bug. I wanted to compare both to see which was more useful and a better deal for me. Creative Bug offered me a membership for $7.99 a month and I couldn't find any place to pay for a year upfront.

With that membership came the video classes, class materials, patterns and CBTV.  Currently, they are offering a $10 JoAnn gift certificate when you become a member. I didn't find any other perks besides the videos, classes and Creative Bug TV.

The videos that I viewed didn't seem to have the same professional quality that Bluprint's has. Now, to be fair, it could only be the ones I chose and may not be that way with all the videos. It's possible they were older ones. The class materials were decent. I downloaded a couple of patterns and they were well written and easy to follow. One nice thing I came across on the videos I watched, was the opportunity to download a transcript of the class. It appears you had to download one for each segment, but still, it's nice to be able to have it in print instead of trying to find what you need in the video.

Which Is The Best?

So which is the best for you? It depends what you are looking for. With Creative Bug, you don't have to make along term commitment, since you pay monthly, you can cancel at any time, however, I could find no option to pay quarterly or yearly, so I found discounts on that price. I do know they run specials from time to time, so you may want to sign up for the newsletter to see when their offers become available. If I remember correctly, there was an offer for half price off of their normal price. Currently a year of Creative Bug runs $95.88 (12 x 7.99)

For me, Bluprint was the better deal. With free shipping, a free kit, amazing coupons and sales, lots of free patterns and nicely done classes/videos,  I am thrilled with my membership!! My yearly membership was $79.99. I've seen Bluprint have other sales and membership  has been lower. I've also seen quite a few nice offers of gift certificates. I'd suggest getting the Bluprint newsletter and checking the offers for yourself.

My only regret is not joining Bluprint sooner!

***Please note - I paid for the membership out of my own money. I was not given anything or asked by either company to do a review. This if from my own experience and sharing to help others decide if they want to try either/both companies out.

Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making

Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making
From Color to Quilting: 10 Design Workshops by Your Favorite Teachers
Editors at Lucky Spool
Publisher: Lucky Spool Media
ISBN: 9781940655000
Paperback: 192 pages

About the Book:

Ten of the best known and most respected teachers in modern quilt making, many bestselling authors in their own right, share one of their most popular workshops with you. Each class is designed to help you improve your own composition and design choices whether you create your own patterns or want to follow one of the 16 patterns included. The final workshop is an inspirational gallery of 50 modern quilts that exemplify the tone, color work, and techniques found in modern quilt making today. This is the must-have collection of modern quilt making.

My Thoughts:

First, I must comment on the cover. I buy books when their covers impress me. Yes, I know I'm not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I can't help it - I love covers. This cover is bland and boring to me, and if I saw it on the shelf I wouldn't have purchased it. That would have been my loss, as there is so much great information to be had here.

Let's look at the table of contents:

1. The Principles of Color
2. Working with Solids
3. Working with Prints
4. Improvisational Patchwork
5. The Alternate Grid
6. Circles and Curves
7. Paper Piecing
8. Large-Scale Piecing
9. Modern Quilting
10. A Study of Modern Quilts
Plus templates to make 16 quilts.

My largest downfall with quilting or really any project is color. I know what I like when I see it on covers, quilts, afghans, etc. but I have no talent when it comes to putting the colors together on my own. This book goes into detail about color and color theory and has a LOT of good information in it that helped me.

I also like the sections on Circles and Curves as well as Paper-Piecing. They are well done and helped me with some of my problems that I've had in the past when it comes to these techniques.

This is a book I will be purchasing the hard copy of to keep in my quilting library to reference over and over again. It's a great book and will help beginners as well as experienced quilters alike. Make sure to add this to your quilting library - you won't regret it.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Handbag Workshop by Anna M. Mazur

Handbag Workshop
Design and Sew the Perfect Bag
Author: Anna M. Mazur
Publisher: Taunton Press, Inc.
ISBN: 9781621137771
Paperback: 208 pages
Genre: Sewing, Crafts

About the Book:

From chic wristlets to functional carryalls (and everything in between), each project includes easy-to-follow instructions, pattern template, and detailed photos. All the sewing basics readers need are here, but the range of patterns, stylishness of the bags, and design instruction (so readers can build their perfect bag) are what sets this book above the rest.

A THREADS contributor and THREADS-reader favorite, Anna’s bags have been gracing the pages of the magazine since 2001. She is known for her clever designs and for her simple, clear instructions that yield amazingly sophisticated results.

My Thoughts:

Tauton Press usually does a nice job on printing and photographing books covering crafts, sewing, cooking, etc., however, I won't be able to really comment on the completeness or the quality of photographs for the "Handbag Workshop" since I received a digital copy from Netgalley. For me, that could make or break a great book, but sadly, my hands are tied on this aspect.

Those photos that I do see look quite good and the instructions seem complete enough, however, I did notice that the level for these bags is a bit more advanced than some I've seen in other books. This could be a good thing, but could also be a drawback for an over adventurous beginner. It wouldn't stop me though from recommending this book to anyone who wants to learn how a bag is constructed and sewn and the instructions are good enough to definitely try. Beginners should expect mistakes - it's a given when sewing and since these are more advanced patterns and explanations, it would be normal to have a few issues.  Don't let that stop you though. This is truly a great book and it's good enough that I want to add a finished paperback to my sewing library.

Recommended to those that want to learn handbag construction, sewers and those that are just curious about the process.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.