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. 

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.

Seams Unlikely by Nancy Ziemann

Seams Unlikely:
The Inspiring True Life Story of Nancy Zieman
Author: Nancy Zieman with Marjorie L. Russell
Publisher: Glass Roads Media
ISBN: 9780988478961
Paperback
320 pages
Biography, Memoir

About the Book:

In an age when hard-working women don't know if we should lean in, lean out, or lean on someone, Nancy Zieman's voice of calm, experienced authority is welcome. The lessons she shares are ones every businesswoman should take to heart.

In Seams Unlikely, Nancy:

• Shares her life story for the first time
• Gives details of the onset of Bell's Palsy and how it played a part during school
• Reveals the intricate involvement of 4-H in her development
• Tells, step-by-step, how she grew Nancy's Notions from a basement in her home into a multi-million dollar business
• Includes behind-the-scenes information on the growth of Sewing with Nancy from filming in her living room to a long-term partnership with Wisconsin Public Television
• Shows pictures of the people, buildings, and places that played key roles along the path of her life

Reading of the growth of Nancy's family (she is a married mother of two, one son by birth, one by adoption) alongside the growth of her show and business is both familiar and instructive to working moms. Nancy created solutions in both the workplace and at home, to carve a niche uniquely suited to her situation and talents. It's a goal to which many of us aspire. And Nancy Zieman's story gives us key insight.

About the Author:

Nancy Zieman is host of Sewing with Nancy, TV's longest-running sewing show, which she co-produces with Wisconsin Public Television. It has been on-air since 1982. She is the author of over 40 books, which have sold millions of copies and instructed numerous individuals on the finer points of sewing everything from clothing to quilts to home décor.

Nancy has been married to Richard Zieman for 36 years and they have two sons, Ted and Tom. She continues to host Sewing with Nancy, which her fans loyally tune in to public television to watch. Learn more at SeamsUnlikely.com.

My Thoughts:

Nancy Zieman taught me how to sew. Out of all the sewing books I have, I find myself reaching for her books the most. I've watched her show for years and I am always amazed at all the new things I learn every time I watch one of her shows! I have the deepest respect for Nancy and was thrilled when I had the opportunity to join in the tour for her new biography!

"Seams Unlikely" is a captivating and well written book about Nancy's life. Starting from before she was born up to present time, this book has an in-depth look at her life - and not only from her point of view! In the sidebars of the book, one will find short comments about Nancy or about an important part of her life from those most important to her. This is extremely personal and truly inspirational as Nancy tells things like they are. She's openly discusses her struggle with Bell's Palsy and shares how it both affected her attitude and inspired her to become what she is today.

This book is a true inspiration for anyone that struggles with being different. It shows how Nancy overcame something that could have crippled her if she allowed it to. Her book shows that one doesn't have to be perfect to accomplish those things that seem at times impossible.

Nancy is an amazing woman and this book would be a perfect those that love sewing, enjoy biographies/autobiographies or enjoys reading inspirational works. Make sure to add it to your reading list and consider giving a copy or two away as gifts to your special friends or loved ones.

I highly recommend "Seams Unlikely"!!!!


I received a copy of Seams Unlikely from Glass Road PR for me to review. I was not required to write a favorable review, but instead, one that reflects my honest opinion.

A Vintage Surprise

As we approach our first anniversary here in our new home, I figured it was time to start going through the boxes of things that came out of our attic - things from our past as well as from my mother and my mother-in-law when they both died. Many boxes were just stuffed and delivered to the attic at the old house without ever going through them. Our intention was to sort the things after the pain of loss had lessened. Well, it was easy to ignore them in the attic... out of sight, out of mind! That was until we had to move them all here.

With the cold months quickly approaching and the garden has grown quiet, it is now the  perfect time to start sorting and seeing what treasures and memories those boxes have in store for us. One thing I came across that I had completely forgotten about was a cross-stitch quilt top that needs to be put together, embroidered and then the whole thing quilted. It is a very pretty piece and has all the threads and fabric included. I wish I knew what time period it was from. I'm guessing the 50's but so far, I can't find any information on the web about it. 

This top appears to have been offered in "Bride and Home" magazine and I've found some issues on the web dating back to the 50's and 60's. I've combed through everything in the bag but nothing gives a clue on the age of this lovely top.

The piece is in panels that need to be sewn together before embroidering it. I'm not sure how I'm going to like seams running through the piece but they may disappear in the background after it is finished and quilted. The strips are yellowed - some more than others and there lines where it was folded. I can't wash it before working on it, because it's possible the printed design will wash out. I guess that will just be the charm of the piece when it is finished. Now I just need to live long enough to complete it! 

Do you have any interesting vintage things that you love or have to make? I'd love to hear about them!!!