One-Yard Wonders Book Review

A couple weeks ago I shared that Storey Publishing sent me the advance pages of their newest (and coolest!) sewing book, One-Yard Wonders, by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, to review for you guys.

Most of the time, with these type of crafty project books I'm content to flip through them in the bookstore, not needing to buy, because seriously, most of the time the patterns either aren't things I will make, or are for simple crafts that I really don't need a pattern for (really, how hard is it to make a potholder!). I have to really, really like a book and KNOW that I will use more then one or two of the patterns before I will spend the money.

First off, this is a big book, 101 sewing patterns and projects in all...and each uses just 1 yard of fabric. Sure a few of them might seem a bit cheesy, but there really is not a lot of fluff with these patterns. With projects to decorate your home, organize your crafts, give as baby gifts, update your wardrobe from head to toe, accessorize your little ones and entertain your kids, the list goes on and on. There is even a chapter with projects you can make for your pets!

Things I love about this book:

*Lots of fun gift ideas to sew up (101 to be exact!).

*Each project uses just 1 yard of fabric...what a great way to use up all those fun fabrics I hoard!

*The projects seem fairly fast and easy without being too simple. There is a range of sewing levels.

*This book would be great for projects to sew together with a friend.

*Finally, I really, really love how the publishers showcased lots of fun, modern fabrics in the projects and book design. Lots of gorgeous photos and lots of fabrics and designers that I recognize and love....Amy Butler, Denyse Schmidt, Joel Dewberry, Erin McMorris, etc.

Below are three of my favorite projects from the book. Photos are by John Gruen and used with permission of Storey Publishing, LLC.

You can see a few more of the items from this book on facebook, HERE and HERE.

The Flouncy Bag blew me away. Seriously, my jaw dropped when I turned the page and saw this one. I have to make one!! There is quite a nice selection of different bags and purses, even a few kid sized ones. I wish I could show off them all!

Next, I thought this child's firefighter hat was too cute, and so original! I can see making these for birthday favors for a fireman-themed birthday party.

Finally, the Pleated Girly Skirt, made me smile. I can definitely see one of these in my little girl's wardrobe future. I love how it's got the tailored pleats, but still has the ease of an elastic waistband.
One-Yard Wonders was just released at the end of October and should be available in bookstores and online. It's only $14.07 on Amazon.com.

Thanks for letting me share!
Blessings,
Jessica

Play dates and sewing projects

About a year ago a special friend of mine moved to another state, and at that point I really had a hard time with her leaving...One of the reasons this girlfriend was so much fun was that she was a kindred crafty spirit...we'd gotten together and done some craft and sewing projects, and it was just so much fun.

I've missed her...it's been somewhat hard to keep in touch when you can't just hit your favorite consignment stores together or get together to whip up cookies on a whim.

Anyway, the Lord is so good and I'm so thankful that in this last year He has brought another crafty friend into my life...someone I can talk about fabric with!! (among other things!)

Anyway, my friend Becca has Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross, and we've been working through a few of the projects together on our semi-regular play dates. I love this book...another one for my wish list!

First off, we made the baby bloomers pattern, Rudy's Bloomers. This was my first time to use elastic thread in the bobbin to make the leg gathers, and it was so easy. I can't wait to do something with elastic thread again. So simple!

Next we made the Everything Tote. These took 2 sessions...we can only sew so long with the kiddos!

We both plan to use them as library book bags. I go to the library almost every week and this bag is perfectly sized for bunches of books!
Note to anyone thinking about making this pattern. The instructions state that you need 1/2 yard of each fabric, outer and lining...WRONG! I am so glad we both had plenty of fabric because these babies took a lot more then 1/2 yard. The tote by itself is wider then 18 inches, the width of a 1/2 yard cut, and then you have to cut out the long handle pieces on the bias and that takes quite a bit of fabric. Just a warning on this one...otherwise, it is really cute!!

The kids always have lots of fun playing, fighting, sharing, eating and even crafting together too!

Blessings,
Jessica

Yesterday afternoon I had a bit of fun down time fooling around on Polyvore, a fashion website where you can mix and match items to get just the look you want. I created my first style board below.

Items in this set:
Anthropologie cardigan, $88
Downeastbasics.com jeans, $40
Charlotte Russe top, $7.50
Blowfish flats, $40
Kohls.com tote bag, $69

I'd love this look for this holiday season...unfortunately it would cost me an arm and a leg to buy the entire outfit! I may just have to make do with what I have in my closet! Or sew something new up. =)

I did enter the outfit in a contest over at Sensibly Styled, a fun, modest fashion blog. If you get a chance, hop on over there and cast your vote! I'm number 13. (hint, hint!)

Blessings,
Jessica

Baby Pink Stuff

Mom, here's a picture of Marie wearing the "pink stuff" shirt you made...

I love her red hair. It's getting so long and messy now...

Jessica

Today I am going to sew. I am determined. I haven't been up to my sewing room since the end of September; it's been over a month and I've missed it. Too much going on. Sigh. Maybe sewing something--anything--will help bring me out of this melancholy state that I'm in.

Ruth

Fall Quilt Festival, 2009

Amy, at Park City Girl is hosting another online quilt show. Lots of beautiful quilts to enjoy on a rainy day like today! There is a whole lineup of fun prizes for those who enter too! Last year I won a gift certificate to Pink Chalk Fabrics...I used some of my new fabric to make pj pants...and well, I still have the other pieces waiting to use someday!

Regular readers will recognize this quilt from a few weeks ago, but it was my favorite one that I made this year, so here are the pictures again for my entry in the Quilt Festival!

Wild Critter Quilt, made for my special friend who is having her first baby!
Thanks for letting me share these again!
Jessica

Pink Stuff

Every year during the Christmas holidays I make a simple salad-dessert that we call "Pink Stuff." Basically, I just mix a container of cottage cheese with a container of Cool Whip and then add 1/4 of a small package of cherry Jello powder. Sometimes I also add halved maraschino cherries or a handful of small marshmallows. Chill, serve, and enjoy!

This past month I've been sewing Pink Stuff for Emily. I thought I should get more mileage out of the pink thread still on my sewing machine, serger, and coverstitch machine from when I sewed the pink hooded jacket and matching pants, so I just kept sewing more pink stuff. I even sewed a little top for Jessica's baby, and I still hope to make coordinating pink pants.

Cross-Front Top, design #9 from Ottobre 03/2004,
sewn in cotton stretch velour, size 104 for 4-year-old Emily

raglan-sleeve T-shirt from Ottobre 01/2006, design #17, size 110, sewn in thin jersey knit from Hobby Lobby

This top has a wide neckline band, hem band, and sleeve cuffs. The only change I made to the pattern was to lengthen the top by 2 inches.
Size 110, Ottobre 03/2004 design #26.

This top is for almost-1-year-old Marie, sewn in the same interlock knit
as Emily's knit top. Cross-Front Top, design #9 from Ottobre 03/2004,
size 80 (18 months)