One-Yard Wonders
Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins
Storey Publishing; $20.95

This fall in Houston I met the authors of One-Yard Wonders at their book signing in the booth across from mine. Rebecca Yaker operates her design business, Hazel and Melvin’s Room, creating one-of-kind baby bedding and apparel in her Minneapolis design studio. Patricia Hoskins is the cofounder of Crafty Planet, a retail fabric and needlework store and craft workshop in Minneapolis. And, when my review copy arrived, I loved the clever marketing approach. The book had been wrapped in one yard of fabric, perfect for me to try out one of the projects in the book. To promote the book, the publisher is also sponsoring a contest to win a yard of fabric a month for a year.

On to the book. I loved the concept of starting with a yard of fabric – and who among us doesn’t have an extra yard – and making a variety of projects. The book includes 101 projects, ranging from a few you could figure out yourself (tacking fabric on a bulletin board or lining a bookcase) to those that require a pattern (a sundress). And, for those who think you might be able to figure out, for example, the grocery bag, it’s nice not to have to think about how to do it. You just cut and sew. For every project you’ll find either full-size pattern pieces and/or illustrations with step-by step instructions.

The book is divided into ten pattern sections based on use, including, Dwell Redux (patterns for the home), Household Affairs (aprons, casserole covers), Craft Organization (artist brushes case, notions box), On the Go (lunch bags, yoga bags), From Head to Toe (clothing), Carry It All (totes, grocery bags), Outfit Your Small Wonder (toddler clothes), Accessorize Your Little One (toddler’s art apron, bright patchwork blankie), Playtime (kites, stuffed animals) and Your Furry Friends (animal patterns). The patterns were solicited through a global online campaign.

The book also includes a section on sewing fundamentals, perfect for those new to sewing and nice for quilters who could use a refresher on regular sewing techniques. The book is hard bound with a concealed wire binding, making it perfect to open flat. I found several projects I’d like to try; unfortunately, I don’t think they’ll do much to diminish my stash!

Here’s a link to Amazon to learn more about the book.