I’ve seen several of the One Yard Wonders books at my local quilt store and have been intrigued by the variety and ingenuity of the patterns within them. So I was delighted to hear that Storey Publishing was sending us Little One-Yard Wonders – Irresistible Clothes, Toys and Accessories You Can Make for Babies and Kids by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins to review, because it would be right up my alley!
Photographs by ©Julie Toy, from “Little One-Yard Wonders”
Upon first glance I really liked that it was spiral bound. With 101 different patterns, there is a lot of page turning to be done. The spiral spine will not only help keep the book in shape for a long time, but it will also make viewing the patterns easier. Let’s face it. When we are busy crafting, there isn’t always an extra hand available to hold your book open.
Aesthetics aside, the writers did a great job of appealing to different styles. Sister in law, Carli and I had a great time thumbing through the book together. While we don’t always have the same definition of ‘cute’ when it comes to fabric, patterns, etc., this book did a great job of pleasing both of us, which can be difficult sometimes. We each found plenty of projects to suit our individual styles.
I have a stash of knit fabrics that I’ve wanted to try sewing with. The sleep sacks and play yard sheet patterns will be perfect beginning knit projects for me to try, (and they will provide some needed practice on my serger). Carli, who is already a pro with knits and serging, found the more challenging clothing patterns exciting. It’s nice when a single pattern book can appeal to seamstresses at varying skill levels!
Image of Julie Toy’s Sleep Sack Photograph – ©Julie Toy from “Little One-Yard Wonders”
There are several original ideas in the book that I’ve not seen anywhere else… not even Pinterest! I loved the stroller liner. This will be on my crafting to-do list in about 2 years when I’ll need one! You could even make the project much faster by using double sided quilted cotton.
Photograph by ©Julie Toy, from “Little One-Yard Wonders”
I also really loved the Secret Pocket Pillowcase. Customized pillowcases would make great stocking stuffers or birthday party favors. Boys and girls alike will enjoy coming up with things to stash in the hidden pocket. This could also be a cute alternative to making my son a tooth fairy pillow.
Photograph by ©Julie Toy from “Little One-Yard Wonders”
Since the patterns in Little One-Yard Wonders are meant for one yard cuts of fabric, they provide detailed illustrations on the proper way to cut and fold the fabric to fit the pattern pieces. I found the illustrations very helpful as I am a visual learner. I would have liked more pictures of the items during construction, but the directions seem perfectly sufficient for the intermediate seamstress to follow.
The paper pattern pieces are folded in an envelope on the back of the front cover. The patterns are thin, like other patterns you would buy. Before beginning a project, I like to trace the pattern onto freezer paper and work with that rather than the original. It is much thicker paper, to help prevent accidental tears.
Little One-Yard Wonders does not come up short in my eyes. The writers added plenty of new items to my sewing to-do list. Just in time for a New Year’s Resolution to sew more for myself (and my kids, of course)!
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