Half Yard™ Vintage

Many sewists have a ready supply of fabric in their stash, much of which is likely to be in cuts of less than a yard. This is often not enough to complete a commercial pattern, and it can be challenging to find uses for these smaller cuts and leftover bits, which seem to pile up and threaten to take over one’s sewing space. These nearly two-dozen projects provide perfect solutions, using half-a-yard or less of any particular fabric and most requiring fewer than 10 steps to complete. Vintage (or new, if vintage supplies aren’t readily available) lace, buttons, and other embellishments are used to create a traditional look. Perfect for gifts, these items tend toward the old-fashioned, including a tea cozy, bunting, posy cone (to hold dried flowers or other small items), clothespin bag, and more. Introductory sections detail sewing tools and techniques, though many home sewists will already know the methods used. Another entry in the reliable Search Press craft series, with step-by-step instructions accompanied by color photographs.

-- Anne Heidemann * Booklist *

Love the layout and the simplicity of Debbie's newest book. She explains stitches and seams to use in the beginning which makes it universal for all levels of skill. There is a various range of different projects, but it's the use of vintage embellishments that really makes this book inspiring. This book will be my new vintage sewing companion, inspirational for further projects of my own. Fresh and on trend, I hope it gets a sequel soon!

-- Rachel Ramsey * Customer Review *

Fabulous book, 23 projects hard to choose which one to start with. Quick makes , the book is well presented and explains makes for beginners to accomplished sewers. Debbie Shore's books are for keeps with fabulous projects and results. Also very on trend ideas.

-- Linda Lobely * Customer Review *

Fabulous book, 23 projects hard to choose which one to start with. Quick makes , the book is well presented and explains makes for beginners to accomplished sewers. Debbie Shore's books are for keeps with fabulous projects and results. Also very on trend ideas.

-- Ella Eske * Customer Review *

This is beautifully photographed and has 23 projects that can be made from pretty small pieces of fabric, so I think I'm going to find this very useful as I do have quite a lot of scrap pieces hanging about. The makes are explained with clear step by step photos, which is always really helpful. I haven't yet had a chance to try one of the projects, but am hoping to begin with the little houses shown on the cover. I do like Debbie Shore's books.

-- Caroline Stamps * Customer Review *

Another beautifully presented book by Debbie Shore with lots of interesting projects. I shall definitely be having a go at the bunting as well as many of the other things. Great gift ideas for all levels of sewing abilities xxxx

-- Mary Matthews * Customer Review *

A fabulous book from Debbie Shore full of lovely sewing projects with a vintage feel to them. Easy to follow instructions with photos, templates are included at the back of the book for the projects that need them. Great ideas I am looking forward to making these.

-- Sally Mitton * Customer Review *

September 2017

The latest addition to the much loved stash-busting book series, this tribute to all things vintage will help you turn your leftover, lace frills and dainty prints into elegant home accessories and gifts for friends. As always, it's presented in a way that's easy to follow.

* Sew *

Debbie’s books are always brimming with beautiful ideas to sew and this latest title is no exception, as she presents 23 gorgeous projects in an on-trend vintage style.  Using small quantities of natural fabrics such as silk, cotton and linen together with lace, ribbons and buttons, sewers of all abilities can create a range of lovely items including bags, covers, hangings and mats. As always, full-size templates are included, making this a must-have book for all who enjoy making projects that are both attractive and useful and perfect to keep or give as gifts.  Highly recommended.

* East Kent Embroiderers Guild *

Anybody who sews is going to be left with lots of oddments which appear to be too small to be useful.  But all you need is half a yard (or less) to make twenty-three beautiful vintage items with this useful book.

This is a bestselling title for Search Press and I am not surprised.  Make useful and very giftable pieces using not only oddments of fabric but also old doyleys, buttons, lace and more.  Raid the loft or visit junk shops and jumble sales to add to your stash and you will have enough to make anything in this book.  The author recommends a simple entry level computer machine with its fancy stitches but any machine will do, and apart from that you have everything you need if you sew.  Before the projects there are a few techniques to learn if you don’t already know how such as basic hand embroidery stitches, bias binding, French seams, fitting magnetic clasps etc.  All these have plenty of large captioned photographs which make this book ideal for anybody who knows the basics but has not had a lot of sewing experience.  Each project features a large photo of the item in situ plus a list of what you need, size and several steps with photographs.  There are the usual cushion covers, bunting, pincushion, bags and mats but also more unusual (but useful) things like a peg bag, letter holder, jar wraps, advent calendar and a cake frill.  All are in the soft muted colors you would expect from vintage style projects but if your tastes and stash are more modern the items could equally be made up in brighter shades with different trims.  This is an ideal book for anybody who wants to make things for their home or to give as gifts or to charity sales.  User friendly and attractive.

* myshelf.com *

Vintage has maintained its status as a theme that everyone loves. Debbie takes vintage style and makes 23 projects for the home and for gifts. Accessories include pillow covers, bags, dressing table covers, tea coy, tray covers and cake frills and Christmas-themed projects too. You'll find all the sewing techniques you need to know at the front of the book, including mitred corners. My favourite projects are the pillow, floral wreath, bucket bag, posy, journal cover, Xmas stocking and cottages. Lots of lace and neutral fabrics. Small projects are quick to make and add a homely touch. This book will be a big hit with its desirable projects and easy to follow instructions.

* Yarnsandfabrics.co.