When I was in Vermont last week, we passed a Borders Books in Burlington that was having a going-out-of-business sale - and they were offering incentives for buying more books. The only problem for me in this situation was narrowing down the number of books I had in my arms!
I picked up a couple of inexpensive ($2.99) cookbooks, a novel, and a sewing book called "One Yard Wonders" - and I love it! I'm not usually much of a pattern-follower, but I set myself the goal of seeing if I could follow instructions. And you know what? Turns out I can. So there, Mom.
I picked up a couple of inexpensive ($2.99) cookbooks, a novel, and a sewing book called "One Yard Wonders" - and I love it! I'm not usually much of a pattern-follower, but I set myself the goal of seeing if I could follow instructions. And you know what? Turns out I can. So there, Mom.

Needing to run an errand nearby and having this book just itching to be used was all the incentive I needed to make a trip to JoAnn's Fabric. I picked up a few 1-yard pieces of home-decor weight fabric (heavier than quilting fabric, but lighter than upholstery fabric), in preparation of trying out this new book, as well as a few more embellishment items for my "Fall in New England" piece that I'm still finishing up.
Coupons in hand (tip: never, ever go to JoAnn's without your coupons, your teacher's 15% card, and their new iPhone app) - I'm excited to say that I saved 50% on my purchases.
Anyway, I made this cute grocery bag in one afternoon - and I love it. I used it to carry my tallit and other shul-necessities this morning when I went to Shabbat services. And I already have it packed with towels and a bathing suit for tomorrow's trip to the beach.
The directions were simple and relatively easy to follow - even for someone like me, who hates reading patterns and following instructions. I also made a skirt, following one of their patterns, and adding/changing a few things (I added a cute pocket, and made it a draw-string rather than elastic waist). Perhaps I'll get a picture of it up soon. Both projects took under two hours each - and came out great. If you're looking for easy projects that are fun to make and fun to use, this book is for you.