FABRIC BY FABRIC ONE YARD WONDERS introduces a fabric type, then highlights how a yard or less of it can be used to create practical clothing, accessories (everything from scarves to diaper bags), and home decor items. Some projects allow you to get multiple pieces of a set of matching items out of one yard. The instructions are clear and outlined step-by-step. Occasionally, knowledge is assumed of a basic sewing technique, such as when an instruction will simply say, "create buttonhole." Patterns are included for some projects, whereas others require measuring and cutting basic shapes, and a few recommend measuring the wearer for a custom fit.

This is an excellent resource for beginning sewers, with information on reading and using patterns and making friends with your sewing machine. Even more advanced sewers will find the "Fabric Type Cheat Sheet" and information at the beginning of each section on best practices for each type of fabric valuable.

Projects vary in difficulty, for a variety of skill levels, and are fresh and modern. Many of them teach different sewing techniques (such as gathering, smocking, tufting and quilting). The apparel designs are decidedly young in feel. Some of the clothes are intended for adults, but the majority are sized for children. Some of the patterns encourage making the project your own, such as the option of adding extra embellishments to the "Flirty Skirty," or adding numbers to the "Kansachi Clock." A number of the home decor patterns involve gluing the cut fabric to other objects.

The one-yard of fabric parameter makes a few of the projects feel limited in scale. Overall, though, the attractive photographs make the projects appealing, and their variety and whimsy ensures there is something everyone will want to try.

This book is a follow-up to ONE YARD WONDERS, and the editors chose the best entries from an open call for fabric designers to submit designs highlighting their favorite fabrics.

Note: I reviewed a digital edition of this book, and thus did not have access to the packet of patterns.