A quirky selection of Gnomes to Sew, each with their unique names, personalities and stories. Debbie Shore's new book has clear photos, not only of the completed project but easy to follow instructions to enable very ability of sewer to create a masterpiece. Step by step you can create 12 magical friends with the added benefit of full size patterns in two different size characters. The first few pages explain the notions and materials best used for the projects, as well as close up photos and instructions for visual learners to explain the tricky sections of constructing the body, shoes and beards. Debbie always encourages the use of recycled materials and additions to make your gnomes unique. She also suggests making your own designed Gnome family to compliment those in the book. Great value for money, this would be an ideal book, for sewers of all abilities due to the materials used. There is also the option to hand sew if a machine is not an option. This is a must have book for your sewing shelf.
-- Helen * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *
Sew Gnomes contains many variations of gnomes for all times of the year including Christmas gnomes, a spooky Halloween gnome and a Easter rabbit gnomes. The book is a good size and the quality is amazing. The colour and pictures are very eye catching. The book has exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to make more of Debbie's projects. Her instructions are easy to follow and are perfect for any skill level. I believe the book could be improved with a note section on each project that could be handy for people using the book as they can write down any notes that they might need on the way. Overall this book is absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to make some.
-- Megan * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *
Good size book, well laid out, nice clear font and good use of colour on the pages. Love the different sections for bodies, beards, noses, hands and feet. Easy to mix and match across the 12 gnome patterns and come up with my own ideas. Each gnome has a story so great way to get the kids involved. Instructions to make the gnomes in two sizes and very easy to follow so likely to get good results with these projects. Love the little extras like how to make the spider for Eek.
-- Juliet * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *
Book Review of Sew Gnomes by Debbie Shore - August 2023 Published by Search Press This is a charming book which introduces you to 12 cute Gnome characters, one for all seasons. The book describes each character and provides step by step instructions and full size traceable templates in the back to enable you to cut out and make each of the characters. I love that all the characters can be sewn by hand so no machine necessary and there is also a section to demonstrate they different hand stitches needed. There is a basic gnome section showing you how to make the main parts likes body, hands and feet etc. then each character is customisable using either the suggested features and accessories or you can be really creative and make your own character from a mix of the suggestions or by inventing your own accessories. The projects are easy enough for a beginner and the book could be used to help younger sewers. Lovely, bright colourful illustrations throughout. Reasonably priced at GBP10.99 and no expensive equipment or supplies needed. This is a great way to use up scraps and leftover fabrics. I think I will be making a spooky 'Eek' gnome first for Halloween, followed by 'Noel' and 'Kold' which will be part of my festive decorations. Can't wait to get started.
-- Jackie * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *
Sew Gnomes by Debbie Shore To be perfectly honest this isn't my usual 'go to' or 'must have' craft book. As I have never made gnomes or had the inclination to, but, having read through this adorable little book I have surprised myself in how much I want to make my first Gnome, I'm hooked! From my past experiences when purchasing any new craft book it is the quality of the pictures throughout that I tend to look for, as I find learning through visual content rather than the written word easier. No worries on this front with this book as the pictures from cover to cover, inside and out are self-explanatory and are of a beautiful quality, being bright and colourful and of a good size. I was impressed with the 'Materials and notions' and 'Hand stitches' chapters, as this clearly told me exactly what products I would need for the Gnomes and each stitch that is needed was very clearly illustrated and explained. The next chapter 'Making Gnome body & features' really triggered my creative imagination. As it gives me the opportunity to add my own characteristics to these lovely little magical friends. What I also really like about this book are the individual chapters for each Gnome character. With each chapter being laid out so well , and easy to follow. It starts with exactly what you need to create each character, and it is then explained in both words and pictures on how to bring them to life, for even a novice Gnome maker like myself. I love having full-size templates at the back, (no messing with attempting to enlarge these on a printer!). Just a small tip, do photo-copy these template pages and make them from a hard card or template plastic and leave this beautiful book intact. The size of the book is perfect, and easy to pop into a craft bag or take away with you to your favourite destination or craft class. At only GBP10.99 this book is excellent value and worth keeping on your craft book shelf. This is an ideal book to bring out when the children are around as it will keep them and adults alike amused for hours as the characters are so playful and such fun it will spark their imagination. As no sewing machine is required, these little gems can be created anywhere with minimal amount of fuss and craft supplies. It will be difficult to choose which Gnome to make first, but if I had to choose it would be Ding and Dong. I just love the characteristics you can create with these two, plus I am a bit in love with their felt boots! As I'm writing this review, sat on a sun lounger in the South of France, I'm currently Googling where my nearest craft shop is for supplies of felt! So do look out on my Instagram for Gnome pictures. Thank you to Debbie Shore for introducing me to the wonderful world of Gnomes!!
-- Sandi * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *
Debbie Shore - Sew Gnomes GBP10.99 ( published by Search Press, September 2023) Another lovely book by Debbie to add to my collection. A fun theme to cover every season clearly presented with colour photographs and full size patterns, no messing about just get sewing. The pictures make the book easy for any beginner to follow with an uncomplicated materials list. Nice tips on notions and techniques to use. The size of the printing is easy to read and refer to. The Gnomes can be hand sewn and/or machine sewn. I am looking forward to making Fungus first, a cute little character. The book would make a nice gift for any age to enjoy and even to recycle your scraps. One thing to note is that they are not toys.
-- Sandra * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *
When I opened this book, it was like opening the door to a magical land. Seeing all the adorable characters you can imagine them coming to life. They are so cute & the amount of detail & thought that has gone into these Gnomes is so Debbie Shore. The book as always by Debbie Shore has so many clear step by step pictures & the instructions are very clear. Don't worry if you can't draw as it has full size templates, which is ideal for someone like me. Also, there is a great variety of Gnomes to make, which makes making each one even more exciting.
-- Pauline * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *
As with all of Debbie's books, the quality is great, from all the pictures on the front cover and inside to the level of instruction, its so inviting. The book says its for 12 gnomes, but really your imagination is the only limit, guided by the author's experienced instruction. My favourite gnome is on page 72, such a cutie. The hands and feet even have nails. Explanation of all the requirements is really clear as well as detailed instructions for hand stitching and 5 pages of templates for key accessories and shapes. I absolutely love this book and have already started to make Bugs. :-)
-- Tracey * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *
If you love gnomes it's a must have book. The quality of the outer cover and pages is excellent. The photos are so detailed and the print is of a comfortable size to read and full size patterns are perfect. Overall an excellent, informative and great value for money book.
-- Sue * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *
Another fantastic and unique craft book by Debbie Shore! Although I often shy away from making dolls, toys, etc., I realized after reading Debbie's book, I can do this! All of her books are printed on high-quality paper with colorful and creative photography. Each page is thoughtfully laid out with easy to follow, step-by-step instructions and accompanying pictures. Product information with pictures along with Debbie's tips and techniques are a signature of her quality craft books. Full-size templates and all of the little extras are greatly appreciated especially for a first-timer! I look forward to making my first gnome!
-- Jennifer * Half Yard Sewing Club Member *
