Sew magazine
November 2017
The build-up to Christmas is arguably bigger than the day itself, and this guide book will ensure that you're properly prepared, with 20 designs to suit every family member -even the dog! As always with Debbie, her tehcniques are thoughtfully explained and packed with handy tips.
Libray Journal, USA
In her latest book, Shore (Half Yard Home) turns her attention to advent calendars in styles ranging from whimsical and kid-friendly to country-craft cute. Most of the calendars serve as a 24-day Christmas countdown, and there are options with pockets or pouches that can accommodate a small daily treat as well as those in which the countdown itself is the focus. The items are machine sewn with occasional hand-sewn embellishments such as embroidery or buttons. Shores instructions are clear enough for beginners to complete the projects successfully. As a bonus theres even a dachshund-shaped advent calendar for dogs, featuring a daily biscuit as a treat. VERDICT Sewists interested in creating their own custom advent calendar will savor this collection.
East Kent Embroiderers Guild
In her newest book Debbie presents twenty stunning designs for fabric advent calendars to create for all the family. Each fresh and innovative project has full step-by-step instructions and full-sized templates where necessary and can be completed with ease by all abilities. Debbie even suggests some treats to be hidden within the pockets, pouches and cones. Perfect for anyone wanting to create something unusual and unique for the festive season and which can be enjoyed year after year as a special family keepsake. Excellent value for money.
Customer Review
I was sent a copy of this book by Search Press Arts and Crafts in return for an honest review. Well what can I say, I love Debbie Shore and already have some of her lovely books. I am also addicted to making her tote bags from her youtube tutorials from which I learnt applique which will be helpful for projects in this book. Her instructions are always clear. This book is packed with projects to either follow exactly or you could adapt to make your own original piece. Yes, these calendars are definitely on my to do list, after I return from holiday!
Customer Review
I have a few Debbie Shore books, but this one is going to be a favourite. Beautifully photographed and easy to understand instructions. Looking forward to christmas makes..
Customer Review
I love this book!
Customer Review
This is a must buy book! I love an advent calendar that comes with little gifts... there are many designs and lots of ideas such as what different numbers to buy. I like how you can customise the advent calendars however you wish. I love the idea of making a sausage dog version for dog treats for our pooch! The book has photographs and clear instructions including sewing essentials. This is the perfect way to do sewing in the run up to Christmas on cold autumn days. Off to buy fabric and haberdashery now!
Jessie at Home
Sew Advent Calendars by Debbie Shore includes 20 fun advent calendars for you to create. They range from weekly countdowns to daily countdowns and there is even a countdown for your dog. There are more traditional looking calendars, and some very original calendars. There is something for everyone here!
Debbie starts off with an informative introduction, and then moves onto Sewing Essentials. She describes a bit about each essential so you are sure to know what you need.
Next is a bit on Sewing Know-How. Debbie shares the important skills you will need to successfully create the projects in this book. This section is very informative and a great addition to the book!
After that there is even a page on treat suggestions and another on various ways to create your numbers for your advent calendars. Debbie has really given a lot of thought to all the information you will need to succeed.
After all that great info, the book moves into the 20 lovely advent calendars. Reading through, I found the instructions to be clear and easy to follow. The patterns are very well written, giving the crafter the tools they need to create beautiful projects.
I really love the variety in this book. I would recommend it to any sewer looking for great ideas to decorate for the Christmas season.
(http://jessieathome.com/sew-advent-calendars/)
Myshelf.com
Instead of buying ready-made advent calendars why not make your own? There are twenty different types in this book all made from fabric and suitable for all levels of expertise, even children.
I could say also suitable for the family dog as there is a delightful dachshund shaped one you will have to use your imagination to change it for cats. If like me you are mostly familiar with the flat type with windows or the hanging type with pockets prepare to be amazed with the sheer variety of calendars in here. From a rag doll holding a chalk board to bunting, wee bags, number cubes (think perpetual calendar), a snowman, cone shaped trees and my own favorite a train you will be spoilt for choice. There are several types of bunting and the type with pockets in too, all different shapes and styles for displaying in different spaces. Basic sewing equipment and skills are required but nothing more and special techniques are limited to a couple of embroidery stitches and making (and attaching) bias binding. There is a list of ideas for the treats to insert, and some ideas for different numbering options plus a page showing small thumbnails of the calendars for easy selection. Each project features a large photo of the item in situ plus a list of what you need, finished size and several steps with photographs. The mitten bunting is a simple project that children can make by hand; a nice touch and many of the other calendars have simple parts that younger family members (or beginner stitchers) can make easily. An imaginative book that a wide range of abilities can get a lot of fun out of.
Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk
It's countdown to Xmas with another fab book from Debbie Shore. Who does not love an advent calendar, that countdown that comes with little gifts? Debbie has created 20 designs, so you can make many people happy this Xmas. Includes sewing essentials and know-how - this is Debbies' rundown on what you need to know to make the projects; suggestions for adding treats, counting down - different numbers to buy and templates. Debbie has been inventive with her designs, using for example triangle pockets, quilted cones, cottage pockets, felt pyramids, pleats, chalk board, cubes, bunting, a train, tree, mittens and even a sausage dog. Discover many ways to deliver a countdown to Xmas with photographs and clear instructions. Never has Xmas been so much fun.
