Whenever we're out shopping, my wife always wanders off to the craft department. One of the bins she always checks out are the fabric scraps where she finds a yard of corduroy here and a polka dot cotton print there. She likes to get a variety of fabrics because she uses them for pictures on her blog, but as you know, those odd yards of fabric start to add up. There are a few simple fabrics and patterns that she likes to reuse, but generally the others sit until she winds up selling them at a yard sale or donating them.

It seemed like a waste to me, not just in money but in craft potential. I figured there had to be something she could do with that fabric, rather than letting it sit or giving it away. So, I was looking around and I found the book, One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, on Amazon.com. It's full of different sewing and craft projects that are designed specifically to use one yard of fabric or less.

What impressed me about the book is the versatility of the projects and the time they spend explaining basic techniques for those new to sewing—like my wife. Along with patterns and pictures, there are also explanations of various, useful stitches and techniques that make it easy for newbies to get their bearings and really enjoy the book.

With the cold winter months comes long days inside the house and the potential for boredom and cabin fever. Having fun and interesting crafts to share with your family can be a lifesaver on days when it's too icy or blustery to play outdoors. I especially enjoy cute crafts that my wife, boys and I can make and enjoy together.

One of my favorite winter craft books for kids is Kathy Ross's Crafts to Make in the Winter. The book is written to be handy in a classroom or group setting, so the instructions are clear, simple and come with good illustrations. Some craft books aren't as detailed or require steps that are complicated for younger crafters. When sitting down with my young sons, these types of crafts wind up being made mostly by me, because they can't carry out the complex instructions on their own. I like this book because I can guide them without having to perform every single step myself.

They have the chance to be more creative and feel greater senses of accomplishment when they do most the work themselves. Plus, I think they just like working alongside their mom and me rather than having us hover over them like craft wardens.