You plan to be the next Minnesotan on "Project Runway." You work the designer attitude, dress to be seen, and pontificate about your genius (yet-to-be-created) clothing line.

One bump in the road: Your short attention span when it comes to actually sewing.

"One-Yard Wonders" is for you. The new book was written by two locals -- designer Rebecca Yaker, well known for her sock monkeys and Hazel and Melvin's Room, and Patricia Hoskins, co-owner of Crafty Planet.

The book has bright, graphic photos, spiral binding (so much easier to use while you stitch), clear directions and patterns.

Yaker and Hoskins compiled projects that you can make from fabric scraps in a few hours. Some of their clever ideas include: Picnic-tastic Lunch Mats, Spats (fabric "sleeves" that go over legs for a boot-like effect), Ruffled Cafe Curtains and Milo's Feline-Friendly Tepee (a play space for cats). We also adore the Bathroom Makeover, which results in curtain tie-backs, towel trims and a shower cap.

It's instant craft-ification.

What to do after you've conquered the needle and thread and made all of your own holiday gifts? There's always "America's Next Top Model."

Just make it work.

"One-Yard Wonders" ($20). Join the authors (and more than a dozen contributors) on Sat. for the "One-Yard Wonders" release party, 2-5 p.m. at Crafty Planet (2833 Johnson St. NE, Mpls., 612-788-1180). Buy a copy, get it signed and enjoy refreshments.

Book also available online.

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