About me
When I think back to my childhood I remember sewing always being a part of it. My mum was a seamstress and had a sewing room with cupboards full of wonderful fabrics, old biscuit tins full of buttons and threads, and drawers full of ribbons and lace.
She'd encourage me to make dolls' clothes and then dolls, before moving on to making clothes for myself. An enthusiastic fan of upcycling, mum taught me how to repair and alter my growing wardrobe by darning socks, shortening skirts (this was the Sixties after all!) and making the flared legs of my jeans even wider by adding triangular flashes of paisley fabric to the side seams.
Throughout an extensive career in television, as both a presenter and actor, sewing was and still is my relaxation, although nowadays it's my profession as well! I'm designing products and patterns to make your sewing life easier, and fun, quality fabrics for you to work with.
I am so proud to have been voted Sewing Designer of the Year in the Immediate Media British Craft Awards 2020, and for the awards my books have received - I don't think even my mum could have guessed how valuable those lessons in home sewing Sixties-style would prove to be!
Meet the team
Our community is very special and I’d like to introduce you to the passionate team that makes the Half Yard magic happen. We’re a group of dedicated sewing enthusiasts who are committed to bringing you the best projects, inspiration and connection.
Debbie Shore
Hello! Sewing is my absolute joy, and I hope my love for it and crafting shines through in every project I share. There’s nothing I enjoy more than talking to our club members, and my live events are a fantastic way for us to connect and share our love of sewing. I look forward to sewing with you!
Phoebe, Editorial Assistant
I look after all things content and for any typos, incorrect formatting or missing images, I'm the person to query! I enjoy the process of putting a project together and making sure everything is presented clearly. I also love the community feel of the HYSC and seeing your comments, support and friendships is a delight!
Sophie, Marketing Executive
I manage and oversee the HYSC’s social media, and I also answer your support queries. I’ve been part of the team for many years and love to see our members’ bold recreations of Debbie’s timeless designs!
Hannah, Publicist
I help promote the HYSC to print and online media, and I also work on new and exciting offers and discounts for our club members. I love how Debbie and HYSC are fun sewing companions, bringing brand new sewing projects each month and everything you need to know about sewing!
Sam, Publishing Director
I love how we’ve created a friendly community for like-minded sewists. We work hard to provide the best range of patterns, tutorials, offers, giveaways and more exclusively for our members. Don’t forget to check our social media pages for regular updates – and of course plenty of chat!
Claire, Consumer Marketing Manager
I work behind the scenes on the HYSC, answering your emails and enquires, and looking after the backend of the website. I really enjoy seeing all the projects that our members make and share with us, and I love how there is a close community feel to the club, like a group of friends catching up over a cuppa!
The in-house Half Yard team is supported by our content editor, Betsy, who works closely with us on the fantastic projects that Debbie creates! Thanks also to our freelance team who work tirelessly to help us share all that the Club has to offer.
Come and join me!
- Exclusive monthly projects, with patterns and video tutorials
- Online feedback sessions with me
- Learn my tips, techniques and sewing secrets
- Extra projects and special offers just for members
- Create your own personal online notebook
- Membership costs just £5.99 a month, or get a whole year's membership for just £60
