A wee while ago I got an email from Chloe of Penguin Books, asking if I would like to review a craft book.
Hello???
Books and craft? way to make a librarian crafter's heart flutter !
Last week I received Toni Cowards book, Make it Perfect and it is a seriously delicious craft book featuring 21 women's and children's clothing patterns.
At first glance the book is very well bound (trust a librarian to notice) . It folds out so that the book part with the instructions sits perfectly flat-important if you are following instructions while sitting at the machine. There are also heaps of diagrams to illustrate anything mildly tricky.
The pattern pieces, in a variety of sizes, are all folded in an envelope at the back and they are printed individually so none of that annoying printed over the top of each other rubbish.
You guys know I am not a garment sewer but I have read through a couple of the patterns completely and they seem so easy. The language is simple and straightforward and there is some helpful hints at the start as well as a really nice intro .
I especially loved that Toni thanked all her pattern testers . Bonus points for that ! and she mentions waking her kids up to get them to try on her designs !!
I'd buy this book for someone just venturing into garment making, or even for someone who already makes clothes but wants to lift their clothes to another level.
So, If you would like this book, just leave a comment - no jumping through hoops, no extra bonus bookface points, just a comment !
Posts
205 comments:
1 – 200 of 205 Newer› Newest»I would love to enter Jodie!
(I am of course willing to jump through a hoop if required, but am liable to trip at the last minute. Ugly.)
So .. tell me about this bookface thing!!!
Sounds like an interesting book. Is there anything for boys?
I would love that book Jodie! Cute stuff :-)
It looks like a fabulous book. I used to wake my kids up to try on half finished garments too!
I'd jump through hoops too - it looks great!
Beautiful! I LOVE patterns printed individually!!
ooooooh love love a giveaway - esp. one so cute and well recommended as this book.
Love a no jumping giveaway and I'd love to win a copy of this book. Sounds ace. X
I've already mentioned the book to my Mum - I believe it might be on my Christmas list!!
Looks like the perfect book for me!
I sure could do with some new clothes.
Cheers...
Hi, I would love some new projects to make and Toni's stuff is always great. Have a good day all!
patterns that are easy to follow? sounds good to me!!
It's a long time since I stitched a garment being mostly into embroidery these days but this book might just get me back into it.
I would love to win this book.
Thank you
Yes. Thank you. Don't mind if I do. I would like that book. Very much. I do do a bit of tracing that pattern on top of other pattern business, and it is rather 'rubbish'. I agree.
This book is on my Christmas wish list, but I would love to get one before then :)
I love the concept of practical and simple as that is the kind of sewer I am, I would love a book that could teach me how to make these.
Got to love a giveaway..count me in! sounds like a great book!
What a great looking book - I just love the envelope idea - Fantastic.
That book looks fab!
Pretty! I'd make stuff with my sister... until we fight and I kick her out of the room.... but then I'd give her the cute skirt I made.
Me, me, pick me!! *puts hand up in the air and wiggles it around excitedly*
I wanna make clothes for me, and the kids, before they decide it isn't cool.
I need to take my sewing to a new level and simple instructions are for me.
yes please! Looks like a fantastic book!
Looks like a great book. Wish I'd get asked to review awesome stuff like this!
If I would like the book ... I would LOVE it!!! The I might start with a hobby that I had many many years ago, again.
The book looks lovely and I could really use some extra inspiration this time of year!
I'd love a copy. It's going on my Xmas list, but winning it would be nice!
I'd love a copy. It's going on my Xmas list, but winning it would be nice!
Please, oh pleasey please whack my name in the bucket!
Other wise I shall have to foward it to the Mr as a possible christmas gift and he will oh so love that...
I've made two of the wrap skirts - sooo easy for a non-dressmaker like me - would love to have the book!!!
That book looks absolutely delicious! Thanks for having a great giveaway!
Katrina
What a lovely review. You've done a great job.
Please count me in and watch as I jump through the hoop too and trip over Liesl at the last moment.
:)
Sounds like the perfect book for me- I love the idea of making garments...but since I usually make them up as I go along, they don't always turn out quite right...hmmm.
oh yes please, I'd love to win
Please can I enter? I would love to make some clothes for my daughter for Christmas! She has finally decided that she likes skirts, after years of refusing to wear them, so I really want to encourage her by making some in fabrics that are her cup of tea! Lots of love, Amanda xxx
Oh Jod, sounds like a simply yummy book...... makes me go all skippety thinking about it. Count me in!
Ooooh aaaahh
count me in too pleeease :D
I would love it ! I am so in love with vintage as is my teenage daughters!
i like the simple, non complicated stuff.
I keep saying that I'm going to try and sew clothes.. have yet to get there tho! Too intimidated! Would love to see if this book helps with that!
Oh yes please !! I would love this book. Thank you so much for the chance.
I would jump through a flaming hoop while bookfacing for you Jodie! Would love to try my hand at some garment sewing.
I KNOW the book will be great! Toni's patterns are such fun to make and Maya was a well dressed child all summer after making some of these patterns. The winner will love it
What a gorgeous looking book. Count me in please.
Hi
I would love this book. Toni's patterns are so great. It sounds great, good review. Thanks
Ahem... me too..? Because I ... ummmm..... need another craft book.
Hi Jodie, I've never made garments before, because frankly, they scare me. I'd like the chance to make them perfectly though, maybe the book will be my shot at it?
Thank you for the chance.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)
Yes please! Maybe I can find something to go with the lovely scarf I finished from your Daylesford pattern. (Only took a few months to get organised to finish it and now winter is over)!
Looks like a really cute one! Off to add it to my Amazon list, just in case I don't win :D
Oh, this is just the kind of thing I need! I just bought my first dressmaking pattern the other day. It's for a skirt, and is allegedly 'easy'. Imagine my surprise when I pulled out two 3m long sheets of wafer thin tissue paper covered in indecipherable squiggles and abbreviations, along with two A3 sheets of instructions. I'd more or less given it up as a bad job and decided to stick to plushies, but if there's easier stuff out there maybe all is not lost.
My wife would love this book, I'm sure, so I'm hoping she doesn't see this comment...
Yes please! Looks great :-)
Can I enter too please? Because a girl can never have too many craft books - especially when she has two daughters to sew for!
Oh wow, this book looks gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win.
I love Toni's patterns they are super easy and always turn out well. I'd love this book
I'm in for a whirl! Including (inevitably pathetic) attempts at a hoop twirl...
Oh, this totally sounds like my kind of book!
Am I too far away from this delicious book? Canary Islands, Spain......
It looks soo nice!
Anyway, Jodie, still making bags based on your '1 hour-bag', last one in black leather with a tiger-petterned lining, grooooaaawww!!!!!!
Françoise
Love Toni's patterns - I have tried a couple and am more than pleased at how they turned out.
Leaving a comment .. would love to win.
Glad there is no hoop jumping, a girl my size just can't do that sort of thing anymore LOL
Rebecca
I'm always up for learning new things...count me in ( ;
Love to win it!
I'd love a chance at a craft book.
I will jump through a hoop - this book is on my I Want List! lol It looks gorgeous :)
Oh, this book sounds perfect for a sewingly-bereft mother of a small girl who seems destined to want lots of twirly skirts. Yep, that's me *sigh*
i would love this book!
this looks like a great book.
I have the perfect place for that book in my craft room, please include me in the mix :)
Lovely looking book!!! I am absolute rubbish at making clothes, this might be just what I need!!
Thanks Jodie ........
Hugs,
Joy :o)
Oh, yes please! I'd love a copy of that. Thanks for the chance.
Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win.
Me me me ;)
Please count me in!
Ooh, patterns for my two favorite groups to sew for: my daughter and me! Count me in for this giveaway for sure!
I have made a couple of her patterns before and she is a wonderful pattern designer. How exciting to have a chance to win this book! Thank you.
Oh, I'd love to have this book! I keep buying beautiful vintage patterns without having sewn any of the basics to build my skills. Ha!
Sounds fun - and Lord knows I can always use a few pointers on improving my garment construction!
I've been reading about this book on her blog, it looks like a 'must-have', and I've been known to measure my children when they're asleep!
Looks like a fantastic book! Ive put it at the top of my Dear Santa wishlist!
I'll take my freshly potty-trained toddler to the potty in the middle of the night (so hopefully she'll sleep later in the morning!) but beyond that, I shudder at the thought of waking her. Must still be too close to the constant night-wakings. :)
Are you a librarian??? Me too!!!!
My youngest is quite the little fashionista and loves nothing more than new, handmade clothes! Thanks for the chance at this great book!
Sounds a great book!
Count me in please!!
Gill
Heck yes I would love that book!
Yep, sign me up! Looks like a winner to me!
Thanks,
Jen
jenjengoemann@gmail.com
This book looks awesome! Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to have this book. I am just that person, trying to live up to my mom's example by actually sewing clothes for my kids and myself.
Thank you for this! Now I have another book to add to my "must have" list!!
Me! Me! I want!
My daughter's skirts are getting too short. I'm pretty sure she just needs some tips on making longer ones.
Plus, if I'm ever gonna find cute clothes to fit over my biggish behind I'm gonna have to learn to make them for myself.
Love the fold out section! Awesome idea for organizing the patterns. Oh, and thank you so much for no jumping through hoops! I'm fairly new to blogging so when I hear, clip this and post that, I don't respond cuz I have no idea what all that means! BUT .. a simple post I can do! Blogging is new to me, crafting is not! Love love love it!! SEW much!
I'd jump through hoops for you ! Your blog gives me many happy hours of reading. And I'd love the book too....
Hurrah! Another book to put on my 'will get when the bank manager's not looking' list!
It's a shame there aren't any men's clothing, but there's that stoopid man thing that fashion is a woman's thing... cos men don't wear designed clothes you know, just fabric that's riveted and welded... in a man's way.
Noodles! I'm definitely getting a copy of this. Ta Jodie for reviewing it for us!
This book looks amazing!
I embarked upon garment making last year so would love a copy of this book.
How lovely to have you give us a review, Jodie! I appreciate hearing details that make any good how to book more user-friendly. I give points for things like the book lying flat when open and that when it comes to the patterns, "they are printed individually so none of that annoying printed over the top of each other rubbish". Sounds like my kind of book!
I saw when Toni announced that her book was printed and had arrived just a little while back! I can't wait to get my hands on it! I learned about her blog through yours, i think.
Who would not want this great book? We would all jump through the hoops! Thanks for the opportunity.
This looks like book full of good ideas! thank you!
I'm new to your site and what a fun place to be! I plan to spend (way too much) time today looking through old posts and getting Christmas ideas. This book would be just what I need to make some cute matching clothes for my two girls!
I love sewing clothes. The book looks great. :)
S. Bird
Yes Please Jodie! Thanks!
Awesome, thanks for the chance to enter! =)
I would love to take a look at that book...the clothes I've been making my daughter could be sooo much nicer. I'm not the most talented garment sewer. :)
I have recently got into making clothes, nothing fancy yet just some bits and bobs for cosplay. The book looks really good. :)
Neat! Id love to win this book. :)
I'm a quilter who aspires to make clothes sometimes too - this book sounds like a great resource! Thank you for the giveaway!
It looks like a great book - thanks for the giveaway Jodie
comment.
(well, someone had to do it!)
Oooh, yes please. I made Toni's Uptown Girl coat for Chloe. She gets compliments everywhere. Even the doctors in Emergency! (Don't worry she's OK!)
Thank you for the chance to win what looks like an awesome book!
My mom is getting into garment sewing, and this looks like it would be a great Christmas gift! (She will appreciate the binding as well!)
Wow, that book sounds awesome! If I don't win it I might just buy it, sounds too good. Thanks for the give away, Katrin
Yes Please! Love Toni's patterns. I'd love to win a copy!
Oh, yes please! I'm working up to making clothes for myself...it's kinda scary and this looks like it might help.
I'm putting it on my list to Santa.
Thanks so much for the chance to win this book Jodie. Looks like a great book too.
The book looks great. I'd love to win are there any boys stuff in it.
Great review Jodie and you've convinced me that this is one for my budding clothes designer granddaughter, she's just starting to sew her own clothes....
Lizzie
xxx
Thanks for the review of the book. I've been eager to start sewing some clothes of late, just need that kick start and that just might be the book to do it. I'll take note of it.
i wouldn't mind being asked to review this either! can't wait to see it when it comes out...and fingers xed.
I really want to win this book. And now I have found your wonderful blog! Thank you.
bennekal@msn.com
Count me in. Thanks for the chance!
Yes please I'd love a copy of this book it's on my Christmas wish list I'm so excited about it I'd be willing to jump through hoops, fly a trapeze, walk the tightrope anything to get my hands on this gorgeous book failing winning this comp - Santa are you listening I have been really really good I promise.
Karen (thechaplins@iinet.net.au)
One winning comment for me!
I would love to have this book. I've already made a couple of "Make it Perfect" patterns and would love to make more.
Yes pretty please!! With the cherry et al...thanks Jodie for the chance to win something that could possibly reduce some of the mountain that is my stash..
It's been 20yrs and I am ready to become obsessed with sewing again. Just need a little inspiration and this book looks just the ticket.
Thanks for the wonderful review, I quite like it when people give an honest opinion of a book before you buy it. It sounds great and I could even start making my daughter some clothes that perhaps she would actually wear!
I need all the jelp I can get with garment making...
Me! Me! Pick me! I love Make it Perfect patterns and can not wait for this book to come out!
Oh, thrilling. Have sown a few things for my boys, but could definitly need some more help in that department. Fingers crossed ; )
going on the christmas list.
Hello
ooooh, yes please!!!!
Lifting my sewing to another notch, yes please :)
This book is on my xmas wish list, all my fingers and toes are crossed - I can't wait to try these patterns, have bought a couple of Toni's patterns, love love love!
Love Toni's patterns!!!! would love to win this book!
This book looks great and I love your review. I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance!
Sounds like a great book. I'm not a garment sewer either although I have tried a few times in the past. Maybe this is what I need to give me the incentive to try again.
Hey, there are shoes on the front cover, I love, I love!
Looks like a great book. Great title, oh to be able to make it perfect.
sound like a perfect book :-)
nilly1st@gmail.com
I already have a blog-post half written about my crafty book wish-list, and this one is in it. I love that I know so many bloggers making books at the moment. Pick me! Please, Jodie!
Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. Like everything Toni puts her hands to it will be brilliant!!
andy_melissa8@bigpond.com
Wow this book looks amazing....love it.....I have just finished making a skirt from one of Toni's patterns & I love it...
Would love to make some summer tops in a crisp cotton fabric. This book sounds most useful.
I would love a copy of this book :)
I like the sound of a book that can demystify garment sewing, I'm frequently confused when attempting to sew garments.
I saw this book a few days ago for preorder at a quilt shop- its awesome and I really want a copy, will be buying it if I don't win a copy :0)
Oh I NEED that book!! :)
That book looks right up my alley! It is so going on my amazon list! Cool!
Thanks for the review! I've been thinking about sewing clothes, but haven't really tried it yet. This book sounds like a great place to start!
Sounds like a book to have!!
This book sounds wonderful. I love sewing books and would love to add this to my collection. Thanks for the opportunity to try to win it.
This looks like a great book!!! crossing my fingers!
I love MIP patterns-they are so easy to make. I am so excited that this book is here! I can't wait to get one (Please pick me!!!!)
Looks like a great book. I've been wanting to venture into garment making, and this looks like the perfect book. Thanks for the chance to win!
OH yes please!!!!! I'd love it!
claireebianchi@yahoo.com.au
Aw wow! That book looks perfect!
Ooohhh! Might have to add this one to my wish list as I've just spent all my pocket money on crafty books on line! That is the problem with blogland - someone is always suggesting another book/pattern/project ;)
I love that you said bookface. It made me think of Jim Halpert.
I'm a sucker for a craft book, so thanks for your generosity.
I'd love to win the book, but seriously, I'd love to win your swear-jar, colour runs and all. Thanks for the giggle - poo-poo-bum is the phrase of the moment in our house this week ;)
I'd love to add this to my bookshelf!! :)
I love Toni's patterns they have taught me to sew, almost cant wait for book!
Nice! I have it on my Christmas list :)
Ooooh.... how lovely! I've been itching to find a copy of this ever since I read about it on
Toni's blog last week!
oh yes please! lucky you, I'm dying ti get my hands on this gorgeous book. It looks so lovely!
thanks for the giveaway
corrie:)
i'm a newbie and have made one of her skirts. I was a convert!
I wish all craft books would lay flat, would make it so much easier!
Would I like this book?? Yes please!!
I will gladly jump through embroidery hoops for this book!I have been wanting a book to help me refine my garment sewing!
My husband will say I have too many craft books already, but if I win one, then that makes the average cost lower, which must be good, right?!
I'd love this book, I need something that will push me into making all the things I have in my head that would be lovely to wear!
Thank you for the giveaway. I have a couple of budding sewists living in my house who I would love to give the book to for inspiration and guidance.
oh, I hope i can win :)
thank you so much for sharing Jodie
This looks like it could fill in all the awkward gaps in my knowledge. It is very late in the day now, but count me in too please!
Would love to win this book! Susan
Sounds like a great book and just right for the sewing place I am in at the moment.
Pick Me! I'd love to win this book!
It does look very beautiful. Today I've been - ahhh! shock! horror! - cutting up old books to make cards. But I wouldn't cut up this one ;0)
but if you make it perfect how do you embrace the wonk?
Thanks Jod, I think this might have to go on my Christmas list! x
Pick me, pick me. I would love this book too!
hmmmm comment number 187! i used to sew clothes but havent attempted anything for some time, my clever friends all make stunning skirts and making bags... phooee to them!
I would love to win for my daughter who is learning to sew. Great review. Thanks for the chance - and the "no hoop jumping" this morning!
butler83ataoldotcom
187 in front of me what chance do I stand. Can I just say "PLEASE pick me"
The book looks great, I'd love a copy!!!
Looks lovely. Please enter me!
clderwee at gmail dot com
I would absolutely love this.
rebekahricker at yahoo dot com
I just love sewing. I am a rookie at it but I have a 2 year old girl and she lovingly wears whatever I make for her. I live in Peru so I kind of lost hope about the book giveaway, but I think it sounds friendly. Anyway, greetings from down here, thank you for sharing your lovely stuff.
Garment sewing is a bit like yeast doughs for me. It is something that has frightened me with its ability to go horribly wrong. But. Now that I have begun to conquer my fear of yeast (oh yes, the microbes tremble!), I might be ready to try sewing garments as well. This book looks like just the thing to get me started. Fingers crossed!
I would love to lift my sewing level to a new height! I've only ventured into easy garment sewing since complicated things like closures always end up unfinished!
I have always hated buying clothes....all that change room drama. So I have decided to start making myself some clothes.....this book would be fantastic!
Please can I enter. I always make up patterns and they never work out perfectly!
Please can I enter. I always make up patterns and they never work out perfectly!
Sounds like fun! I've done a bit of garment sewing but have lots of room for improvement and learning new skills. :)
Looks like a great book. I'd love it :-)
I would love to win this book as well. Please count me in.
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