Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Make it Perfect by Toni Coward

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 !

204 comments:

  1. 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.)

    ReplyDelete
  2. So .. tell me about this bookface thing!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like an interesting book. Is there anything for boys?

    ReplyDelete
  4. I would love that book Jodie! Cute stuff :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. It looks like a fabulous book. I used to wake my kids up to try on half finished garments too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'd jump through hoops too - it looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful! I LOVE patterns printed individually!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. ooooooh love love a giveaway - esp. one so cute and well recommended as this book.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love a no jumping giveaway and I'd love to win a copy of this book. Sounds ace. X

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've already mentioned the book to my Mum - I believe it might be on my Christmas list!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Looks like the perfect book for me!
    I sure could do with some new clothes.
    Cheers...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi, I would love some new projects to make and Toni's stuff is always great. Have a good day all!

    ReplyDelete
  13. patterns that are easy to follow? sounds good to me!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would love to win this book.
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  16. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This book is on my Christmas wish list, but I would love to get one before then :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Got to love a giveaway..count me in! sounds like a great book!

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a great looking book - I just love the envelope idea - Fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  21. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  22. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I need to take my sewing to a new level and simple instructions are for me.

    ReplyDelete
  24. yes please! Looks like a fantastic book!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Looks like a great book. Wish I'd get asked to review awesome stuff like this!

    ReplyDelete
  26. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  27. The book looks lovely and I could really use some extra inspiration this time of year!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'd love a copy. It's going on my Xmas list, but winning it would be nice!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'd love a copy. It's going on my Xmas list, but winning it would be nice!

    ReplyDelete
  30. 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...

    ReplyDelete
  31. I've made two of the wrap skirts - sooo easy for a non-dressmaker like me - would love to have the book!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. That book looks absolutely delicious! Thanks for having a great giveaway!

    Katrina

    ReplyDelete
  33. What a lovely review. You've done a great job.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Please count me in and watch as I jump through the hoop too and trip over Liesl at the last moment.

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  36. oh yes please, I'd love to win

    ReplyDelete
  37. 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

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh Jod, sounds like a simply yummy book...... makes me go all skippety thinking about it. Count me in!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Ooooh aaaahh
    count me in too pleeease :D

    ReplyDelete
  40. I would love it ! I am so in love with vintage as is my teenage daughters!

    ReplyDelete
  41. i like the simple, non complicated stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  42. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Oh yes please !! I would love this book. Thank you so much for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I would jump through a flaming hoop while bookfacing for you Jodie! Would love to try my hand at some garment sewing.

    ReplyDelete
  45. 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

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a gorgeous looking book. Count me in please.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi
    I would love this book. Toni's patterns are so great. It sounds great, good review. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  48. Ahem... me too..? Because I ... ummmm..... need another craft book.

    ReplyDelete
  49. 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
    :-)

    ReplyDelete
  50. 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)!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Looks like a really cute one! Off to add it to my Amazon list, just in case I don't win :D

    ReplyDelete
  52. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  53. My wife would love this book, I'm sure, so I'm hoping she doesn't see this comment...

    ReplyDelete
  54. Can I enter too please? Because a girl can never have too many craft books - especially when she has two daughters to sew for!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Oh wow, this book looks gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love Toni's patterns they are super easy and always turn out well. I'd love this book

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'm in for a whirl! Including (inevitably pathetic) attempts at a hoop twirl...

    ReplyDelete
  58. Oh, this totally sounds like my kind of book!

    ReplyDelete
  59. 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

    ReplyDelete
  60. Love Toni's patterns - I have tried a couple and am more than pleased at how they turned out.

    ReplyDelete
  61. 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

    ReplyDelete
  62. I'm always up for learning new things...count me in ( ;

    ReplyDelete
  63. I'd love a chance at a craft book.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I will jump through a hoop - this book is on my I Want List! lol It looks gorgeous :)

    ReplyDelete
  65. 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*

    ReplyDelete
  66. I have the perfect place for that book in my craft room, please include me in the mix :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. Lovely looking book!!! I am absolute rubbish at making clothes, this might be just what I need!!
    Thanks Jodie ........
    Hugs,
    Joy :o)

    ReplyDelete
  68. Oh, yes please! I'd love a copy of that. Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Ooh, patterns for my two favorite groups to sew for: my daughter and me! Count me in for this giveaway for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  71. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  72. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Sounds fun - and Lord knows I can always use a few pointers on improving my garment construction!

    ReplyDelete
  74. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Looks like a fantastic book! Ive put it at the top of my Dear Santa wishlist!

    ReplyDelete
  76. 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. :)

    ReplyDelete
  77. Are you a librarian??? Me too!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  78. My youngest is quite the little fashionista and loves nothing more than new, handmade clothes! Thanks for the chance at this great book!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Sounds a great book!
    Count me in please!!
    Gill

    ReplyDelete
  80. Heck yes I would love that book!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Yep, sign me up! Looks like a winner to me!

    Thanks,
    Jen

    jenjengoemann@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. This book looks awesome! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  83. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Thank you for this! Now I have another book to add to my "must have" list!!

    ReplyDelete
  85. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  86. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I'd jump through hoops for you ! Your blog gives me many happy hours of reading. And I'd love the book too....

    ReplyDelete
  88. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I embarked upon garment making last year so would love a copy of this book.

    ReplyDelete
  90. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  91. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Who would not want this great book? We would all jump through the hoops! Thanks for the opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  93. This looks like book full of good ideas! thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  94. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  95. I love sewing clothes. The book looks great. :)

    S. Bird

    ReplyDelete
  96. Awesome, thanks for the chance to enter! =)

    ReplyDelete
  97. 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. :)

    ReplyDelete
  98. I have recently got into making clothes, nothing fancy yet just some bits and bobs for cosplay. The book looks really good. :)

    ReplyDelete
  99. Neat! Id love to win this book. :)

    ReplyDelete
  100. I'm a quilter who aspires to make clothes sometimes too - this book sounds like a great resource! Thank you for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  101. It looks like a great book - thanks for the giveaway Jodie

    ReplyDelete
  102. comment.

    (well, someone had to do it!)

    ReplyDelete
  103. 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!)

    ReplyDelete
  104. 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!)

    ReplyDelete
  105. 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

    ReplyDelete
  106. Yes Please! Love Toni's patterns. I'd love to win a copy!

    ReplyDelete
  107. Oh, yes please! I'm working up to making clothes for myself...it's kinda scary and this looks like it might help.

    ReplyDelete
  108. I'm putting it on my list to Santa.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Thanks so much for the chance to win this book Jodie. Looks like a great book too.

    ReplyDelete
  110. The book looks great. I'd love to win are there any boys stuff in it.

    ReplyDelete
  111. 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

    ReplyDelete
  112. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  113. i wouldn't mind being asked to review this either! can't wait to see it when it comes out...and fingers xed.

    ReplyDelete
  114. I really want to win this book. And now I have found your wonderful blog! Thank you.
    bennekal@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  115. Count me in. Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  116. 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)

    ReplyDelete
  117. I would love to have this book. I've already made a couple of "Make it Perfect" patterns and would love to make more.

    ReplyDelete
  118. 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..

    ReplyDelete
  119. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  120. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  121. I need all the jelp I can get with garment making...

    ReplyDelete
  122. Me! Me! Pick me! I love Make it Perfect patterns and can not wait for this book to come out!

    ReplyDelete
  123. Oh, thrilling. Have sown a few things for my boys, but could definitly need some more help in that department. Fingers crossed ; )

    ReplyDelete
  124. Lifting my sewing to another notch, yes please :)

    ReplyDelete
  125. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  126. Love Toni's patterns!!!! would love to win this book!

    ReplyDelete
  127. This book looks great and I love your review. I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  128. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  129. Hey, there are shoes on the front cover, I love, I love!

    ReplyDelete
  130. Looks like a great book. Great title, oh to be able to make it perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  131. sound like a perfect book :-)
    nilly1st@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  132. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  133. 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

    ReplyDelete
  134. Wow this book looks amazing....love it.....I have just finished making a skirt from one of Toni's patterns & I love it...

    ReplyDelete
  135. Would love to make some summer tops in a crisp cotton fabric. This book sounds most useful.

    ReplyDelete
  136. I would love a copy of this book :)

    ReplyDelete
  137. I like the sound of a book that can demystify garment sewing, I'm frequently confused when attempting to sew garments.

    ReplyDelete
  138. 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)

    ReplyDelete
  139. That book looks right up my alley! It is so going on my amazon list! Cool!

    ReplyDelete
  140. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  141. Sounds like a book to have!!

    ReplyDelete
  142. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  143. This looks like a great book!!! crossing my fingers!

    ReplyDelete
  144. 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!!!!)

    ReplyDelete
  145. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  146. OH yes please!!!!! I'd love it!

    claireebianchi@yahoo.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  147. Aw wow! That book looks perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  148. 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 ;)

    ReplyDelete
  149. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  150. 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 ;)

    ReplyDelete
  151. I'd love to add this to my bookshelf!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  152. I love Toni's patterns they have taught me to sew, almost cant wait for book!

    ReplyDelete
  153. Nice! I have it on my Christmas list :)

    ReplyDelete
  154. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  155. 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:)

    ReplyDelete
  156. i'm a newbie and have made one of her skirts. I was a convert!

    ReplyDelete
  157. I wish all craft books would lay flat, would make it so much easier!

    ReplyDelete
  158. Would I like this book?? Yes please!!

    ReplyDelete
  159. I will gladly jump through embroidery hoops for this book!I have been wanting a book to help me refine my garment sewing!

    ReplyDelete
  160. 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?!

    ReplyDelete
  161. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  162. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  163. oh, I hope i can win :)
    thank you so much for sharing Jodie

    ReplyDelete
  164. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  165. Would love to win this book! Susan

    ReplyDelete
  166. Sounds like a great book and just right for the sewing place I am in at the moment.

    ReplyDelete
  167. Pick Me! I'd love to win this book!

    ReplyDelete
  168. 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)

    ReplyDelete
  169. but if you make it perfect how do you embrace the wonk?

    ReplyDelete
  170. Thanks Jod, I think this might have to go on my Christmas list! x

    ReplyDelete
  171. Pick me, pick me. I would love this book too!

    ReplyDelete
  172. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  173. 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

    ReplyDelete
  174. 187 in front of me what chance do I stand. Can I just say "PLEASE pick me"

    ReplyDelete
  175. The book looks great, I'd love a copy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  176. Looks lovely. Please enter me!

    clderwee at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  177. I would absolutely love this.

    rebekahricker at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  178. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  179. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  180. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  181. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  182. Please can I enter. I always make up patterns and they never work out perfectly!

    ReplyDelete
  183. Please can I enter. I always make up patterns and they never work out perfectly!

    ReplyDelete
  184. Sounds like fun! I've done a bit of garment sewing but have lots of room for improvement and learning new skills. :)

    ReplyDelete
  185. Looks like a great book. I'd love it :-)

    ReplyDelete
  186. I would love to win this book as well. Please count me in.

    ReplyDelete
  187. What? Another not-surprise giveaway? Are you ok?!

    Are the patterns a collection of the ones Toni has published individually or are they mainly new ones? I like what I've seen of her stuff so I'm sure it would be great either way!

    ReplyDelete