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Book Review: Make it Perfect

November 4, 2010 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 16 Comments

Sarah and I were contacted recently by the lovely folks at Penguin Australia, asking us if we would like to review sewing/craft books. Of course we jumped at the chance – we are big book lovers here!

Yesterday we arrived home to find a copy of Make it Perfect on our doorstep.Make it Perfect is written by Toni Coward, who also designs a range of modern sewing patterns for women and children under the Make it Perfect label. In her first book, Toni has put together a collection of 21 patterns for sewing women’s and children’s clothes.

What I like about the book is that the patterns are all modern and fresh. The garments are made up in some funky quilting cottons, and are attractively styled and photographed. Accompanying each design are clear step-by-step instructions with illustrations. Many of the designs would be suitable for beginner sewers, and they all look relatively quick and easy to make.

The children’s patterns are suitable for children aged 6 months to 5 years, and the women’s patterns are sized from extra small through to extra large. The book has a separate compartment for the 10 pattern sheets. All patterns are at 100% –  there is no need to enlarge them.

The hardest part is deciding which project to make first!  I know a little someone who would love the Cupcake Dress……

With summer coming, my work wardrobe could do with a Gelato Skirt!

Sarah will be studying textiles at school next year and has been inspired by the funky designs.  This book would make a great gift for a young Mum who loves to sew.

Make it Perfect will be released in Australia on 22/11/2010. It is Hardback, 144 pages, and is published by Penguin Australia.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: book review

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Comments

  1. suzitee says

    November 4, 2010 at 5:33 am

    I know a little girl who would love a cupcake dress too 🙂 Looks like an awesome book!

    Reply
  2. Happy Cottage Quilter says

    November 4, 2010 at 7:10 am

    What a very sweet cupcake dress! Looks like a very fun book.

    Reply
  3. Terriaw says

    November 4, 2010 at 7:20 am

    What a fun book! Sounds like a nice variety of projects. Even more inspiring is to hear that Sarah is going to study textiles at school – lucky girl!

    Reply
  4. Janellybelly says

    November 4, 2010 at 7:29 am

    This book has been popping up everywhere, can’t wait to have a look at your copy 🙂

    Reply
  5. Vickie says

    November 4, 2010 at 7:36 am

    What a great job reviewing books! This one looks fun!

    Reply
  6. eye_on_sparrow says

    November 4, 2010 at 9:10 am

    That book looks great. I haven’t seen it before I want to look through it now.

    Reply
  7. Dogwood says

    November 4, 2010 at 9:28 am

    Looks like a great book. When my daughter was young, I loved sewing sweet dresses for her. The problem was that she was a little “tom boy” and hated dresses.

    Thanks for the good review.

    Reply
  8. make it perfect says

    November 4, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    Thankyou for the great review girls 🙂
    And yippee for Sarah studying textiles – how cool is that?!

    Reply
  9. Bela says

    November 4, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    Thank YOU Lisa for the sweet words at my work!! Your words are gold to me!!! Thanks again for teaching me the word “doyles”, totally new for me!!
    This magazine looks great!! I will try to buy one!
    LovE! Bela.

    Reply
  10. Sandrine says

    November 5, 2010 at 12:29 am

    What a great job reviewing beautiful craft book!Have a nice weekend sewing :)x

    Reply
  11. Tracy says

    November 5, 2010 at 5:28 am

    WONDERFUL, fun designs–especially love that skirt at the bottom. Very nice, jazzy fabrics for great designs. Will have to add this to my reading list. ;o) Thanks, Lisa. Happy weekend ((HUGS))

    Reply
  12. clare's craftroom says

    November 6, 2010 at 3:08 am

    Looks like a fantastic book !

    Reply
  13. Linda says

    November 6, 2010 at 5:51 am

    a lovely looking book and full size patterns what heaven

    Reply
  14. Ms Muffin says

    November 6, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    Really looks like a fun book! But I guess would be hard to buy it in Germany … :-/

    Reply
  15. LittleWhiteDove says

    November 6, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    What an awesome book – added it to my Christmas wishlist! I love the gelati skirt.

    Reply
  16. K-Sue says

    November 6, 2010 at 6:32 pm

    Looks like a very nice book. Her patterns have intrigued me before. I did not realize she had a book out.

    Reply

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A tiny pyramid that does it all — a pattern weight A tiny pyramid that does it all — a pattern weight for your sewing table, a book weight for cosy reading, or a scented sachet for your drawers. Small, sweet, and so satisfying to sew. Comment PYRAMID for the free pattern.Fabric: Something Blue by Tilda
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Meet the sweetest little project you can sew in mi Meet the sweetest little project you can sew in minutes — the Pyramid Weight. Use it as a pattern weight, scented sachet, or even a book weight… all from one triangle of fabric. Comment PYRAMID for the free pattern.Fabric is Something Blue by Tilda, releasing 1 June 2026 — with thanks to @tilda_australia.#tildasomethingblue #tildafabric #freepattern #sewingtutorial #sewinglove
The Scrappy Strips Pouch is one of my favourite wa The Scrappy Strips Pouch is one of my favourite ways to use up leftover fabric strings. Today’s version is made from patchwork strips — a fun, relaxing sew that turns scraps into something beautiful and practical.The Scrappy Strips Pouch pattern has two versions - patchwork strings and selvedges - and two sizes. Comment SELVEDGE (or SELVAGE) for a link to the pattern.Pattern Details: Scrappy Strips Pouch Sewing Pattern is in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#ScrappyStripsPouch #ScrapBustingSewing #PatchworkPouch #StringQuilting #SewingProjects
If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets t If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets to your sewing projects, here’s a quick look at how I install them using my DK93 snap press. It’s the same tool I use for snaps — and it makes installing eyelets beautifully quick and consistent.Here’s how I install the eyelets:Punch out the four holes using a hole‑cutting die.Place the eyelet into the hole.Press it into place using the snap press.That’s it — simple, sturdy, and it gives the Ribbon Pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and secure the result is.Fabric shown: Tilda Something Blue, releasing June 1 — thank you @tilda_australia for the beautiful fabric.✨ If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop (links in profile).#tildasomethingblue #tildafabric #sewingtips #handmadeeveryday #sewingtools
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