I’ve always been a big reader. In the days when I caught the bus to work, I averaged 3-4 novels a week! Maybe it’s just me getting older but I haven’t read a novel for ages. I still love to dip into fantasy but rather than dipping into the career struggles and love lives of fictional friends, I enjoy lifestyle fantasy. I have an impressive collection of recipe books that I actually read or flick though regularly. I love reading online and am quite happy to read an ebook but nothing can beat curling up on the couch with a cup of tea and flicking though a gorgeous, inspirational book! I recently spent about two hours googling to figure out how wide a button placket should be in relation to the intended buttons, before consulting one of my sewing books and finding the answer in a few minutes (1 ¾ to 2 times as wide as the button by the way!). Books are still cool and very helpful.

I decided I needed more pretty inspiration and helpful instruction, so I went on a small sewing/crafting book buying binge. I will admit that I love to stare at the bright and beautiful pictures. I find myself imagining a million sewing projects and making frantic notes for myself. It’s like bathing in a spring of creativity!  I just had to share my little book haul. I’ve given you a little overview of each one and a few pics, so you too can be inspired. I love them all so much, it seemed a little mean not to share so I am giving you the chance to win one of the books I bought plus a $30 Bookworld voucher!!!!

Granny Chic: Crafty Recipes And Inspiration For The Handmade Home by Tif Fussell and Rachelle Blondel

Oh the pretty!! This book definitely has my nanna aesthetic and is packed full of inviting images. There are 20 ‘crafty recipes’ (project tutorials) in the book, for projects like a half pinny (apron), fabric wrapped chair and a tea cosy. They assume you have a beginner level of sewing and crochet skills but also give you resources for learning those skills. I can see myself making at least a couple of things from this and referring to it when I get crafty. I adore the visuals in this and think it is worth buying for that alone. I think it will be a great help when I am trying to clash pattern and colour. The book feels very blog but more substantial, which isn’t surprising, as both the writers are bloggers! If you share my nanna aesthetic, this is a must!

Burdastyle Sewing Vintage Modern: Mastering Iconic Looks From 1920-1980 by Nora Abousteit

I haven’t sewn anything from this book but I feel like it is going to be super useful for altering patterns. The book comes with 5 base patterns (the highlighted ones in the pic) and directions to alter those base patterns to create 29 garments. The patterns are sized US 0-14 or Euro 32-46. Each era has an intro about the key point of the decades style and then sewing/pattern alteration info for the garments for the era. I love the idea of altering a base pattern, rather than just having a pattern for each garment. I’m really trying to master the art of messing with patterns and I think this is perfect for me. It’s technical but not intimidating. If you like messing with patterns and vintage style, get this!

The Party Dress Book: How To Sew The Best Dress In The Room by Mary Adams

I just want this book to come to life! So many pretty, twirly dresses! The forward is written by Amy Sedaris, who owns several of Mary creation. The book has one dress pattern (sizes US 4-14) and directions to make three dresses from it. Various techniques (ruffles, bias, applique etc) are covered but for me this is all about the pictures and inspiration. This has quite a bit of autobiographical info on Marys life and inspirations. I’ve only read a little of this and I am hoping I can find some quiet time on the weekend to take in the rest. I love the overblown, fantastical and sometimes mad cap style of these dresses. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a little whimsy and pretty dresses. While it is a sewing book, it’s also a beautiful coffee table book.

Making Vintage Accessories: 25 Original Sewing Projects Inspired By The 1920s-60s by Emma Brennan

Oh this is so make do and mendy! Hats, gloves, bags, scarves and jewellery straight out of history! All the patterns are included, however you need to enlarge them by 200% on a photocopier. I am so excited to make myself some gloves (I have a little sewing queue but of course I will show you when I get to them)! I love that these patterns are vintagey but most things could look thoroughly modern depending on your choice or fabrics and notions. I know that garments can be intimidating when you are just starting to sew and most of these projects would be perfect for beginners. I think this book is must for anyone who loves accessories or vintage or vintage accessories! I love this book so much that I am giving a copy of this book away, along with a $30 Bookworld voucher!!!!!!!!

Before I get to the GIVEAWAY entry, Bookworld are having a Mother’s Day Click Frenzy where the use of the code BW-MD14CF will give users an extra 15% discount, ending Sunday 4 May. This offer also works together with the Bookworld Citizen bonus of 10% off for extra savings, details here.

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Now, to get your hot little hands on a copy of the Making Vintage Accessories book & a $30 Bookworld voucher, just follow these steps:

1. Share this post on facebook (click the little ‘share’ icon at the bottom of the post)
2. Click on the Giveaway tab here
3. Fill in the form being sure to include your mailing address & use the message field to tell us why you want to win! You can also upload a photo to illustrate your entry if you want to.
4. Subscribe to this blog via Bloglovin‘

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Entries open 9am ACST 1/4/2014 and close 1pm ACST 7/4/2014, for the official rules please see here.

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I was not paid or compensated for this post. The book was purchased with my own money. Bookworld provided the $30 voucher in return for being mentioned in this post.