70's Knitting and Crochet Patterns

For those of you who read this post, you will remember that I have a particular fondness for vintage knitting and crochet patterns. Charity shops are my usual source, but a few weeks ago, my Mum decided to sort out her under stairs cupboard and unearthed some real gems in the process.

Mum had told me about her collection of Mon Tricot patterns and had thought them lost. Having looked through them, I am very glad that they weren't. Apparently, these pattern 'books' (they are more like magazines) were considered quite expensive in their time but I can understand why. I wish there was a modern-day equivalent; I am a bit tired of the current magazines on offer which seem to regurgitate the same old patterns and have endless ad pages.

The contents of this book alone could keep me busy for months.

  

Now that I have learned to crochet, I am seeing all sorts of possibilities in these patterns. Those little slippers are just so cute.

  

Not sure I'd be up to creating this monster, apparently it's meant to be a dolphin!

These would be great with leggings underneath, or maybe frilly pants?

And who could be without a pencil case in their scarf?

There are lots of great home furnishing ideas, you just have to imagine different colours.

 

These flowers could be adapted for all sorts of uses. I think they're very Attic24.

I am seeing crochet seat covers in a vintage VW camper, it's a shame modern headrest would complicate the pattern.

I think this wave pattern might just be my next blanket.

And we all know I like a good zigzag.

Speaking of which.....too far?

This is also a zigzag design, but I could really see myself in this. But would I have the patience to finish it?

 More dresses that could be made pretty funky!

I particularly like the middle (light brown) dress, but to make it I'd need 26 balls of 4ply yarn. Hmmm.

 

Can't you just picture the cheese and pineapple and the black forest gateaux?!

Not sure about the socks, but the bag would be really simple to do.

 These tank tops would be fab in modern colours and you only need three balls of yarn to make them.

 

Well, maybe not this one, and definitely not the hat!

  

I actually really love the bikini on the left, but if I made it I would not be going anywhere near water.

It's about time these came back isn't it?

Er, Ron Jeremy?

Well, I leave you with these for now. I am meant to be stitching away but my machine has decided to go on strike so it's back to the brooches I think.

In camping news, we decided against roughing it in the tent last week in view of the weather forecast and had a little holiday to Wales in a caravan instead. Luckily we didn't get washed away and the journeys and the rain mean that my baby ripple blanket is almost done. I will show you pics next time.

I would just like to say a quick 'hello' to my new followers and to my overseas readers who I know are lurking around. Don't be shy, say hello and let me know what you think of these fab patterns, or anything else you'd like to share!

Hope you are all well and thanks for stopping by,

Beth x

Vintage Knitting and Crochet Patterns

Recently, my thoughts have been turning to knitting and crochet. I always seem to want to do it at this time of year after the chaos of Christmas but while we still have the long dark evenings to cosy up inside. Finally the last of the Christmas chocolate is gone and I need something other than Twitter to occupy my fingers after dark. I prefer to sew in daylight so sewing is never an option then, plus I do like to be in the same room as my family sometimes.

Although my knitting repertoire is pretty limited, I do have a growing collection of patterns (I've only just discovered the online sources such as Ravelry). A few years ago, I realised that charity shops are an excellent source of needles and patterns, although you do have to ask about needles because they seem to be an 'under the counter' item!

Increasingly, I am finding that the types of pattern I'm drawn to are not necessarily for garments I actually want to make, but rather for their comedy value. Going through my folder today to find a pattern for some super soft baby wool I bought today, I had a little giggle and thought I'd share the best with you.

As a firm Blue Peter Fan, I just had to have this. I thought she was so cool when I was 10!

Incidentally, I don't actually know how to crochet yet, unless you count the ability to make a very long chain; it is a skill I'm hoping to master soon.

If you fancy using any of the patterns here please let me know and I'll pop them in the post. I'd love to see them interpreted for the 21st century!

Thanks for stopping by,

Beth x