vintage library

I picked this collection of books up at a local church rummage sale. When I asked what the price was, the elderly lady gingerly said $3. I handed her a five and told her to keep the change; it was well worth the price.  It’s a 22-volume set called “Creative Hands” that was published in the late 1960s. It is billed as “The complete knitting, dressmaking and needlecraft guide”, but I must say after looking through every one, it’s much, much more than that.

The books feature projects that utilize knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, needlepoint, embroidery, machine sewing, hand sewing, tatting, quilting and more.  Projects included run the gamut from making embroidered placemats to intricate quilted wall hangings to crocheted 3 piece outfits.

The most amazing thing about this book series, other than the great illustrations and wacky photographs, is the depth of knowledge about needlecrafts.  There is so much information included it’s a little overwhelming.  In a good way!

There’s lots of fun things to make for kids, like this fun sweater quilt:

Cute clothing projects:

Or these adorable porcupine toys:

Their names are Augustus and Marmaduke.  Could that be any cuter?

For the really adventurous sewers there’s advanced projects like sewing drapery for your home:

Or for those looking for more of a weekend project, there’s fun ways to embellish existing chairs:

I’m thinking Susie and I need to make these matching outfits to wear:

Wacky outfits aside, this book series is really quite astounding. The amount of instructional information is invaluable.  It makes me want to learn some new skills!

- Heidi