We've come a long way baby

There's this great bookstore it town that has a "free cart" where they dump unwanted books.  The cart sits in front of the store every day and you can pick through it and take whatever you want.   Well one day a few years back I hit the free cart jackpot and got this WHOLE SET of Creative Hands books circa late 60s to early 70s.

Behold.  Volumes 1 - 22.

They are full of hundreds of ideas.  My daughter made these mice recently.  Definitely a worthy project even 40 years after somebody first thought of it.

This sweet pinafore is another classic idea.  They include the pattern for the pinafore and on the next page is the embroidery pattern for the pocket.  Nice.

But considering it was the 70s you have to expect things to get a little interesting.  Check out this quilted skirt (I believe it's a "maxi" skirt).  Can you imagine the poor gal that wore this to her Weight Watchers weigh in one day and left in tears?  "What do you mean I've gained 8 pounds?!  I've had nothing but carrots and broiled chicken breasts all week!"  Dang.

Fortunately the groovy factor is offset by some truly worthwhile sewing tips like help with pockets and other useful ideas (with nice illustrations to boot).





My industrious hubby Joey bought me this gorgeous new cutting table and assembled it (you can see the top of it in these pictures.  I will post better pictures of the whole thing soon).  I'm really grateful and want him to know it.  I'm thinking of making this for him (yes, that's a dude).  What do you think?  Very Keith Partridge.  Far out.

Comments

[beki]

Wow, what a great thing to have in your craft book library! I love looking through all those crazy 70's craft books. I wonder if my kids will be thinking the same thing when they look back through my current collection.

[Diana]

J, Those books look so fantastic (or should I say "far out & groovy"?). LOL! I'd love to just browse through them over a cup of hot tea. Great find. And nice cutting table. Kudos to hubby! :o)

[coffeechris]

I miss those books and entire collection. I remember that fabric on the maxi skirt and am still laughing at your Weight Watchers comment. David Cassidy was just on Oprah and made me look up the Partridge Family and Bobby Sherman. Your hubby would make the cover of "Tiger Beat" with the keen vest! "I think I love you...."

[Jennifer]

Ha! I LOVED these books as a child. If I found a set, now, I'd take them in a heartbeat!

[Beckie]

I just found your blog and I love it. Thank you for sharing great ideas. What a wonderful find with the books. Looking at the pictures brought back memories.

[chris]

I walked to the newsagents every week ( or maybe it was fortnightly) to buy the Creative Hands magazine (that were later compiled into the books) when I was in my teens. I made lots of stuff out of them, including 2 of the little mice for my niece. I learnt lots of great techniques and got heaps of inspiration from them. I think I still have a few stashed away somewhere. I really regret getting rid of the rest. Thanks for a fabulous stroll down memory lane :-)

[Patriot]

Oh that last sweater is hideous! But how cool that you found those books for free. Hope you have a great weekend!

[Diane]

that vest is the best
maxis, midis and minis ~~wow I'd forgotten yes, that's what we called them!
memory lane for me

[Michelle]

OOOOHHHH.... AHHHHH.... I love those books. Wish I could stumble upon some of those. although, the alphabet sweater is still hurting my eyes.. the mice and apron are divine!!!!!!! :)
Michelle

[Thimbleanna]

Hi! I stumbled over here from Autum's. Love your site and all your fun ideas!

[Robbin]

Joey. Needs. That. Vest.

[chanelle]

WHERE is this magical free cart located?

and that abc vest is pretty hott.

[catherine]

oh please tell me the "store in town" that has the cart with books for free...I'm in Phoenix...I'm soooo jealous! those books are GOLD! :)