Fun Finds - Knit and Crochet History

This is the last Monday that my favorite yarn shop, Knit N Stitch, will be open. It's also a day that some really terrific ladies like to gather at the shop. I didn't want to miss it. It was a fun day, as always. In between knitting, visiting and shopping I went through baskets and boxes of old patterns and magazines that customers have brought in over the years. What fun! I brought a few home to share...

I think this 1952 pattern booklet is kind of pretty. The "festive" part cracks me up. And..."blouses"??? These are the front and back covers...



Check out this Vogue Knitting Magazine from 1960...


I especially like the ads inside. This one is intersting. Could this have been the beginning of stashing?!...


The ad says: "In the comfort and convenience of your own home you may soon discover the delight of selecting yarns for future knitting projects. But really, you will be sharing the company of over one million women, who have already acquired a Melrose Yarn Folio and, in a sense, created their own personal yarn shoppe. Selecting from over 700 samples in textures encompassing worsteds, mohairs, tweeds, blends and baby yarns requires the timeless consideration and planning so often sacrificed on a hectic, tight-scheduled shopping trip in town. So relax, and set aside a little space in your knitting alcove. After all, you do have to make room for that Yarn Shoppe." Isn't that interesting and a little funny?! I wonder if each box/folio was really shaped like a house and did each "folio" come with a little house inside?...


The title of this one cracks me up..."Mood Fashions"...


Funny moods by the looks of some of the patterns. As if a big green poncho with fringe weren't enough, she's wearing a huge poncho like skirt with more fringe, and a matching green hat. Lovely...


How about this little outfit?! We were all joking around about having a gaucho knit along. lol....


Here's a close up of the top that goes with the gauchos...


This is interesting...a Simplicity knitting pattern. I'm not sure if I remember such things. Although, I do have a fuzzy memory of afgan patterns in pattern books. This pattern is from 1974. I may even try it out because I've been wanting to knit some knee socks. I'll pass on those red pom pom slippers though...


The patterns are on two big sheets of paper just like the sewing patterns. One sheet is all about how to knit, purl, increase, decrease, bind off, etc. I love how it even shows how to hold the yarn. That's always something that beginners are trying to figure out. The pattern directions seem very clear and complete. Very cool...


This one...not so cool! lol I think it's stuff like this that gave crochet such a bad reputation. Lol...


Isn't this yarn/fiber world fabulous?! The fibers, yarns, patterns, people, the history and the future...I love it!