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Patterns for Pennies

I collect vintage crochet magazines and leaflets, mainly because like me they date back to a simpler time. They're also very cheap to thrift and offer classic patterns that look just as nice as anything contemporary that's selling for much higher prices.

Here are some that I pulled from my pattern stash to donate what I no longer wanted and look through what I kept for project ideas this year. I have a nice collection of Leisure Arts Leaflets and crochet magazines, some of which date back to the 90's when I was more actively crocheting. I bought these in larger thrifted lots over the years and they cost me literally pennies per issue. You can also find vintage crochet pattern leaflets and books at thrift stores.

Let's take a peek at the patterns that caught my eye from these two old issues of Crochet World and McCall's Crochet Patterns.

Old issues of Crochet World often offer wearable patterns, like this Touch of Style Oversize Blouse made with cotton yarn from August 1997. That looks as contemporary as anything you'd find in a modern issue.

Long before the amigurumi craze McCall's Crochet Patterns included toy projects like this adorable kitten toy, circa February 1993.

I really love this crochet take on the classic double wedding ring quilt from a 1996 leaflet. I might just try to make a little version of this one.

Not a lot of crocheters are interested in vintage patterns, either. Here's a lot of knitting and crochet books I recently spotted at the online auction, up for $9.99 with no bids as of the writing of this post. I might bid on this one myself. :)

Image credit: the last pic in this post came from the original auction listing at ShopGoodwill.com.

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