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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Eight Plus Numbers

When I was looking up the retail on the small lot of yarn plus a tapestry kit I got a lot of surprises. This Red Heart Roll with It Sparkle skein in "Diamonds" was actually a cake that sells $10.99 on Yarnspirations. The lot included two Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo skeins, which retail for $8.99 each, and stuck in the center of the buff color I found a 5.5 mm crochet hook. This is a skein of 100% Icelandic wool, which can be really expensive. It's marked with a price tag of $7.00, and I found it selling for $8.00 online. The needlepoint kit is the biggest surprise of all. It makes a pillow, and hails from the UK, where it sells for £45.00 ($60.76 US). Since it's flamingos I definitely have to finish it if I can. Altogether my eight plus lot retails for $125.04; I paid $21.30 total for the lot with the buy-it-now option and one penny shipping. I indeed got a very nice bargain.

Bucket List

This year I'll turn 65, so I am starting to put together a crochet bucket list. It's not because I think I'll be kicking the bucket any time soon, but while I'm still around there are some projects I'd like to make. It's also fun to compile a list of dream projects. This crochet version of a double wedding ring quilt definitely tops my list. I have a nice little collection of these quilts, and it would be fun to crochet one. When I first saw the Aura Mosaic Crochet Blanket I knew I wanted to make it. It's not that I dislike all the brightly colored Persian tile type projects, I just gravitate more toward earthy and nature-inspired palettes. This one is simply stunning. I'd really like to crochet a light and lacy duster like this one from Red Heart to wear. Mine would likely end up being a mossy shade of green or off-white. Speaking of mossy greens, this Mirrored Leaves throw was on the cover of the catalog that Herrschners sent wit...

On the Beach

Last week my guy and I went to walk Daytona Beach, which was mostly (and eerily) deserted. This is what our beaches used to look like when I was a kid. It was a beautiful day, cold and breezy but calm. It feels like 2026 is getting off to the right start.

Thrifty Crochet

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