Look what I found at the thrift store! I’ve never seen one of these before, but for $3, I decided that I had to own it. It’s published by Golden so I believe it might be related to the wonderful ‘Golden Hands’ books that I love – the encyclopedia of crafting that’s several decades old. There’s no copyright date in this binder, but from the hairstyles in some of the photos, I gather it’s from the 1970’s. Thus, it is not new, but not an antique. Vintage maybe? Definitely full of good patterns and even better technique entries.
The best tip in the binder, I think, is the method to create strips of ‘yarn’ from fabric or other sources that don’t come as premade yarn. This hint is so simple, but seems more useful than most similar hints to accomplish this. First, you need a saucer or dinner plate and a square of ‘fabric’ (plastic bag, tee shirt, woven fabric, etc). You are directed to round off 3 of the square edges then starting with the remaining squared edge, tracing around the saucer or plate, you begin to cut a spiral of ‘yarn’ from the ‘fabric’. Why is this better than the zigzag method of cutting strips? Because, in the case of any woven or stretch fabric, you’re getting the benefit of the bias stretchiness, allowing you to cut more flexible strips that will result in a ‘yarn’ that is easier to use. So simple. How cool is that?
The Multicolored Afghan is just one of the patterns in the binder. Isn’t this a beauty? I’ve made one similar to this that appeared in one of the compilation books of award winning afghans.
Another great idea under the heading of ‘Repairing and recycling crochet’ is this. If the invisible or unnoticeable repair of a crochet piece is not possible, ‘admit defeat and make a feature out of disguising the damage.’ Genius. It’s not a mistake or a snag, it’s now a design element – and one that might make the crocheted item even better than before. I’m also a quilter, so the idea of patching is appealing to me. So, trending off this idea, why not repair the torn knee of your tot’s blue jeans with a cute crocheted ‘applique’? Everyone will want to know where your purchased that cool pair of jeans!
This small but chunky binder is full of cards and fold-outs that are approximately 5X7 inches and the spine is about 3 inches wide, so there are a lot of cards in the binder. Categories of crochet in the binder include everything from Afghans and Baby Blankets to Edgingd and Lace Patterns. There is a lot of information stuffed in this old binder. This looks like it might have been one of those ‘subscription’ plans where you received one or two sections every month until the binder was filled. Does anyone know? I would love to have more information about this binder.
I’m going to spend the rest of the evening going over the contents of the binder and reorganizing it. The tab pages are all there, but the pattern and technique cards are all out of order. Can’t think of a better way to spend the next hour or so, can you?
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What a great find! And yes, it would be vintage, which is officially anything over 20 years old.
Wish I had one. I would be exactly the same thing you are, love older books because sometimes there is a lot of great info in them. Enjoy.
I have one of these too and I love it!
I had bits of one years ago. Check the “how to make a pineapple” section. The best step-by-step I’ve ever seen.
Enjoy!
I do know about these books. They were from the late 70’s, early 80’s. When you joined the monthly club, the company sent you the binder and divider pages. Then each month you were sent a new set of project pages from different categories. I am guessing it took a couple of years to fill up the binder. I’ll try to see if I have any further information inside of mine, maybe an old invoice or something.
Debbie,
I thought it was a subscription thing. But, I have never seen this one before. I would learn to love more about it if you find anything.
Thanks,
jd
I was lucky to have a set of three of these binders a few years ago and have found many “handy” hits in each one. On mine there is a Roman Numeral MCMLXXXV which, I believe is 1985. Which is close to30 years old. The are truly aCroceters treasure
I found one of these at a thrift store, also. I don’t remember how much I paid for it, but it was not very expensive. I really like it, and would estimate it is from the 1970s.
I have two of those binders, one was stitches the other patterns. I inherited them from my Grandma.
I have one too JD 🙂
I too have 3 binders full. It was a buy monthly binder club where you got the binder and several cards for the first one. Then you had to pay for 2 months of cards each time. I have all but 3 tabs full. The other 3 were towards the end and I never got to get them due to a move. They are extremely helpful for those that want something different to do. I find myself back to them occassionally.
Anyone that has them – they are a real steal…worth every penny paid.
I have one but I never did get all. I had to stop getting the inserts. If yours is full it is a very good find for $3.00. Each insert cost more than that and I started mine in the early 80’s
I had a subscription to this also and still have my binder somewhere around here. I also had a subscription to Annie’s Crochet something at the same time and have several binders full of those issues.
Brings back memories…..
I know this binder! I have the whole set of six binders. They were part of a subscription that my mother in law did. There ARE some timeless patterns in there. I love them.
WOW! Six binders. Last I heard was three. I have only the one. Maybe I’ll run across the others at some point.
jd
I found one of these binders at a used book shop for $2.00! I noticed that the pattern cards have deck numbers on the back at the bottom, and the highest number I have in any of the sections is 23. I was wondering if anyone can tell me what number they go up to? I assume around 25 but I would like to know for sure so I can calculate how many and which ones I’m missing. Also I have 18 different sections/dividers in mine. Anyone know if that’s the correct amount? Thanks for any help!
I just found this binder today and I’m so excited. Did yours come with a square, flat, blue loom? Mine did, but no instructions. I have no idea how to use it.
So many comments here from people who are likely easily able to answer my questions, but not a single reply in 4 years? Gee thanks.