Needlecrafts - A Vintage Fanatic, Vintage Patterns

A Vintage Fanatic | click here

Mining for great vintage style has always been high on my priority list.
Whether its buttons, craft books, textiles or clothing, I love to rummage through what I think of as "treasure".
No city has escaped this pleasure whenever I've travelled close to home or overseas.
In the 80's and 90's, I had the good fortune of working for both a chain of yarn shops, developing patterns for all the private label yarns they imported and for a large yarn manufacturer in charge of developing yarns and patterns.
Needless to say, I've amassed a large library of patterns, many of which will be new to knitters and crocheters as there was no global way of sharing.
So, welcome to A Vintage Fanatic, my new Etsy shop, open and ready to inspire you with easy-to-make fashions from the 70's, 80's and beyond.
All patterns are branded "Vintage Classics", come from various sources and have been carefully reformatted and enhanced.
The styles are very wearable and as evidenced in the stores and on runways, very current.
Not only are there fashionable patterns to knit and crochet for adults, but little ones can also be stylish.

Click on the image to take you to Etsy pattern and have fun shopping.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Short and Sweet

All images for inspiration only | Pinterest

The classic cropped pullover and cardigan never really went away as you can see from the vintage styles featured further down the post.
Unfortunately, gone are the days that I'm able or would want to wear a fitted short cardigan or pullover over a fitted blouse or dress.
Comfort is a key component of any outfit I wear without sacrificing the end result being stylish.
Cardigans that are short-sleeved, long-sleeved, or three-quarter length look very cute with loose-fitting feminine tops, and dresses. This combination is my favourite, makes any outfit look relaxed but pretty, provides an illusion of a "smaller waist" which gives me confidence.
Layering shirts under a cropped pullover is another casual look that looks put together, especially by adding interesting accessories.
Read further for 9 free patterns in a variety of styles featuring cardigans and interesting pullovers. Also featured are 2 vintage patterns that look modern and very much in fashion.

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Retro Style

Purchase actual vintage pattern | here

When I first saw this image, nostalgia set in. In the mid-seventies, I had just started to think about going to New York and selling my designs to editors who worked on, what I believe, some of the best knitting and craft magazines.

There was Family Circle Great Ideas Fashion and Crafts, Ladies Home Journal Needle and Craft, McCall's Needlework and Crafts, Good Housekeeping Needlecraft and my absolute favourite, American Home Crafts.
At that time, American Home Crafts took risks in what they featured in their editorials and for that reason stayed ahead of the pack.

After I finally decided to follow my passion and design needlework, whether it was knitting, crochet or some sort of needlepoint, I would make a trip to New York every few months and do the rounds.
Those initial few years were very exciting, learning from the best about what the royal "they" determined would be popular with their readers.
I will always be thankful to these wonderful women for their "supportive mentoring" as I like to think of it.
They gave me a beneficial education that helped me prepare for my future jobs in the yarn industry.

Read further for the adapted version of the 70's style vintage crochet pattern featured above.

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