I went over to Mom’s house the other day, and on a whim we started looking through her books. I came home with a small box of curiosities.
Knitting Techniques and Projects from Sunset Books came out in 1976. We’re not sure why Mom owns it, since she never knitted, as far as I remember. The techniques section is a good basic tutorial on how to get started. But did we ever really dress like this?
And did anyone ever knit herself a bikini? One can only imagine what happens when that knitting hits the water…
I wonder if today’s fashions will look this dated to us in 40 years. On the other hand, there are classics like these two pillows. The gnarly cabled one is by Elizabeth Zimmermann (I’m guessing it’s her, although the credit spells it Zimmerman), and the striped one is by Mary Walker Phillips.
And these hats by Barbara Walker would be very current today, in a different color palette.
Are you diggin’ it? I think the book’s a keeper! The other thing I found was this:
Remember K-tel? And Ronco? Oh, yeah, as seen on TV. Let’s get a closer look at that outfit on the box:
Hot pants! And this outfit is also featured on the box:
I checked out the instructions, and it looks like it’s just glorified crocheting, except you don’t have to control the yarn separately. I’m not sure why you wouldn’t just use a crochet hook. But there you have it.
What’s in your attic? Time for a treasure hunt!
PDXKnitterati 
Oh my gosh ….that last shot is quite risque for the times! LOL I DID happen to have a crochet bikini back in the day. It worked just fine. Acrylic …the yarn for all seasons and all reasons.
If you ever mention that I had one ……I will DENY everything and say my account must have been hacked. LOL
Too funny! But your comment is here for posterity…the interwebs never die!
I have a whole collection of craft magazines from the 60’s on. Plus I have a K-tel Knitter!
Have you ever used the K-tel Knitter? What did you make?
What a hoot! My parents do have an attic, but there is a basement…
Mom has a basement, too. It’s scary down there. Camping equipment from the 70’s? Check…
Oh my gosh! Those pictures are a hoot!! I picked up a 1968 issue of McCall’s Needlework & Crafts magazine at a junk store a few years ago. Took it to Knit&Schmooze one night and we did have a good laugh!