Free Pattern Friday - Deck the Halls with Glass Wax - Free Pattern Download

1950's Christmas Stencils from Glass Wax

If you were a late Boomer you remember Glass Wax. I don't recall using the stencils but I have vivid memories of my mother recreating the illusion of frost in the corners of the windows with Glass Wax and a sponge. Glass Wax is still available as a glass and mirror cleaner. It is even sold as a polish for cars! 

You can recreate the 1950's window decoration with these downloadable stencil pages to cut out. Prints on 8.5" x 11"  sheets of paper. Print on heavier stock for multiple uses. Use scissors or x-acto knife to cut stencils.

Don't pass up these easy and economical DIY Holiday decor stencils. Deck the halls!! 

Courtesy of Cynical Girl on Goodsmiths

Free Pattern - Varsity Beanie Leave it to Beaver Style

Crochet Varsity Beanie

His name was Theodore but we all knew him as Beaver Cleaver. Doesn't this beanie remind you of the Beave? I can hear him now... "Gee Wally, but where are the propellers?" Download this sweet little 1950's beanie pattern to crochet for your little Wally and Beaver.

Free Crochet Pattern - Christmas Stockings

Crochet Christmas Stockings

Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for the Santa Claus figure we associate with Christmas, was known as the Good Saint. He was the originator of the book of naughty or nice. On the eve of December 6th would deliver tokens and sweets to children by placing them in the shoes or the stockings left to dry by the fire. December 6th is known as Saint Nicholas Day. Not everyone celebrates the tradition of Saint Nicholas Eve but when I was a child it was almost more anticipated than Christmas day. These sweet stockings would be a pretty holiday decor element that can be filled with sweet treats for your not naughty but nice little ones this Saint Nicholas Eve. Download Pattern Here.

Free Vintage Pattern - Crochet Necktie - Gifts For Him

Crochet Berry Stitch Necktie

Handmade gifts for the guys are always a bit of a challenge. I mean, how many robes does one guy need? But if your favorite guy wears a tie to work this berry stitch crochet tie is easy to make. With the amazing selection of wools and cottons in bold, subtle or heather tones, this is bound to be a favorite. Download the easy to follow instructions HERE.

Free Patterns Everyday - Rag Slippers to Crochet for The Whole Family

Easy to Crochet Rag Slippers

Almost everything can be looked at in one or two ways. A thing, or person is either an asset or a liability. The usefulness of a thing defines its value. With no perceived purpose a thing may be dismissed as a liability. But what if we reassess the qualities of a thing and apply them to a different context? Do we still see them in the same way? Quilters are genius at finding purpose for bits and scraps from leftover sewing projects or clothes worn beyond repair. One's perspective is the key to thinking outside of the box. And these rag slippers could be the antidote to the overflowing scrap heap of all those odd leftovers from sewing projects you cannot bring yourself to discard. Made from pieced bias strips and crocheted with a size K hook, they are easy house slippers to keep those little piggies warm all year round. Make some for your loved ones and clean out that remnant basket until your next sewing project. Download Instructions HERE.

Free Pattern Friday - Braided Twosome - Hat and Bag

Braided Twosome by January & Wood 1954

However good our intentions may be to knit or crochet all of our gifts this Christmas season, if you have not yet taken the time to learn this skill, you may be in for some frustration. Though I find both skills relaxing and fairly easy, it was not always this way. My first attempts were nothing short of disastrous. This handbag and matching hat is a quick and easy no skill pattern. Instructions are for braiding but imagine the hat and bag made from spool knitting (as described in this earlier post) or even a simple crocheted chain with chunky yarn. The possibilities are endless.

A Few Styling Options

Courtesy of KinseySue Vintage Patterns on Goodsmiths. 

Download Pattern HERE.

Free Pattern - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Chemo Hat Pattern

Poul Friis Nybo Portrait of a Young Woman Knitting

Janet Szabo, is a knitter and editor of several knitting books available from her publishing company Big Sky Knitting. Szabo, a breast cancer survivor, designed this knitted chemo-toque pattern (©1998) to share. It is reprinted here for you to knit and share as well. Your donation to your local Breast Cancer Awareness chapter would be appreciated. Find more of Janet's knitting patterns on Ravelry.

Download pattern HERE.

Free Pattern Everyday - Learning to Knit with a Loom

Spool Knitting Tutorial

When I was a little girl I was presented with a square wooden block with a hole in the center and four nails driven in around the opening. It was not a thread spool but a blue wooden component of a child's stacking game. This object was my first introduction to knitting. There were no "needles" with yarn cast on. Instead it was a mini knitting-in-the-round machine for creating lengths of round knit cord. Today you can buy looms similar to this 19th century prototype. But if you want the real deal, download this tutorial with instructions to make the cord and tassels for drapery tie backs, or any application you can contrive. And don't despair if you have no wooden thread spool. Any plastic or compressed styrofoam spool can be adapted by drilling four small holes into the top of the spool,  and heating the pointed end of a small nail under a flame and insert into the drilled holes. Voila! A 21st Century version of a 19th Century spool knitter. Download HERE.

Free Pattern Every Day - Vintage Greeting Card Caddy

1968 Coats & Clark Card Caddy

As the Holiday cards begin to pour in from friends, family and well wishers, you will need a quick and easy organizing solution. This 1960's Coats & Clark card caddy is a quick-to-make card holder. It's simply a tube wrapped with festive colored string to hold cards with purchased or crocheted trim. Spin the tube to read the cards in full view. Download this retro holiday card holder pattern HERE.

Free Pattern Everyday - Knitted Bobtail Hat and Bag Pattern

1950's Easy Knitted Bobtail Hat and Matching Bag from Patons & Baldwin Toronto

Tassel and fringe trim this duo of quick and easy knit hat with contrast crown and matching bag with contrast fringe and handle. The choice of yarn for this classic style knit hat and bag will be the element that sets this set apart. Pima cotton with multi-colored slub or handspun Merino will yield very different but equally interesting results. Play. Download this knitting pattern HERE. Prints on 8.5" x 11" paper.

Thanks to Janie of RedCurlzs Vintage Patterns

Free Pattern Friday - Crocheted Circle Cap and Bag

1950's Crocheted Cap and Bag by January & Wood, Inc., Maysville, Kentucky

The Holidays are fast approaching and that quick to make gift from the heart is as close as a click. Using a large hook (size 5 or 6) this duo works up fast. Whether using novelty yarns with lurex for shimmer or boucle for texture, the variations for this smart set are endless. Make one for all the girls on your list. Download this pattern  HERE. Prints on 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper.

Courtesy of RedCurlzs Vintage Patterns

Free Pattern Everyday - Loop Trimmed Crocheted Bag and Hat

1950's Loop Trimmed Hat and Bag from January & Wood, Inc., Maysville, Kentucky

Crocheted accessories will always be winners not only for their speed and ease but because of their versatility. This looped bag and matching hat are a fabulous example of adding dimensional interest easily for a great effect. The looping on the hat makes a wonderful frame for the face while the looping on the bag accentuate the base. Great gifts but I think this one is a keeper too. So make two. One to give and one for you. Download this fab retro pattern HERE. Prints on 8.5" x 11" paper.

Thanks to Janie of RedCurlzs Vintage Patterns

Free Patterns Everyday - Vintage Strawberry Pin Cushion Pattern

19th Century Strawberry Pin Cushion Pattern

The 19th Century woman didn't stray far from her sewing. Whether it was embroidering a cushion or a hankie, making or mending a dress, or decorating a hat, her pins and needles were always within reach. These lovely little strawberry pin cushions are easy to make with sawdust stuffing. A 12 inch diameter circle of fabric makes three pin cushions. Perfect as is or team up with a thimble and spool of thread as a gift for someone you know who sews. Download this easy to make pattern HERE.

Free Pattern Everyday - Dickie Bird Knit Mitts for Kids

1960's Dickie Bird Knit Mitts for Kids from Mary Maxim

More Mary Maxim Fun Mitts to knit for kids. Today we have the Dickie Bird Knit Mitts Pattern. Another quick to knit pattern for mitts that double as puppets. These patterns state that they are suitable for kids up to 12 years old but I bet they would be an awesome gift for any kid age 2 to 72 too! How fun. Download this fun and easy pattern HERE. Prints on 8.5" x 11" paper. 

Courtesy of RedCurlzs Vintage Patterns

Free Patterns Every Day - Crocodilly Mitts to Knit for Kids

1960's Fun Mitts to Knit from Mary Maxim

Fun knit mitts for kids. Say that fast three times. That's how fast these fun Crockodilly mitts knit up. And what a fun winter accessory. Add button or googly eyes and you have crocks that throw snow balls and an Everglades puppet show as a bonus. Make a pair for all of the kids on your Holiday gift list. Download this quick to knit pattern HERE. Prints on 8.5" x 11" paper. Look for another fun knit mitts pattern for kids in tomorrow's post.

Courtesy of RedCurlzs Vintage Patterns

Free Pattern Friday - Cross Stitch Gingham Motifs

Cross Stitch for Gingham Motifs

There are few things I treasure more than the cross stitched gingham aprons that have been handed down to me. They speak of another era and are a welcome image of calm and order. Cross stitch is perhaps the easiest form of embroidery and placing X's on gingham check is a fool proof form of embellishment. With these easy to follow charted designs you can transform all things gingham into heirlooms that will be cherished for generations. Download Cross Stitch Gingham Motifs and get started on your holiday gifts.

Free Pattern Friday - 1950's Santa Sock Doll

1950's Santa Sock Doll

With less than 3 months until Christmas, there is no time to lose. Make time for parties. Make time for family and friends. Make gifts for those you love. Tick, tick, tick... Gifts to wrap, the house to be decorated, cards to be mailed... and don't forget to take the kids to see Santa.  Tis the season to be jolly. Fa la la la la la la la la. Short on time? Make this cuddly Santa sock doll for holiday gifts or decor. Who wouldn't love a soft and hugable Santa doll. Download this printable pattern to make Santa from white tube socks. Dress him with red felt or velveteen. Pattern includes instructions and patterns for doll and clothes.