A Fashion Moment With Creative Hands
“The Prettiest Suit in Town”
It is time for another Fashion Moment, and today I bring you Creative Hands. My dad found these books for me several years ago, and they are, hands down, my favourite sewing books.
These books were published by “Greystone”, in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s but I haven’t been able to find much else about them. They were originally published in part as “Golden Hands”, which is I think a much more interesting (hilarious?) title. Anyways, if you ever find the Creative Hands series in a thrift store or second hand shop- snap them up!
There are twenty-two volumes which are, in their own words, “The complete knitting, dressmaking and needlecraft guide.” The books start out with basics of such a variety of skills like embroidery, sewing, knitting, crocheting, lacemaking, (and more!) and practical tips such as building a wardrobe and how to care for your garments. Also scattered throughout are the “Collectors Pieces”, which are showcases of intricate works of textile art, throughout history and current (at the time of printing). Like a school course, you start in book one, learning the beginner steps of each craft, and as you work through the books, you build upon the techniques to become proficient in all of the textile arts. I haven’t worked through the books in chronological order, as I have decided that I will never be a knitter or a crocheter, but I have picked up many invaluable techniques in the dressmaking and embroidery sections, and found ample entertainment while looking through the pictures of the some the hilarious fashions “you can make yourself”!
So, today, on the second day of fall (how fitting) I share with you, some knitwear (and crochetwear -ok never mind, that’s not even a word…) of the 1960’s and 1970’s, just in time for the cooler weather headed our way!
What do you think of these garments? Would you wear any of them? My favourite is this brown sweater with frog fastenings.
Make your own frog closures! And what a gorgeous (and cozy looking) sweater/coat for fall time.
Love the scarf addition, and belt for a layered look. (And the Gibson style hair!)
Another coat/cardigan with frog closures- it must be a trend!
September 23, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
These are so cool!! I used to work in an antiques store and would come across books like these on occasion–it’s so much fun to look through them, and I think it’s wonderful that you’re learning from them, too.
And while some of those styles are a little silly, it’s amazing how many of them could work right now in 2016!! Like that neck scarf–those are so freaking popular now!
September 23, 2016 @ 10:00 pm
Fashion always comes back in style at some point 😉 (also- working in an antiques store sounds AMAZING!)
September 24, 2016 @ 2:13 pm
The brown sweater with frogging is my favourite piece highlighted here, too, followed closely by the diamond patterned sweater in the very last image. What an awesome find for your dad to have unearthed and given to you. Love that! 🙂
Tons of hugs & happy first weekend of fall wishes,
♥ Jessica
September 25, 2016 @ 5:31 pm
Oh yes- the diamond one is so pretty too. Happy fall to you too Jessica!
September 24, 2016 @ 6:18 pm
But if it isn’t called crochetwear, what do you call it???
September 25, 2016 @ 5:32 pm
I know right? I am just going by the fact that my spell checker said it isn’t a word- but I think it should be a word too!
September 26, 2016 @ 9:35 pm
I have older magazines that feature knitwear and crochet wear. What an awesome series you have! I like the “prettiest suit in town” and the pink sweater with frog closures and matching cap. I would wear these. 🙂
September 26, 2016 @ 11:21 pm
Aren’t old patterns just the best? And I love the pink sweater with the frog closures too! Nicely fitted, but cozy looking too 🙂
October 7, 2016 @ 9:44 am
I enjoyed looking at these. I have a set of Golden Hands that I found as well as having a few that my mum kept from the time. I wonder if they were the same in the UK and the USA or if they had different patterns?
October 25, 2018 @ 2:58 pm
I once had a complete set of the Golden Hands Encyclopedia. Unfortunately, years ago, I had to get rid of them. Now I wish they were still in print. I can remember most of the projects and how I loved to thumb through the pages and imagine myself making each and every one. Thank you for sharing the photos of some of my favorite projects to admire. I wish I could find the set I once had but I fear they are long gone.
October 30, 2018 @ 9:49 pm
I found my set in a thrift shop (and my sister found a set years later, as well) They are still out there, though hard to find. I haven’t seen the Encyclopedia before, but I hope you come across a set one day!