Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Retro Crafting



Last year I bought a bundle of 'The Workbasket' magazines on Ebay. Mine are from 1951-52.  I believe the first one was published in 1935, and the last one in 1996.  Wouldn't it be fun to have one of the earliest issues?!  I haven't used them for crafting so much as light bedtime reading.  It's fun to see what was in vogue in the craft world, and the suggestions for Craft Circles.  Gosh, I wish I were part of a Craft Circle!


I love the cross stitched title!

The advertisements are really fun to read as well.  A lot of them are offers for kits you could make up and sell for 'pin money'.  Everything seems so cheap!  This magazine originally cost fifteen cents, and there are offers in it to buy twelve lilac plants for one dollar! I would love to know the average annual salary back then, just to get some perspective.

It occurred to me the other day there might be something to make for my St. Patrick's Day collection of smalls.  I found this cute little pincushion and was able to stitch it up in an evening.


It reminds me of a Girl Guide badge almost, just with different colours.  For now it sits by my chair, holding my loose pins and needles.

Thanks for visiting!

6 comments:

Brigitte said...

These old magazines are certainly a lot of fun to read. It must be interesting to dive into what was up to date back then. I don't have magazines that are so old, but I always get that retro feeling when I leaf through some of my oldest cross titch magazines from the eighties.

mrs. smythe said...

What wonderful magazines! Even the ads are interesting! And your shamrock turned out beautifully. It reminded me of a merit badge, too. :)

Helen Philipps said...

Such an interesting post! I love reading old needlework books and magazines too, I find them fascinating. Love your little pincushion!
Helen xxx

Helen Philipps said...

Such an interesting post! I love reading old needlework books and magazines too, I find them fascinating. Love your little pincushion!
Helen xxx

Unknown said...

That is such a sweet pin cushion! I love the design - it does look like a Guide badge! - and the vintage mag is terrific! I love peeking into a long-ago world...Chrissie x

véro said...

très joli ce pique aiguille bizz et bonne journée

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