Tiny embroidered toys

That lion sure looks cross

These gay ornaments also double as useful pin cushions, it says in the book. I think they'd be lovely hanging one under the other on a string!

Use back stitch, straight stitch, couching, thorn stitch and sequins to decorate these beautiful felt beasts – which don't have to be tiny – make them whatever size you like.

Taken from McCall's Needlework in Colour (1972), you can find a template for the bird, and further instructions here.

Tapestry time

When I had time to have a good look through that haul of school library books I mentioned, the first thing that caught my eye was this splendid wallhanging.

And it struck me how rarely I see this type of textile art these days, although I do know for a fact that, as well as a mini one in my flat, there are a few cosifying the walls of a Swedish bakery in London and a restaurant on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, like rugs on a wooden floor.

Appliquéd in linen and felt, rather than woven, the tapestry above is taken from a book with one of the best ever covers:

First English-language edition, 1970 (Batsford)

And the back ain't bad either:

By and large consigned to dustbins and attics c1979, I think it's time for a wallhanging revival – and if you'd like to join me, I bring you (free) instructions for the wondrous wall warmer at the top of the post. You're welcome!

School library scoop

I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I happened upon a massive collection of 60s, 70s, 80s (and one 30s) craft books in my local bric-a-brac market yesterday. All from a school library in East Dulwich in south east London – and at £1 a pop, I bought as many as I could carry.

Sadly, for reasons of shelf space, I had to leave behind titles on macramé, plaiting, braiding, soft toy making and other skillz just a little out of the scope of my interests, but this little lot will keep me going for a while. Watch this space for some of the highlights.

My first sewing book

 

She's got a skirt pattern and she's going to use it

While having my customary new-year clear-out, I came across the first sewing book I ever owned: My Learn To Sew Book. Why it had been put in storage I have no idea apart from the fact it's really tatty with a ripped and stained cover and half the pages are falling out. Anyway, what a blast from the past it is...

By Janet Barbour/illustrated by Belinda Lyon/published by Hamlyn, 1970

The projects are so familiar they're like old friends. Hello Lazy Daisy cat, Polly Dolly, hedgehog pin cushion and inhabitants of the primitive dolls' house:

(Not to scale)

And a special welcome back for these stylish lion slippers, I missed you *scroll down for a link to the pattern*

 

One of the mane things I like about this book

These lovely illustrations made sewing look fun...

Best hairdos ever

Ah the memories

Sew (geddit), if you can see yourself lounging about with two lions on your feet, click here for the slippers pattern...

Or, if you are looking for something a little less ostentatious, here's how to make this marvellous money belt:

Put your money where your belt is

Does this classic kids' book look familiar to you? Or is there another one that got you into making things? Let me know in the comments!

Beautiful buttonholes

 

Meet Daisy, Marigold, Pansy and friends, fabulous felt flower brooches... it's as if they're standing in a line waiting to be picked.

Well I'm picking the pansy – what great colours! Handy, because a close-up of it is provided. Wish I could have a better look at the purple crepe (1930s?) dress it's pinned on:



This bunch of flowers is bloomin' simple to make, from felt scraps, needle and thread and optional wire. So liven up the approaching wedding season by ditching the boring corsage and fashioning your very own non-living buttonhole to wear on your lapel, dress collar, or in your hair (after attaching your floral adornment to a hairband or hairclip).

Here's a guide to the shapes you'll need to cut out:

Source: The Complete Book of Handicrafts (Octopus, 1973)

You'll find the proper instructions on how to make this pretty posy, including what to do with the wire and everything, by clicking here.

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Hello sailor

Source: The St Michael Book of Handicrafts for all the Family, 1975

Surely this nautical, rope-handled, hessian-ricrac-appliqué beauty deserves more from life than sitting in a boy's bedroom holding his pyjamas?

Ah if only you could still wander into a branch of M&S and put such a compendium as the St Michael Book of Handicrafts in your basket along with your ready meals and undies:



I've been using this book for craft inspiration ever since I picked it up in a Bournemouth charity shop a decade or so ago. The sailor doesn't get a look-in on the cover but the tie-dye horse has made it onto the front and back – maybe he was too tired to move:



Anyway, if you need a fancy new beach bag/swimming bag/shopping bag/library book bag (or OK, pyjama bag), click here for the sailor boy bag pattern, and here and here for the easy peasy instructions.

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Five a day

Tomato, carrot and pear brooches, a strawberry choker and – the pièce de résistance – an apricot adorning the hem of a trouser leg just north of a nice red espadrille. This 3D felt fruit & veg jewellery is fun alright.



I found these felt foodstuffs in the Golden Hands Book of Popular Crafts from 1973 – pretty rough around the edges and definitely not from a 'smoke-free home' but packed full of '70s goodness:



In case you weren't sure what piece of jewellery is meant to be what, a handy guide is supplied:



They're really simple to make from scraps of 'zingy'-coloured felt, thread, stuffing, safety pins and optional beads and sequins.

So if you're not getting enough fruit & veg, or you've just got boring trousers, click here for the patterns.

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