Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Free Children's Crochet Patterns from the 60s and 70s

Earlier I shared Groovy Crochet's patterns for babies from the 60s and 70s. Now it's time to delve into their children's crochet patterns. The children's crochet pattern collection is a bit larger than the one for babies. It appeared that the site master had intended to add more baby patterns before the site closed. Fortunately, there are plenty of great crochet patterns for kids still online!

Many of these patterns are easily worked up in modern crochet yarns. Choose a baby soft yarn (check the gauge first) and you'll be amazed how you can give a new, modern look to these classics. Today's yarns are available in bright, neon colors and feature textures unlike those from the 60s and 70s. For example, work the poncho in a glittery pink or purple yarn and you'll have a completely different look. Try a sequined yarn for the matching big and little dresses and pair it with a contrasting slip underneath. I love the little boy's cap and matching vest. These could be worked in newer yarns in colors such as blue, green, red, and yellow.

I'm not sure what I think about the "Little Vest Suit." I do like the vest and would make that in pretty colors and maybe add some beads to the ties. I'm not fond of the skirt with ties. That just looks weird to me. I do like the vest though. Soft, baby yarns would be perfect for my daughter!

If the "Hippy Dippy Vest and Cap" doesn't scream "Fourth of July," I don't know what does. Several of the vest patterns are also available in adult sizes.

As Groovy Crochet is no longer online, these patterns are hosted at the Internet Archive "Wayback's Machine." The links to each free crochet pattern is underneath the photo.

Golden Pullover

Child's Top Vest and Cap

Hippy Dippy Vest and Cap

Honky Tonk Vest

Mini Mex Poncho

Manly Tank Tops

Big and Little Dresses

Little Vest Suit

Free crochet baby patterns from the 60s and 70s

When I first began browsing the Internet for crochet patterns, I found a website named "Groovy Crochet." The site featured many out of print patterns from the 60s and 70s. As fashion is a revolving art, many of the styles that came out during the Hippie days are now fashionable.

Well, fastforward to 2014, and Groovy Crochet is no longer active. The Internet Archive's "Wayback Machine" has preserved the site as it was and I want to share some of these wonderful, crochet baby patterns from the 60s and 70s with you.

I do not own copyright on these patterns, and you can find their respective information on the site. This is an archived site that features these great patterns that are funky, fun, colorful, and whimsical. Best of all they are easy to whip up and you can bring back some of these awesome styles for your baby.

Crochet Baby Bunting

Granny Square Toddler Poncho

Crochet Baby Jacket







Crochet Add a Square Skirt

Crochet Baby Bib Shorts

Free Crochet Pattern Book: Crochet scarves, booties, and afghans for fall

Lion Brand Yarns released a wonderful free crochet pattern book. Included are 15 crochet patterns for scarves, booties, afghans, shrugs, pillows, and cardigans perfect for fall. Okay, so it's August in Florida and will be over 100 degrees today, but fall is right around the corner. It's never to early to begin those seasonal crochet projects! We want to ensure that we're ready when the cooler weather comes. We have holidays like Labor Day and Halloween coming up, and we know how quickly consumer focus shifts to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Trust me, August is the perfect time to begin crocheting scarves, hats, and afghans that will keep you warm when the night breeze brings a chill to the air.

The Two Color Fur Striped Crochet Scar is a fun and whimsical fashion accessory that adds a bit of warmth. I've enjoyed working with Lion Brand's Fun Fur Yarn. If you haven't used these yet, you're in for a treat. They are very forgiving (perfect for beginning crochet projects) and really make a beautiful furry look. I
 15 Free Crochet Scarf Patterns, Afghan Patterns
created a set for my daughter when she was 5-years-old that included a hat, scarf, poncho, skirt, and matching purse. She simply adores the set and feels as if she's wearing something luxurious! While this is a Fun Fur scar pattern, it is the perfect introduction to using this yarn and seeing how much it offers.
Lion Brand Fun Fur Yarns on Sale Now Definitely check out the yarn, just to get a look at the vibrant colors available. The scarf pattern calls for champagne and orange, but you can choose any color you prefer. My personal preferences lead me towards Purpletini, Neon Lemon, Cobalt, and Flamingo.

Another project included in the free crochet pattern book that I like is the crocheted clutch. This pattern uses Vanna White's yarn "Vanna's Sequins" and is a very nice design. Personally, I would choose different colors for the project than those in the photo. Color Options for Vanna's Sequins Yarn
are plentiful and I like the Sterling, Merlot, and Midnight combination. I would also like to crochet this clutch in Ruby. Many of these shimmery, glittery yarns are available in tones that complement any outfit you are wearing. You could easily take this clutch from the restaurant to the opera house!

I think the Posy Baby Booties are perfect for St. Patrick's Day
Now, the Posy Baby Booties are set for fall, but I think these are absolutely perfect for St. Patrick's Day! They are crafted in Vanna's Baby yarn, though they have the look of a heavy worsted. They are warm, comfy, and soft. I'd still take them out in March though.

What may be the most adorable pattern in this book is the crochet Cowboy Booties pattern. These are worked in neutral honey and beige tones, but you could really glam these up by switching the yarn color. A pair for a baby girl who's wearing a denim outfit could be worked in black and a contrasting color (white,
Free Crochet Cowboy Booties Pattern
red, purple or silver) or make them ultra feminine in pink and white. The pattern is simply adorable and I think these crochet cowboy booties will be a big hit for anyone who makes them. There are more patterns in the free crochet book for you to check out. I shared with you my favorites, but if I had to pick one pattern above all, I'd have to say it's the Cowboy Booties. By altering the color pattern, you can whip these up in no time and have the perfect fashion accessory for both boys and girls!

Free Pattern Book: 12 Halloween Crafts to Crochet

Halloween quickly approaches and it's time to begin crocheting! If you have a free Kindle app (Amazon), you can access this free book and read it on your device. You can see a preview of the book online and it has some wonderful Halloween crochet patterns to enjoy.

Patterns include costume ideas, home decor, and crochet candy bags. There's a festive crochet Halloween wreath pattern that is crocheted in appropriate colors: black, purple, and blue. The word "Boo" hangs down from the top and there are pumpkins and black flowers that set the mood.

The next pattern is a set of "Boo Coasters." They are the perfect accompaniment to the Boo Wreath and feature color charts to create the letters.

12 Halloween Crafts to Crochet
Don't forget, you have to download the book to your Kindle reader app in order to get it for free. Otherwise, you'll just get the free sample that includes the first two patterns.

Other Halloween crochet patterns that you'll get for free include Spooky Spiders, a trio of Halloween cozies, Happy Halloween Throw, Fun Dragon Hat, Princess Tiara, Devil Horn Hair Clips, Superhero Cape and Mask, Children's Pumpkin Hat, and the Pumpkin Candy Bag.
St Patrick's Day Women's Sweater. Save $50.