Because who doesn't need a crocheted granny square vest??

...Especially when you are off to mount your horse.

Sometimes you hit gold. Sometimes you enter that op shop with something else entirely on your agenda, but find yourself with a smile a mile wide.

The motherlode of knitting patterns from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Thank you Betty, whoever and wherever you are.

This is but a small sub-selection of the entire load I nabbed. And wait for it... all for the ridiculous price of $1. That's right. Not $1 each, but $1 total!! There's something like a few hundred patterns here contained in 20 odd pattern books.

I grabbed them all because they are actually full of some great basic and timeless patterns and I do in fact see myself using them to knit up a whole stack of things over the next several decades.

But boy do they have some entertainment value, immersing one in the the most iconic fashions of the time. Let's begin... 70's anyone?

I mean I know my hubby needs a beautifully hand crocheted, contrast trimmed and belted tunic for when he's tending the helm of our timber canal boat. How about yours?

Well hello handsome, you really are quite the looker in your lovingly crafted vest, sipping your amber ale.

A little lurex anyone? Oh yeah, take me to the disco.

And this poor lass, she looks a bit apprehensive doesn't she? This totally makes me think of a very special hair salon cape. I still remember my awesome knitted/crocheted green and white poncho from when I was about 5. I loved that thing so much I never took it off.

This one nearly made me wanna go back.

Don't you just wanna be her? No? Just me?

But then the 70's/80's did throw up some lovely numbers I can actually see myself in, with a few modifications.

 Love it! In the right colours, it could be cute.

And this...

...I'd totally keep knitting the sleeves to full length and be happy as a pig in mud. Love that neckline.

And now for some humorous photo captions... I mean really?

 What's she waiting for??

Brave? Is she about to be attacked my a mountain lion? Well, this cardigan will certainly help!

I need to admit I cannot crochet for love nor money. I tried once and it was ugly. But these, these make me want to find someone who can...

 Dresses of awesome.

And this skirt? It's a must have.

Now, I'm off to knit hubby and I matching Mad Men sweaters.