Book Review: Kitschy Crafts - A Celebration of Overlooked 20th-Century Crafts

Retro is back in style and this book gives a broad overview of the range of kitschy crafts from the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's.  The vintage drawings add to the visual appeal of the book.  Leafing through the pages was a walk down memory lane.  Many of the crafts featured are ones that I had dabbled in myself. 

I had to smile when I saw the Days of the Week hand embroidered tea towels.  Yes, I made several sets of them, one for myself and a few that were given as wedding shower gifts.  My set is long gone, worn out by use.  I hope that the sets I gifted were equally used and appreciated.  I also hand embroidered pillowcases for myself that were finished off with hand crocheted lace made by my grandmother.

Remember crocheted toilet paper covers, knitted tea cosies, sock monkeys and tie-dye t-shirts?  What about macramed handbags and plant hangers?  Of course, the anthology would not be complete without strands of love beads, string art pictures, bed dolls with crocheted or knitted gowns and bottle cap trivets, would it?  And do you recall the latch-hook wall hangings?  *smile*

There are instructions for some, but not all, of the projects pictured.  It's a good coffee table book and conversation starter for people who grew up in those eras.  Found for $5.00 at a second hand book store, it was a real bargain too.