I love the 1970s! They’re over, I know, but I revisit them.

When I was young, growing up in the 70s, I didn’t realize I was part of a trend. I thought that the colors and fashion were just how life was. Only after I grew up, did I see how distinctive a time period can be.

I’ve lived through a few decades’ worth of fads now (uh um, now that I am approaching “vintage age”) and I still love the 70s.

I embrace this love. Why not? It makes me happy to see the choices and ways of old. It reminds me of being young.

I collect old pattern books for knitting and crochet from the 1970s. I enjoy making the patterns and seeing the results. More than that, I just like seeing the wild ideas about what looked good. Fringe? Yes, make it super long. Ponchos? Oh yeah. Macrame, crochet’s cousin? Yes, yes and yes. Let’s wear it and put it in our doorways and best of all, give it as gifts!!

When I look at old afghans and search for old pattern books in thrift stores, it makes for a fun hunt. Recently, I had the good luck of finding an afghan from one hunt and a few months later, finding the pattern book with directions on how to make that exact afghan. Amazing 1974-style luck!

Here’s an afghan I recently finished based on this 70s decorating palette. Sunset colors and avocado green, what’s not to love?

(PS–save the date for May 19 at noon and you can see this retro afghan and my pattern books in person! I’ll be a part of the MU Staff Showcase in Memorial Union. Hope to see you there!)

Whether you feel a hankering for the 90s, the 80s or the 50s, indulge your nostalgia when you feel like it. Research shows that it can even be good for you!