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I’ve had this book for ages – why have I not shared it with you? It’s Copyright 1979, and a classic example of the creative exuberance I adore in 1970′s craft books. Back in those days, they’d take an idea and go for every crazy permutation possible – sometimes with endearingly funny results.
Pantyhose crafts are, in and of themselves, kinda funny. Love this crazy pantyhose houseplant! And look at the other book titles these authors have done. *writing up a little “must-find” list*
The great thing about books from this era is, even if the projects aren’t something I’d wear or use (or want anywhere near my house), there are often cool seeds of inspiration. Like, these interesting hybrids of pantyhose and coiling. That has potential!
Dang, too bad I didn’t save all the pantyhose from my six years of having to wear them to work every day. I’d have the raw material for a massive room-divider by now.
However, I don’t think I’d be turning them into one of these anytime soon.
. . . Or one of these. Although you gotta respect the creative use of the “panty” part of the hose.
Here’s an interesting variation on the pantyhose flower. This book also has them piled up on big straw hats – a parade float for your head!
If I’ve just contaminated your dreams for tonight, I apologize.
There are also a lot of soft-sculpture projects in the book, as you might expect – in the 70′s, it seemed, everyone was into soft sculpture. Kinda glad that one hasn’t made it into the 2000′s.
This one’s my very favorite. But I’m not going to comment specifically, for fear of drawing salacious Google Ads. Read the caption, look closely, and shake your head in wonderment with me.
As I was Googling around for a link to the book, I also found this excellent roundup of pantyhose crafts on Craft Chi, and also this book.
Rock on, pantyhose crafters everywhere!
Oh my goodness! These are amazing, especially the last one, which is really something else. I also particularly liked the houseplant. What imaginations!! Those were the days….
Oh my goodness! These are amazing, especially the last one, which is really something else. I also particularly liked the houseplant. What imaginations!! Those were the days….
Pantyhose topiary? Now that seems like just about the only justifiable use of pantyhose. Certainly actually wearing them on one’s legs is completely out of the question! (I had to wear pantyhose for the first time in several years on Wednesday—the horror!)
What an absolutely brilliant book find!
~Sarah
Pantyhose topiary? Now that seems like just about the only justifiable use of pantyhose. Certainly actually wearing them on one’s legs is completely out of the question! (I had to wear pantyhose for the first time in several years on Wednesday—the horror!)
What an absolutely brilliant book find!
~Sarah
holy hosiery! i think that halter top one is the best (scariest). let’s just say i hope those were ‘control top’ hose. thanks for sharing these–very funny.
holy hosiery! i think that halter top one is the best (scariest). let’s just say i hope those were ‘control top’ hose. thanks for sharing these–very funny.
Ok, I’m just throwing out a quick defense of pantyhose soft sculpture – I’ve always loved the way you could get sort of human skin tones with it! And yes, the frame of wanton fruit ladies – who could resist!?
Jean Ray Laury is also something of a pioneer as a fiber artist and crafter. Her 1992 Imagery on Fabric book was one of the first to cover getting photographs onto fabric, and incorporating them into quilts – a book I own, so I recognized the name. This inspired me to google her – and dang, the lady has had an impressive career! http://www.jeanraylaury.com – check out her Chicken Little fabric design for Free Spirit, and her list of books (though for some reason, the Pantyhose crafts book isn’t on there . . . . )
Thanks for reminding me of this cool lady, and inspiring me to learn more about her! maybe I need to buy some pantyhose and do some soft sculpture . . . . mwaaahaaahaaa
Ok, I’m just throwing out a quick defense of pantyhose soft sculpture – I’ve always loved the way you could get sort of human skin tones with it! And yes, the frame of wanton fruit ladies – who could resist!?
Jean Ray Laury is also something of a pioneer as a fiber artist and crafter. Her 1992 Imagery on Fabric book was one of the first to cover getting photographs onto fabric, and incorporating them into quilts – a book I own, so I recognized the name. This inspired me to google her – and dang, the lady has had an impressive career! http://www.jeanraylaury.com – check out her Chicken Little fabric design for Free Spirit, and her list of books (though for some reason, the Pantyhose crafts book isn’t on there . . . . )
Thanks for reminding me of this cool lady, and inspiring me to learn more about her! maybe I need to buy some pantyhose and do some soft sculpture . . . . mwaaahaaahaaa
fabulous. You took me down memory lane too!
fabulous. You took me down memory lane too!
OMG!!! These are too funny! We’ve come a long way in crafting.
:)
OMG!!! These are too funny! We’ve come a long way in crafting.
:)
I love these and wondered if you also read Amy Sedaris’ book in which pokes fun at the hosiery craft craziness of the 70′s. Mmmm, yummy, kitsch! I also, make pantyhose flowers and coil them. Crazy!
I love these and wondered if you also read Amy Sedaris’ book in which pokes fun at the hosiery craft craziness of the 70′s. Mmmm, yummy, kitsch! I also, make pantyhose flowers and coil them. Crazy!
I like the way you say “if I contaminated your dreams” all nonchalant-like.
I like the way you say “if I contaminated your dreams” all nonchalant-like.
[...] of Sister D, she has been posting some great things lately, like the projects from the pantyhose craft book haha, love that! So make sure to add craftypod to your rss feed. Also, she just had an interview [...]
heeheeheehee….
this is priceless.
heeheeheehee….
this is priceless.
I used to make those faces from old pantyhose! What a blast from the past!
I used to make those faces from old pantyhose! What a blast from the past!