My focus has been on buying vintage and out of print patterns. I have borrowed current books from the library, but kept putting off buying them because they are current and still in print. The vintage patterns are generally only available for a limited time.
My husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I realized this was a chance to actually get some of those books I had put of buying while I have been acquiring the old stuff. Yesterday he did not just buy a few off my list, but emptied my current list for my birthday.
I added several new titles to my collection.
Easy Crochet Critters (Leisure Arts #75266)
I have wanted to make the lion and the hippo in this collection forever. I have been tempted so many times to pick this up in one of my many trips to the craft store. However, I could never justify buying it when I was there making other purchases.
Crobots: 20 Amigurumi Robots to Make
I have taken this book out of the library several times. I love the robot patterns and have wanted to explore the patterns. Just as I have been ready to dive in, its been time to return the book. So when the time came to make a list, this book had to be on it.
A Zoo For You (Leisure Arts #5152)
This was another one of those books I have looked at several times and put back. It is not terribly expensive, but when I have been buying other things I just could not justify buying it. I love the polar bear. I am both anticipating and dreading the challenge of the zebra. I am not as crazy about the lion, but want to try the tiger and the giraffe.
Crochet for Bears to Wear: More Than 20 Perfect Projects for Your Favorite Teddies and Friends
I was reading every preview available for this before it came out. I have visited it every time we have been to the bookstore. I do not think my husband had any doubt this would appear on the list. What I really liked was the directions for adapting the patterns to fit different bears. I have been a bear collector since I was a child, so I have no doubt some of my bears will be sporting new outfits.
I also took the chance to build my travel bag. I have always had trouble just sitting without something to keep my hands busy. In years past, it has been needlepoint or embroidery projects. Now it is mostly crochet projects. I generally take a small project with limited directions, usually a dishcloth or a simple amigurumi. Recently I worked on a ghost ami at the July 4th parade. I worked on a ghost dishcloth at a college graduation. The problem is I have to pack the basic items each time I go and I often forget to unpack all the smaller items when I come home and find myself searching for a hook or a counter. So my husband kindly bought me extra g hooks and counters to add to my bag that can stay there. Most of my travel projects are g hook projects so this works perfectly.
Picture Credit:
Aine D Flickr.com
and a Barbie Fashion Doll book that I did not have in my collection that uses baby finger yarn, not thread. 
was due out on April 18, the Easter Bunny left me an email from Amazon stating the book was preordered and will be here around May 5. I am excited to have a chance to work on Ana Paula Rimoli's latest patterns. Her first two books have provided many gifts to date.
