This is the book that started me down the road that has, so far, brought me here. One of many books around the house when I was growing up, it was part of the general atmosphere of creativity that I lived in from a very early age.

It contains dozens and dozens of easy projects using common household junk. It teaches basic cooking, needlework, woodworking, drafting, and craft techniques with optimism and innocence.

I made my own Sammy Sock Doll following the directions from this book. He was, as the book's editors promised, a lasting playmate. At least until the dog got him.

McCall's Giant Golden Make-It Book ©1953 by Simon and Schuster and Artists and Writers Guild, Inc.

Designed and arranged by John Peter
Illustrated by Corinne Malvern and Bob Riley